A trial judge has rejected a bid from a conservative leaning organization to change how appellate judges are elected.
The Maricopa County judge ruled the process does not violate the state constitution.
Justices on the Court of Appeals are appointed to their position and are retained at county level elections every six years. For example, a judge appointed to Maricopa County’s division would only be voted on by that county’s residents.
The Goldwater Institute sued, saying that process disenfranchises voters as appellate decisions apply to the whole state.
The Maricopa County Superior Court judge cited the state constitution, which allows the chief justice of the Supreme Court to appoint judges to serve in different counties without voter approval.
The Goldwater Institute says it plans to appeal the ruling.
