The Arizona Supreme Court has cleared the way to let voters decide in November if they want to allow judges to serve nearly lifetime terms.
The Thursday order rejected arguments from challengers that Proposition 137 illegally amends two separate provisions in the state Constitution.
Judges in the state are currently appointed by the governor, then stand for retention elections every four to six years depending on whether it's a Supreme Court, appellate or trial judge.
Prop. 137 would get rid of those elections in most cases, leaving judges on the bench potentially until the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Challengers sued to block it, because it would also allow members of the Legislature to investigate complaints state lawmakers have against judges.
The high court unanimously ruled they are sufficiently related to each other to be a single question on the ballot.
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