CLEVELAND, Ohio — We’re just about two months away from the general election. While presidential selection is at the top of most people’s minds, judicial candidates will also be on the November ballot.
The initiative Judge4Yourself.com aims to help voters ask the right questions about judges before heading to the polls.
Judge C. Ellen Connally is the first Black woman to be elected as a municipal judge in Ohio without being appointed first. She spent over 20 years on the bench and knows firsthand what it takes to be a judge.
“Basic premise of a judge is to be fair and partial and to follow the law,” said Connally.
Connally now works with Judge4Yourself.com. Its members interview all candidates running for judge. The organization is made up of five bar associations, which are legal associations comprised of lawyers. The group gathers information about the candidates, assigning each one a rating based on their integrity, their temperament and demeanor, their diligence, and their professional competence for the position sought.
“You know, what kind of things are you involved in? Are you a person that’s honorable and keeps your word? And then temperament and demeanor. So, you know, do you have a short fuse? Are you a nice person? Are you hard to get along with?,” explained Connally.
Connally’s co-chair at Judge4Yourself agrees.
“If you’re diligent that could perhaps help you if you haven’t had tremendous experience in particular areas that come before you,” said lawyer Darrell Clay.
Clay said the ratings are as follows: “excellent,” “great,” “satisfactory,” “not recommended,” or “preferred” rating. The hope is that voters will consider these ratings and information to help them make a decision at election time.
“We think that that diversity in thought and the diversity in ratings, again, helps inform members of the community in casting their vote,” said Clay.
Connally said it’s not only very important for people to know who’s running for president but that it’s just as important to know who the judicial candidates on the ballot are because they can have a direct impact on your life and your community.
“A judge can take your child, can put you in jail can make very, very important decisions,” said Connally.
Spectrum News 1 is part of the Ohio Debate Commission, which will host a debate this fall featuring candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court.
