Law Lines Notes

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[Applicable Reasons]

Voting in judicial elections-choosing who becomes a judge in your state or local courts-can have a big impact on both the 2026 congressional elections and the next presidential election, even if it doesn’t seem directly connected at first.

• Judges Decide Election Rules: Judges, especially those on state supreme courts, often make the final decisions about how elections are run. This includes rules for voting, what counts as a fair voting map, and how ballots are counted. For example, in Wisconsin, the state supreme court is being asked to decide if the current congressional map is fair or if it gives one party an unfair advantage1. Their decision could change who gets elected to Congress in 2026.
• Judges Can Change Who Votes: Courts sometimes decide on laws about voter ID, mail-in ballots, and who can register to vote. If a court changes these rules, it can make it easier or harder for certain groups of people to vote, which can affect the outcome of both congressional and presidential elections9.
• Big Money and Politics in Judicial Elections: Recently, there’s been a lot of money and political interest in judicial races, especially in states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Special interest groups and political parties spend millions trying to get judges elected who agree with their views5. If regular people don’t pay attention or vote, these groups can have more control over the courts, which then affects election rules.
• Why Research Matters: By using nonpartisan tools like Ballotpedia, you can learn about judicial candidates’ backgrounds and decisions. This helps you vote for judges who are fair and independent, not just serving one political party or special interest.

When you vote for judges-and do your homework on who they are-you help decide who sets the rules for future elections. This can shape who gets elected to Congress in 2026 and who wins the next presidential race, because fair rules mean fair elections for everyone 159.

[Other Actions]

1. Vote in other judicial elections (where applicable): Many states elect judges. Research candidates’ qualifications and rulings via nonpartisan tools like Ballotpedia’s Judicial Election Portal or use the following information:
   • Miami (33130, 33125, 33134)
   • Atlanta (30303, 30308, 30318)
   • Little Rock (72201, 72202, 72205)
   • Charleston (25301, 25302, 25311)
   • Birmingham (35203, 35205, 35209)
   • New Orleans (70112, 70113, 70115)
   • Louisville (40202, 40203, 40204)
   • Las Vegas (89101, 89109, 89119)
   • Phoenix (85003, 85004, 85006)
   • Billings (59101, 59102, 59105)
   • St. Louis (63101, 63103, 63110
   • Nashville (37219, 37203, 37206)
   • Oklahoma City (73102, 73103, 73106)
   • Columbia (29201, 29203, 29205)
   • Minneapolis (55415, 55411, 55405)
   • Albuquerque (87102, 87105, 87110)
   • Indianapolis (46204, 46202, 46205)
   • Portland (97201, 97209, 97214)
2. Advocate for judicial appointment reforms: Push for transparent appointment processes in states where governors or commissions select judges.
3. Contact state legislators about judicial nominations: Voice support or concerns for nominees in states requiring legislative confirmation.
4. File amicus curiae briefs: Organizations (or individuals through groups) can submit legal arguments in impactful cases.
5. Educate communities about court functions: Host workshops explaining judicial roles, rights, and processes.
6. Request court records: Use FOIA requests or public access portals to scrutinize case data or budgets.