The Senate passed a bill that would make electing judges a partisan process in West Virginia during Wednesday’s floor session.
Senate Bill 521 would require justices for the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, court magistrates and circuit and family court judges to indicate their party membership on ballots for primary and general elections in the state.
These elections have been nonpartisan in nature since the 2016 election, following the Legislature passing a law to make them nonpartisan in the 2015 regular session. Today’s legislation would switch them back to partisan contests.
Supporters of the bill argued that all jurists enter the judiciary role with a certain political ideology that voters should be aware of when they go to the ballot box.
Opponents of the bill contend that one’s political ideology has no bearing on whether they can interpret the law and render fair and impartial judgements.
The legislation passed on a 22-12 vote.
The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.
The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow, March 13, at 11 a.m.
Afternoon Meeting:
Substance Use Disorder at 1 p.m. in 451M
Agriculture at 2 p.m. in 208W
Banking and Insurance at 2 p.m. in 451M
Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 208W
Morning Meetings for March 13:
Education at 9:30 a.m. in 451M
Gov. Org. at 9:30 a.m. in 208W
