Websites offer voters help in upcoming elections

PHOENIX — Early voting is now underway for next month’s midterm elections.

A lot of people know who they are voting for Governor. But when it comes to voting for which judges should keep their jobs, many have never even heard of the person whose name is on the ballot!

There are now several websites that can help you make an informed decision.

One, www.azjudges.info, is put together by the Arizona Judicial Performance Review Commission.

Chairman Mike Hellon said the commission uses the opinions of attorneys and other courtroom workers to rate judges on a variety of factors.

According to Hellon, “Legal knowledge. The correct application of law. The comportment in the courtroom. Are they fair? Are they not biased?,” are among these factors.

All but one of the judges listed on that site had a majority of votes stating the judges meet the commission’s standards.

“I would encourage everybody to look at the commission’s recommendations and vote accordingly,” Hellon said.

There are other internet sites where you can learn more about the person behind the name on the ballot.

One is www.azvoterguide.com. It comes from the Center for Arizona Policy, and uses a questionnaire answered by the judges to give voters information.

Additionally, on the Arizona Secretary of State’s website, you’ll find a bio of the judges, as well as the history of their career and rulings that they have made.