How are judges selected in Arizona?

In Arizona, judges are primarily selected through a merit selection system. This process involves a non-partisan commission that reviews candidates for judicial vacancies and recommends the most qualified individuals to the governor for appointment. This method aims to ensure that judges are selected based on their judicial qualifications and experience rather than political affiliations or popular vote.

Additionally, while there are some positions, such as municipal judges, that may be filled through direct elections, the superior court judges in Arizona generally follow this merit selection process. After serving an initial term, judges must stand for retention elections, where voters decide whether to keep them in office. This combination of merit selection and retention elections emphasizes the importance of both qualified judicial candidates and accountability to the public.