Judicial review commission aims to inform and influence voters about judicial seats

PHOENIX - Every two years, voters can evaluate judges' job performances by voting to retain them in supreme, appellate and circuit courts.

But many citizens are uninformed about the judges they are voting on.

A state-wide judicial review commission seeks to better equip voters with a wide range of knowledge about the judges to assist with the elections process.

Arizona Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Berch will be among a total of 64 judges on the ballot this fall.

"Most of them will see a lot of names and just bypass that section," said Roberta Voss, the commission's chairwoman.

The Judicial Performance Review provides a year-long look into who the judges are through surveys of bailiffs, lawyers and witnesses, among others. The surveys examine several characteristics including judges' legal ability, temperament and integrity.

"I think this is a very good service to the public because there is a lot of statistical information we can provide that just one person couldn't get," Voss said.

The survey analysis comes with a recommendation on whether or not to keep the judges in office. It is released in a publicity pamphlet from the secretary of state, as well as online .

"The judiciary is the 3rd branch of government, we should have input into the 3rd branch of government," Voss said.