Your guide for Marion County judges on the ballot this Election Day

If you’re a voter in Marion County, you likely know the candidates for president in the 2024 General Election. But you might not know the 18 judges who will be on the ballot for the Marion County Superior Court. It’s difficult to be informed about judges up for retention, in part because Indiana law forbids judges from campaigning like most political candidates can. This guide aims to help you better understand the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote on judge retention you’ll see on your ballot.  Judicial retention process Judges on the Marion County Superior Court normally serve six-year terms on the bench. However, if a judge takes over for another judge in the middle of their term, the newly appointed judge’s term only lasts until the previous judge would have next been up for retention. For example, one of the judges on the ballot this year was just appointed in February, but already standing for retention. If a majority of voters decide ‘Yes’ on retention, the judge is retained. It is very uncommon for a judge on a ballot in Indiana to receive a ‘No’ vote on retention. Indiana is one of 19 states to use these so-called retention races in...