Editor's note: The following letter is from Cook County Circuit Court Judge John Michael Allegretti, who is among 60 circuit court judges and one appellate court judge on the Nov. 3 retention ballot. North Shore Weekly encourages voters to research all retention candidates before voting. Injustice Watch, a nonprofit news outlet, publishes a nonpartisan judicial election guide that includes each judge's background, legal experience, conduct on the bench and bar association ratings. Fourteen bar associations also evaluate retention candidates.
The retention of judges is nonpartisan. All voters, regardless of political affiliation, get to vote and retain good judges on the bench. Voters are simply asked to vote "yes" or "no" to retain a judge. Retention judges are not running against anyone. The list of retention judges is at the bottom of your ballot.
Judges who appear on the ballot for retention were originally elected to the Office of Circuit Court six or more years ago. Under the Illinois Constitution, elected circuit judges must run for retention every six years and receive 60% "yes" votes to remain on the bench. This is why your vote is so very important.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, you will have the opportunity to vote to retain experienced and proven Cook County judges. Cook County judges hear cases involving diverse issues such as child custody, crimes, domestic violence and contract disputes. Judges enable people to obtain protection and vindicate their rights in court.
As part of the retention process, judges have been interviewed, examined and evaluated by 14 or more independent and diverse legal bar associations. These associations have spent hundreds of hours evaluating the performance and character of each judge. Each association has made an independent determination as to whether a judicial retention candidate has demonstrated the ability and temperament to continue to serve on the court.
The criteria considered in determining whether a judge should be retained include the judge's fairness, legal knowledge and skills, integrity, experience, diligence, impartiality, judicial temperament, respect for the rule of law, independence from political and institutional influences, professional conduct, character and community service.
Why so many judges? Cook County is the largest unified court system in the country. There are more than 400 judges who serve in the courts throughout the county. Judicial retention is just as important as any other election.
Your "yes" vote is needed to keep good judges on the bench. Good judges ensure that our courts run effectively and justice is served.
For more information about the judges up for retention, visit cookcountyjudges.org.
Judge John Michael Allegretti Cook County Circuit Court, Civil Section, First Municipal District
North Shore voters can look up every retention judge's record, bar association ratings and any reported controversies through the Injustice Watch nonpartisan judicial election guide at injusticewatch.org before heading to the polls on Nov. 3.
