Stories about people running for judge, judges running for retention, and the process of judicial elections and appointments.
Judge Michael Toomin, who was the target of opposition by juvenile justice advocates, appeared to narrowly hang on to his seat. Three other judges were also expected to win by slim margins, according to unofficial results as of Wednesday morning.
These are the judicial races to keep an eye on as the votes come in.
Officials said workers in the jail’s mailroom incorrectly identified the election guides as contraband.
Judge Michael Toomin and Mayor Lori Lightfoot say his critics are playing politics. Reformers say the lives and futures of Cook County children are at stake.
Judicial elections bring high stakes and consequences, especially for Black, Latinx and other marginalized groups disproportionately impacted by the justice system.
Kenneth J. Wadas has been reversed 25 times in 6 years — more than any other Cook County criminal court judge on the November ballot running to remain in office.
Cook County judges Margaret Ann Brennan, Patrick J. Sherlock, Kenneth J. Wadas and Anna Helen Demacopoulos have had rulings reversed on appeal more than 3 times as often as their colleagues.
Many detainees face barriers to the ballot box that exclude them from the electoral process, according to a report by the Prison Policy Initiative.
Guía de Injustice Watch para las Elecciones Judiciales generales y de retención del Condado de Cook de noviembre de 2020
Injustice Watch’s guide to the 2020 Cook County judicial general and retention elections.