Judges /
Judicial Elections
Every two years, Cook County voters go to the polls to elect new judges and decide whether to retain sitting judges. We research every judicial candidate and provide comprehensive, nonpartisan voter guides for each Cook County judicial election.
Primary 2026

March 2026 Cook County judicial primary election guide
No contest: Cook County judicial primary elections draw dwindling field of candidates
For the second straight primary season, more than half the races for Cook County circuit judge on the March 17 ballot are uncontested, with just 45 candidates vying for 28 open seats.
Cook County Democrats slate 5 judicial candidates, prepare for lean 2026 war chest
Last week the party nominated a diverse slate for a record-low number of vacant judicial positions open to countywide voting.
March 2026 Cook County judicial election guide
Injustice Watch’s guide to the March 2026 Cook County judicial primary elections.
Explainers

A project with impact
Our reporting on judicial elections and nonpartisan judicial voter guides have contributed to a significant increase in voter participation in judicial races.
