Alliance Releases Ratings for Countywide Judicial Candidates

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The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening has released its ratings for the limited number of candidates seeking countywide judicial vacancies in Cook County, Illinois. With only a handful of candidates running, the author questions why more people are not stepping forward to serve as judges, suggesting that something may be wrong with the political and judicial systems.

Why it matters

The lack of candidates for these important judicial positions raises concerns about the health of the democratic process and the ability of the public to have a meaningful choice in selecting their judges. The composition of the judiciary has a significant impact on the administration of justice and the protection of civil rights, so understanding the factors that discourage potential candidates is crucial.

The details

The author notes that all of the candidates seeking judgeships in Cook County are running in the Democratic primary, as there are no Republican candidates. The post focuses on the ratings issued by the 13 member bar associations that make up the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening, which provides a detailed evaluation of the qualifications of each candidate.

• The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening released its ratings on February 12, 2026.

What’s next

The author suggests that the lack of candidates for these judicial positions is a topic that deserves further examination and discussion, as it may indicate deeper issues within the political and judicial systems.