A poll of Florida Bar members regarding the merit retention election of five state Supreme Court justices and 28 appellate court judges indicates support for all to be retained. Results showed recommendations for retention ranging from 86 percent to 59 percent approval. The confidential poll seeks to find whether attorneys who know the most about these jurists believe they should continue in their jobs. The retention election is on the ballot in the Nov. 8 general election.

Florida law requires Florida Supreme Court justices and appeals court judges to be placed on the ballot in nonpartisan elections within the first year of appointment and then every six years for voters to determine whether they should remain on their courts. These are called “merit retention” elections. A “Yes” vote means a voter wants the judge or justice to remain on the court for another six-year term. A “No” vote means a voter wants the judge or justice to be removed from the court. The majority of voters decides.

Frequently asked questions about merit retention, the biographies of the judges who will be on the ballot, and these poll results are available at www.floridabar.org in The Vote’s in Your Court section linked from the homepage. A voter guide posted there also includes FAQs on trial court elections and voluntarily submitted self-disclosure statements of those in run-offs on November’s ballot.

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