Protect judicial integrity. Be informed. Finish the ballot.

No other public official in Alaska undergoes regular, comprehensive job evaluations like our state judges. We bring this to your attention today because individuals and organizations with political agendas are making unsubstantiated attacks on the character of highly qualified state judges who serve Alaska with integrity.

Let’s start with the facts about the exceptional, transparent process for judicial retention established by Alaska’s Constitution. The non-partisan Alaska Judicial Council conducts rigorous performance evaluations of every judge who is eligible to stand for retention during a particular election year. The Council surveys thousands of Alaskans who have interacted with the judge, including jurors, law enforcement officers, social workers, attorneys, other judges, and the public. After an independent third party tabulates the results, the Council grades each judge and makes its findings available to the public on its website. You—and every other Alaskan—can read as much or as little detail as you wish.

Remember: at the end of the day, it is you—not the Alaska Judicial Council—who, by your vote, decides whether a judge is retained.

This extraordinary retention system belongs to every Alaskan and is worth fighting for. In this election, that system is at risk. Special interest groups and individuals within Alaska and from Outside want to politicize our courts and have been systematically attacking the judiciary by making unsubstantiated, unsupportable, and generalized allegations against Alaska state judges. On social media, they falsely and carelessly accuse judges (including at Alaskans for Fair Courts) of being corrupt or criminals—yet provide not one fact to back up these accusations, hoping to replace seated judges with those whose decisions focus on ideology rather than Alaska’s Constitution and laws. These spurious allegations erode Alaskans’ confidence in our judges—and destabilize our justice system.

We say, fight back!

Ninety-five percent of all cases are decided by state judges addressing divorce, child custody, health and welfare, public safety, contracts, and other issues that affect Alaskans’ daily lives. When you walk into an Alaska state courtroom, you want to stand before a judge with the qualifications, experience, and proven disposition to decide cases fairly and impartially based on the law and the facts … not public opinion or the influence of money and/or partisan politics.

Alaska’s state judiciary is the ultimate bulwark against attacks on Alaska’s Constitution and the rule of law. If you value fair judges who serve Alaskans with integrity and whose decisions are based upon Alaska’s Constitution and state laws, it is time for you to join us by taking action. Share this newsletter. Encourage everyone to learn about the judges on the ballot and finish the ballot by voting on all judges. Finishing the ballot as an informed voter will ensure the integrity of our judicial system for many decades to come.

In summary: Protect judicial integrity. Be informed. Finish the ballot!

Fighting for Justice,
Alaskans for Fair Courts