SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) has filed legislation that would close a loophole and ensure that judicial candidates follow the correct process for retention. The Illinois Constitution states that incumbent judges need 60 percent of the vote to be retained on the bench. However, judges who fear they will not reach the 60 percent threshold have discovered a loophole in which they resign and seek election for that same seat on the bench and would only need to receive 50 percent of the vote keep their seat. Representative Meier’s HB 1127 would close that loophole and stop judges from “resigning” to subvert the 60 percent threshold for retention.
“Judges hold some of the most important elected positions in our democracy,” said Rep. Meier. “Our Illinois Constitution is clear: incumbent judges should amass 60 percent of the vote to be retained. Incumbent judges should stand for retention and not circumvent the Constitution by resigning and running again.”
This practice is particularly common in St. Clair County, where numerous judges game the system out of fear of not being retained.
“Judges should be held to the highest of standards,” Rep. Meier continued. “When they try to game the system, people lose trust in our justice system. It’s got to stop.”
State Representative Charlie Meier represents the 109th District which includes portions of Bond, Clinton, Madison, St. Clair, and Washington counties. For more information, please visit CharlieMeier.net or contact Rep. Meier’s district office at 618-651-0405.