Judicial elections matter. Even among judges who are competent and honest, there are significant differences in philosophy.

At the trial court level, some judges are much tougher on crime than others. At the appellate level, some judges believe their role is limited to applying and enforcing the law. Other judges usurp the role of the legislative branch by striking down laws they do not agree with.

In North Carolina most judges are elected by the voters. (The Governor fills vacancies and appoints certain “special” judges.) Although judicial elections are important, even the best-informed voters often know little or nothing about the candidates. Many who vote for other offices do not cast ballots in the these races.

Judicial candidates are legally restricted as to what they can publicly state about their views on current issues. The restrictions, which were relaxed this year, may make the judicial system appear less “political.” But they also make it more difficult to inform voters about the philosophy of the candidates.

North Carolina judicial races are now non-partisan. Although the party affiliation is not listed on the ballot, the political parties are free to endorse candidates.

For most of the past century, judicial elections were partisan. Due to straight-party voting, almost all the judges were Democrats. In the early 1990s, Republicans began winning the majority of judicial elections. The Democrat-controlled General Assembly then passed legislation making judicial elections non-partisan.

One can make a good case that the General Assembly did the right thing in making the elections non-partisan, even if they did so for the wrong reason. The downside of not listing party affiliation on the ballot is that voters have even less information about the candidates.

Two contested judicial races will be on the ballot in the 22nd Judicial District (Iredell, Alexander, Davie, and Davidson Counties).

Superior Court judges try felony cases and the larger civil cases. Robert G. Spaugh and Mark E. Klass are competing for a Superior Court judgeship. Spaugh is a registered Republican and Klass is a registered Democrat. Both candidates are residents of Davidson County.

District Court judges try misdemeanor cases and smaller civil cases. Carlton Terry, a resident of Davie County, is competing against Davidson County resident Rod Penry for the seat being vacated by the controversial Judge James Honeycutt, who is retiring. Terry is a registered Republican, while Penry is a registered Democrat.

Six incumbent District Court judges are running unopposed.