How Judicial Advisory Polls Work

In counties outside of Cook, ISBA conducts an advisory poll. The poll is conducted by email and mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election or a judge seeks retention. Licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA, or any attorney outside the circuit or district may request a ballot. Participants of the poll are asked to evaluate each candidate only if they have professional knowledge of the candidate(s) that enables them to make an informed evaluation. Ballots are confidential and returned inside a ballot envelope which is mailed in a Teller envelope. A certification slip stating that the participant read and understood the instructions of the poll is signed in order for the ballot to be counted. Candidates and judges are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree that the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Those receiving 65 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended" and those receiving less than 65 percent are rated "not recommended." Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys.

Following are the questions asked on the poll. Please note that questions on Temperament and Court management differ for those seeking a judicial vacancy and those seeking retention. Clarification of those differences are noted below.

Meets Requirements of Office:

(Recommendation) Considering the qualifications of the candidate, do you believe this candidate meets acceptable requirements for the office?

Integrity

Adhere to the high standards of integrity and ethical conduct required of the office?

Impartiality

Act and rule impartially and free of any predisposition or improper influence?

Legal Ability

Have adequate legal experience, knowledge, and ability?

Temperament

for a judicial vacancy:
Exercise appropriate temperament with courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity?

for judicial retention:
Exercise the judicial temperament to serve with appropriate courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity?

Court Management

for a judicial vacancy:
Attends to all professional responsibilities including the management of cases/clients, and completes work in a prompt and skillful manner?

for judicial retention:
Diligently and promptly attend to the duties of the office and assure the steady progress of court business?

Health

Have the physical, mental and emotional health, stamina and stability needed to perform judicial duties?

Sensitivity to Diversity and Bias

Conducts self and deals with others appropriately to reduce or eliminate conduct or words which manifest bias based on race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic status against parties, witnesses, counsel or others?