As New Yorkers gear up for the crowded mayoral primary this June, the significance of local judicial races might not be at the forefront of voters’ minds.
Every year, judicial vacancies arise across New York City’s court divisions, yet the majority of these races often go uncontested. This year, however, some city voters will directly vote for Civil Court judges during the primary elections, a crucial role that handles a range of cases including tenant-landlord disputes and civil lawsuits up to $50,000.
The position of Civil Court judge comes with a substantial 10-year term and an annual salary of $216,400.
Out of the 14 Civil Court vacancies available this year, only five contests will feature more than one candidate, leaving many races uncontested. This trend raises questions about why so few judicial elections are competitive.
In many cases, judicial nominations are determined by party insiders, leading to uncontested races where candidates do not appear on the ballot at all. Political patronage plays a critical role in these nominations, as party connections can effectively ensure that incumbents and favored candidates become the frontrunners.
“They don’t even know the judges, they just vote for them. They’re told by their political leaders,” says Alan Flacks, a veteran observer of judicial and county party dynamics.
Judicial candidates face unique challenges in fundraising compared to other elected positions. They are prohibited from personally soliciting donations and must rely on fundraising committees or self-financing, making it difficult to create a robust campaign.
Depending on the borough in which they reside, voters may encounter various judicial candidates on their ballots this June.
In the Bronx, all residents will vote for one Civil Court judge from the following candidates:
– Shekera Anessa Algarin
– George M. Santana
In Brooklyn, voters will choose two candidates for Civil Court Judge from these options:
– Janice Chen
– Marisa Arrabito
– Susan Liebman
– Janice P. Purvis
In Queens, there are multiple races for Civil Court judges based on municipal districts. All voters will select one candidate for:
– John J. Ciafone
– Sheridan C. Chu
Additionally, in Queens’ 1st Municipal Court District, which serves areas like Astoria and Long Island City, voters will choose between:
– Juliette-Noor Haji
– Thomas G. Wright Fernandez
And for the 2nd Municipal Court District, covering Sunnyside and Woodside, the candidates are:
– Julie M. Milner
– Eve Cho Guillergan
Besides voting for Civil Court judges, New Yorkers will also have the chance to select delegates for the judicial nominating convention to choose New York Supreme Court nominees. However, this vote will not take place until November.
In the June primary elections, residents in eight Assembly districts in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens will elect delegates and alternate delegates who will attend the judicial convention. These delegates play a vital role in selecting the state Supreme Court nominee that will be on the November ballot.
New York’s unique system mandates that Supreme Court nominees are chosen through party conventions, a practice that has remained unchanged for over a century, originating from a time when the Supreme Court was the state’s only trial court.
Delegates usually run as a cohesive group for the available positions and partake in their county’s judicial nominating convention shortly after the June primary. If unavailable, they may send alternate delegates in their place.
While the requirements for running as a delegate are relatively minimal, candidates often have significant experience in local party politics or prior elected positions. For example, former New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and term-limited Councilmember Diana Ayala are currently vying for such a delegate role.
In different counties, the selection process varies. In The Bronx and Queens, local parties push nominations forward. Manhattan, however, employs a screening panel to vet potential nominees before they introduce themselves to delegates during catered meet-and-greet events at their own expense.
Critics of the convention system argue that it is outdated and limits voter involvement in electing judges. Major reforms would be needed to alter this established process, as pointed out by Sarah Steiner, an NYC election law attorney. Notably, a significant Supreme Court ruling in 2008 upheld the convention system following a challenge from Brooklyn Civil Court judge Margarita Lopez Torres, who faced obstacles from party leaders in her attempt to run for the Supreme Court.
Understanding the roles of different courts in New York City is also essential for voters.
New York has five main court systems, with candidates for the Supreme Court and Civil Court appearing on some ballots this year. The Supreme Court, despite its name, is not the highest court in the state; that title belongs to the Court of Appeals, whose judges are appointed by the governor.
The Supreme Court addresses criminal and civil matters and is uniquely empowered to grant divorce proceedings, hearing cases that fall outside the jurisdiction of other courts.
On the other hand, the New York City Civil Court primarily deals with civil matters, including disputes involving sums of up to $50,000. Civil Court also houses small claims courts and housing courts.
Judges in the Civil Court serve 10-year terms, while Surrogate Court judges, who manage estates and adoptions, are elected for a 14-year term or until they reach retirement age at 70.
It’s worth noting that the Family Court and Criminal Court positions are not elected but rather appointed by the mayor, based on recommendations from a judiciary committee.
As the June primary approaches, it’s crucial for New Yorkers to be aware of all the positions on their ballots, including local judges, to ensure they make informed choices that will impact their communities for years to come.
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