Bill Summaries: S 698 INCREASE VOTER ACCOUNTABILITY OF JUDGES.

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  • Summary date: Oct 17 2017 - View Summary

    Subject to approval by voters at the statewide primary election in 2018, amends the following constitutional provisions, effective July 1, 2018, if approved.

    Amends Section 10 of Article IV of the North Carolina Constitution by requiring that District Judges be elected for terms of two years, instead of four. Adds that all terms of office for persons elected as District Judges before July 1, 2018, expire on December 31, 2018, and all terms of office for persons appointed to fill a vacancy in an elected term for the office of District Judge expire December 31, 2018. Requires that all District Judges be elected to a two‑year term of office beginning with the general election held in 2018.

    Amends Section 16 of Article IV of the North Carolina Constitution by requiring that Justices of the Supreme Court, Judges of the Court of Appeals, and regular Judges of the Superior Court be elected to terms of two years, instead of eight. Adds that all terms of office for persons elected before July 1, 2018, to the office of Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of the Court of Appeals, or regular Judge of the Superior Court will expire December 31, 2018. Requires that all Justices of the Supreme Court, Judges of the Court of Appeals, and regular Judges of the Superior Court be elected to a two‑year term of office beginning with the general election held in 2018.

    Amends Section 19 of Article IV of the North Carolina Constitution to require that all vacancies in the offices of Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of the Court of Appeals, and Judge of the Superior Court be filled by appointment of the Governor for the remainder of the term of office (was, vacancies are filled by appointment of the Governor and the appointee holds the place until the next election for members of the General Assembly that is held more than 60 days after the vacancy occurs, at which time elections must be held to fill the office). Makes additional conforming changes.