Policies adopted by the MSBA are effective for six years, after which they expire unless action is taken to continue them.  The MSBA's current position on judicial elections will expire on June 29, 2013.  The current position is as follows:

The MSBA supports changing to a system of judicial selection and retention that is as free from political influence as possible and that includes: (1) initial screening of candidates by a merit selection commission; (2) appointment by the Governor from a list of candidates recommended by the merit selection commission; (3) evaluation of each judge's performance by a nonpartisan evaluation commission; and (4) the retention of each judge decided by the voters with the result of the judge's evaluation made known.

The MSBA is gathering input from our members and affiliated organizations regarding what our position on judicial elections should be for the future.  If you would like to provide comments, please submit them by February 28 to Nancy Mischel at nmischel@mnbar.org.  For questions, contact Nancy at 612-278-6331.