Idaho

Idaho Supreme Court
Judicial Selection Method: Election (Nonpartisan)
5 Justices
6 year terms
State High Court Judicial Selection Process Legal Authority
General

  • Candidates are elected on nonpartisan ballots in a general election.
  • The candidate who receives the majority of votes is elected to the Idaho Supreme Court.
  • If no one receives a majority, the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes contest for the seat in a run-off election, held during the general election next following.

Interim Vacancies

  • The judicial council shall submit to the Governor the names of not less than two nor more than four qualified persons for each vacancy in the office of justice of the supreme court, judge of the court of appeals, or district judge, one of whom shall be appointed by the Governor.

  • Judicial Election

    Judges are elected by popular vote.

  • Democratic Appointment

    Judges are appointed directly by a democratic body, or appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of some democratic body.