IL HB0746

Judges and former judges seeking judicial office in a vacancy must use the retention election method, unless they are applying for a higher or lower court or have not served as an elected or appointed judge for at least 2 years.

Judges seeking retention must file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State no less than 6 months before the general election preceding the expiration of their term.

The Secretary of State certifies judges' retention candidacy to election officials at least 63 days before the election, and retention questions appear on ballots without party designation.

Judges achieve retention in office for another term with an affirmative vote of three-fifths of electors voting on the retention question.

Judicial candidates for retention can request redaction of their home address from their declaration of candidacy, which the Secretary of State must complete within 5 business days.