NC S458

Amends North Carolina Constitution to replace gubernatorial appointment followed by elections with a three-step process: Judicial Nominating Commission nominates two candidates, Governor appoints one, and voters choose between the two in nonpartisan election.

Establishes retention elections where justices and judges who have won an election must be approved by majority nonpartisan vote at end of term to continue serving.

Creates a 16-member Judicial Nominating Commission with representatives from Governor, General Assembly leadership, state bar associations, and retired Chief Justices as nonvoting members.

Applies to Associate Justices of Supreme Court, judges of Court of Appeals, and judges of Superior Court; regular terms are eight years expiring January 31.

Constitutional amendment requires voter approval at November 6, 2012 election; implementing legislation becomes effective only if voters approve the amendment.