Choose judges wisely

The executive branch of government is commanding the attention of the press and the voting public in the run-up to Election Day, but it's the judiciary that dominates Clark County's ballot.

In addition to the presidency, every Nevadan can vote for one congressional candidate and one Assembly candidate. Depending on where a voter resides in Clark County, up to five other bodies, including the state Senate, the County Commission and the School Board, may have a candidate on the ballot. County voters also will decide between five and nine ballot questions, depending on the jurisdiction.

By comparison, every county voter will have a say in more than 20 judgeships. The Nevada Supreme Court, Clark County District Court and Family Court have multiple seats on the ballot.

The winners of these offices will claim the broadest range of powers in our government. Judges, acting alone, can decide issues affecting your rights, your liberty, your pocketbook, your divorce and the custody of your children. Yet when compared to the presidential race and congressional contests, judicial campaigns inspire a lot of blank stares and shoulder shrugs.

A bad judge can ruin lives, create all-new injustices and desecrate the Constitution. A good judge can reduce cynicism and renew faith in government.

Don't cast uninformed votes in these judgeships. The Review-Journal's election guide, published Oct. 19 and accessible online at reviewjournal.com, has profiles on every race that include candidates' backgrounds, ideas and qualifications.

If you can't find the time by Tuesday to research each race, it's OK to leave them blank on your ballot -- don't reward a bad candidate with a guess, and don't cancel a well-thought-out choice with an impulsive one.

The Review-Journal issued endorsements in every judicial contest two weeks ago, before the start of early voting. Among the strongest candidates we interviewed: Elissa Cadish in District Court, Department 6; William Kephart in District Court, Department 10; Michael Villani in District Court, Department 17; Vincent Ochoa in Family Court, Department K; Bryce Duckworth in Family Court, Department Q; Kris Pickering in Supreme Court, Seat B; and Mark Gibbons in Supreme Court, Seat D.

If you only vote for a handful of judges, support these seven.

Most of these judgeships carry six-year terms. As a result, the 2010 and 2012 elections won't have nearly as many judicial races as this year's ballot.

That's all the more reason to get them right this time.