The Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission (JPEC) is launching 2024 updates to its judges.utah.gov website, aimed at promoting transparency and nonpartisan evaluations of judges for voters.
“As the November 2024 elections approach, understanding the credentials and performance of Utah judges is crucial for informed voting decisions,” said Mary-Margaret Pingree, JPEC executive director. “Transparent, accessible and nonpartisan information is the backbone of a healthy democracy.”
Recognizing this, JPEC’s new website provides voters with a more intuitive user interface and improved access to evaluations of judges across the state.
“One new addition to evaluation reports is an observation summary for Utah’s most rural judges,” Pingree said. “The newly updated platform delivers a seamless experience where users can easily navigate through vital information.”
Statistics show an average of 20 percent of Utah voters do not finish the ballot. Of those who do, many do not have adequate information to make an informed vote on Utah’s judges.
“With an updated design and more graphics, voters can easily find detailed insights into each judge’s background, including performance evaluations, professional experience, and education,” she said.
With an emphasis on usability, the new website features:
- Enhanced User Interface: Intuitive navigation to help users quickly find key information, with more visuals and less text.
- Updated Evaluations: Detailed reports on each judge’s qualifications, including performance metrics, and feedback from various stakeholders.
- Streamlined Public Comments: User-friendly portal with feedback automatically routed for review.
- Accessibility: Mobile-friendly design, ensuring access on the go.
Visitors can start by accessing the homepage, with links to search for 51 judges on this year’s ballot by name or county. Each judge’s profile includes a robust overview, performance scores, and comments from court observers.
“Our mission is to serve the public by ensuring transparency and accountability within the judicial system,” Pingree said. “These updates reflect our commitment to provide voters with the tools to make confident, informed decisions in the upcoming elections.”
To interpret judges’ evaluations, the website also provides guides and FAQs.
“We’re urging all voters to visit the updated judges.utah.gov website and take advantage of this valuable resource,” she said. “By doing so, voters can ensure they are well-informed about the judges on this year’s ballot who preside over their courts, ultimately contributing to a fair and effective judiciary.”
Established in 2008 by the Utah State Legislature, JPEC is an independent state commission that evaluates performances of judges for voters. Utah’s three branches of government appoint JPEC’s 13 commissioners to staggered terms. Commissioners serve as volunteers and are from diver
