In an unprecedented trend, the Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission (JPEC) has experienced the largest spike in visitors to its website, judges.utah.gov, signaling a heightened eagerness among Utah voters to make informed decisions about judges in the upcoming election. With mail-in ballots blanketing the state last week, this surge reflects an impressive 58% increase in web traffic compared to the same period last election, underscoring the critical role JPEC plays in facilitating voter education.
“As we approach the elections, it’s clear that Utah voters are more committed than ever to understanding the impact of their judicial choices,” said JPEC Executive Director Mary-Margaret Pingree. “This remarkable increase in our website traffic demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of an informed electorate in maintaining a fair and effective judicial system.”
JPEC’s website serves as a comprehensive resource, offering detailed evaluations of judges based on performance reviews, courtroom observations, and feedback from the legal community. These evaluations are pivotal for voters striving to make educated decisions at the ballot box, ensuring that judges who uphold the highest standards of fairness and professionalism continue to serve.
The surge in web traffic not only highlights an uptick in civic engagement but also showcases the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability within Utah’s judiciary. In 2024 for the first two days after mail-in ballots were distributed, the website had 30,515 visits versus 19,276 visits for the same period in 2022, Utah’s most recent election.
“Our evaluations provide voters with the facts necessary to assess each judge’s qualifications and performance,” Pingree added. “We are thrilled to see such an enthusiastic response from the community.”
For those interested in further exploring JPEC’s resources or seeking expert opinions, visit www.judges.utah.gov. As voters gear up to cast their ballots, JPEC stands ready to support informed decision-making that strengthens our democratic process.
For more information, visit judges.utah.gov.
About JPEC
Established in 2008 by the Utah State Legislature, the Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission is an independent state commission that evaluates the performance of judges for voters. Utah’s three branches of government appoint JPEC’s 13 commissioners to staggered terms. Commissioners serve as volunteers and come from diverse professions, backgrounds, and geographic regions of Utah.
