Division One also has a Chief Judge and Vice Chief Judge, elected by all judges in the division. Judges of the Court of Appeals are selected by a merit system. A bipartisan commission considers applicants and sends a list of nominees to the governor. The list must be bipartisan. The governor is required by law to appoint from this list based on merit, without regard to party affiliation.
Judges remain on the court for a limited term of office.
The initial term is shorter, but after the judge is retained in office by a majority of voters, his or her term is six years. More than half of the voters must agree to retain the judge in office. Voters from Maricopa County vote on the retention of judges who are residents of Maricopa County. The Court of Appeals decides appeals in many types of cases. It has jurisdiction to consider appeals in civil cases from superior court.