It can be difficult for voters to find information regarding judicial elections - this page is designed to help you understand the subject a little bit better. The League of Women Voters Guide to Judicial Elections , prepared in collaboration with the U.C. Davis Political Science Department, CVF and other organizations, features an explanation of the California court system and a helpful chart showing the heirarchy of the courts. California's judicial system consists of trial courts and appellate courts.
Voters are responsible for electing judges to fill vacancies in both types of courts.
Trial courts are divided into superior and municipal courts. If a trial court decision is appealed, it moves on to either a court of appeal, or in some cases, directly to California's Supreme Court. Voters will elect Supreme Court justices in the November general election. The official California Courts homepage describes in detail the history and purpose of the various types of courts in the state, and provides information on a wide range of topics relating to our judicial system. Two of the measures on the June 2nd ballot relate to California's judicial system.