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OH, MI: A Note on Empirical Examinations of Judicial Elections

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 January 2021

Michael J. Nelson ,
Rachel Paine Caufield  and
Andrew D. Martin
Michael J. Nelson*
Affiliation:
Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
Rachel Paine Caufield
Affiliation:
Drake University, Des Moines, IA, USA
Andrew D. Martin
Affiliation:
Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
*
Michael J. Nelson, Washington University, One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1063, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA. Email: mjnelson@wustl.edu
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Abstract

Studies of state judicial selection systems require accurate classification of electoral systems. While agreement exists for most states, Ohio and Michigan are difficult to classify. In this paper, we discuss the different practices and explain how, in the absence of candidates' party affiliation on the ballot, elections in these states may justifiably be classified as partisan. Replicating the results of an important study on participation in judicial elections, we show how the treatment of these states may result in differing substantive conclusions. We conclude by urging scholars to provide evidence that their results are robust to alternative classifications.

Keywords

judicial electionsjudicial politicsjudicial selectionelectoral systemselection rulespolitical behaviorpolitical participation
Type
Research Article
Information
State Politics & Policy Quarterly , Volume 13 , Issue 4 , December 2013 , pp. 495 - 511
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2013

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