According to a PRESS RELEASE from HEG on Target Solutions (2024, January 22), a survey conducted among Fulton County voters provides insight into their preferences for the selection of judges. The release highlights that 87% of the surveyed voters support the election of judges, with almost 90% favoring the election of the Chief Magistrate Judge position. The data further indicates that support for elected judges is widespread across political affiliations and among those who do not align with any specific party. Retrieved from Fredrick Hicks, [email protected].
(Atlanta, Ga)- More than 2,000 Fulton County voters participated in a survey regarding how
judges are selected. The survey of voters with a history of voting in at least two of the last four
General Elections contained four questions – two on the issue of electing versus appointed
judges and two demographic questions. The survey was conducted January 20th and 21st via
text. The findings have a margin of error of 2.15%
“Voters are more aware now of the court system than perhaps at any point in recent memory.
From the culture wars litigated at the Supreme Court to local issues, voters have strong and
divergent opinions about court decisions. However, at more than 87%, Fulton County voters are
overwhelmingly in agreement that judges should be elected, not appointed,” said pollster Fred
Hicks. “With regard to the position of Chief Magistrate Judge, nearly 90% of voters believe the
position should be elected, not appointed. It does not matter where they live in Fulton County
or their party affiliation, voters want to elect their judges,” Hicks continued.
Among the key findings are:
- Approximately 84% of self-identified Republicans believe judges, including the Chief
Magistrate Judge, should be elected - Support for electing judges, including the Chief Magistrate Judge position, was highest
among those who declined to select a partisan identity - More than 80% of voters in each Fulton County Commission district support electing
versus appointing the Chief Magistrate Judge position, with a high of 95% in District 5
and a low of roughly 82% in District 3
“The findings are remarkably consistent. While we did not explore the why, it is clear where
Fulton County voters stand on the questions of appointing versus electing judges. Fulton
County voters do not want to give up their power to elect judges,” said Hicks.
About the Survey
The survey was conducted via text on January 20th and January 21st , 2024. Participants were
randomly selected and received the survey. The results are not weighted.
- 2,955 voters responded to the question: “Do you believe that judges should be elected by voters
or appointed by other judges?” - 2,017 voters responded to the question: “Currently, the voters elect the Chief Judge of the Fulton
County Magistrate Court. Do you want the position to be appointed rather than elected?
Survey Questions:
1. Do you believe that judges should be elected by voters or appointed by other judges?
Elected by the people
Appointed by other judges
2. Currently, the voters elect the Chief Judge of the Fulton County Magistrate Court. Do
you want the position to be appointed rather than elected?
Elected
Appointed
3. Do you tend to vote for Democrat or Republicans?
Democrats
Republicans
I would rather not say
4. Do you identify as a man, woman, non-binary, or would you rather not say?
Man
Woman
Non-binary
Rather not say
