Utah voters to decide on retention of state judges this election

During the next election cycle, Utah voters will be asked to vote on the retention of judges whose terms are set by the governor and appear on the ballot every six years. Because judges do not run against opponents, they are prohibited from campaigning or using billboards. The Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission supplies the public with detailed evaluations covering legal competence, judicial temperament and administrative skills, drawing on input from lawyers, court employees and observers.

The commission’s website lets voters explore these ratings before casting their ballots. While the commission recommended retaining all judges, it singled out Weber County Justice Court Judge Trent Nelson, noting concerns about his legal skills and courtroom conduct. Nelson responded by highlighting positive observer comments and inviting the public to watch his proceedings, emphasizing a focus on problem-solving after guilty findings.