The top of the ticket is getting all the attention in 2020. Yet, Ohio will see very important elections down ballot, none more significant than the races for the state Supreme Court.
Voters will select two candidates in non-partisan races to Ohio Supreme Court that will be held for six-year terms.
Republicans have held a majority on the bench since 1987, and currently hold a 4-3 advantage on the court. However, this 4-3 advantage could flip to favor the Democrats if they defeat both Republican incumbent justices this November.
On the ballot, incumbent Justice Judith French (Republican) will face former Ohio Secretary of State and current 10th District Court of Appeals Judge Jennifer Brunner (Democrat). For the other seat, incumbent Justice Sharon L. Kennedy (Republican) will face Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge John P. O’Donnell (Democrat).
Typically, State Supreme Court races do not receive much publicity because they do not carry partisan labels in the general election – although their primary elections are partisan. However, this cycle, both parties are heavily promoting the candidates who won their respective party’s primary because the stakes of future rulings by the court as a result of these races are very high.
Soon, the Ohio Supreme Court is due to review the now-reformed redrawing of legislative and congressional boundaries by the Ohio General Assembly. The redrawing of legislative and congressional boundaries would replace gerrymandered districts, which are said to currently favor Republicans. In other words, the fate of future elections for elected officials in Ohio will be in the hands of these justices. The outcome of how districts are redrawn could be significantly different depending on which judicial candidates win.
Further, in the coming years, decisions made by the Ohio Supreme Court will impact taxpayers in a number of ways, including: how much Ohioans pay in taxes, whether utility companies are permitted to add fees to bills, how insurance and business laws are interpreted, and what government records will be disclosed to the public, among others.
Despite the stakes of this election and political parties continuing to promote their candidates, many Ohio voters often skip making picks for the court because partisan labels are not carried on the general election ballot. With potential to make many key decisions going forward, taxpayers will want to pay attention.