Bill > HJR4202

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Washington State Constitution that would change how state Supreme Court justices are elected, shifting from statewide at-large elections to elections by judicial districts. Under the proposed amendment, the legislature would be responsible for creating these judicial districts and specifying the details of the first district-based election. Justices would continue to be elected for six-year terms, with the governor able to appoint replacements only from the specific judicial district where a vacancy occurs. The chief justice would still be selected from within the court's membership to serve a four-year term, presiding over court sessions. The resolution requires the secretary of state to publish notice of this constitutional amendment at least four times in the four weeks preceding the election, and it will be submitted to voters at the next general election for their approval or rejection. This change aims to make Supreme Court justice elections more geographically representative by ensuring that each judicial district has the opportunity to elect its own justice.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=4202&Year=2025&Initiative=false