Dear Editor: Against Senate Bill 42

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Senate Bill 42, which proposes introducing partisan elections for Montana's judicial offices. I urge you to vote NO on this bill.

When any Montanan has their day in court, they have the constitutional right to impartial treatment regardless of political beliefs. Adding partisan politics to our courts is an attack on that right.

Montana's current system of nonpartisan judicial elections has served the state well by ensuring that judges are elected based on their qualifications and ability to administer justice fairly rather than their political affiliation. This system preserves the impartiality of our judiciary, allowing judges to make decisions rooted in law rather than party interests.

We value our fair, impartial judicial system in Montana. Bringing partisan fights into the courtroom will only harm hardworking families focused on making ends meet and improving our communities. We need to trust our courts to do their job so we can do ours.

Allowing political parties to endorse candidates and contribute to judicial campaigns would increase the influence of political donors and interest groups in judicial races. This would make the judiciary more susceptible to external pressures, undermining its impartiality and potentially compromising the quality of justice.

I respectfully ask that you consider the long-term impact of this bill on the impartiality and fairness of Montana's judicial system and vote NO on Senate Bill 42.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,

DAVE TORGERSON

Whitehall, Montana