For over 30 years the Dallas Bar Association has conducted judicial election and judicial evaluation polls of its membership. These polls are a tool for the public in making more informed decisions in judicial elections. The results of the poll should not be construed as an endorsement of candidates or judges by the Dallas Bar Association.

THE ELECTION POLLS

             In election years, the Dallas Bar Association conducts two polls for local and state judicial races for offices in which the candidate is required to be an attorney. The poll is sent to the Association's 9,000+ resident members.

             Attorney-members select the candidate they feel is best qualified to serve. Ballots list the candidates in alphabetical order without party affiliation.

             Primary Poll

             In the primary election poll, a race is considered contested when two or more candidates from the same party are running for the same office. The primary election poll is conducted in late January and early February. Results are generally available by mid-February.

             General Election Poll

             In the general election poll, a race is considered contested when there is a candidate from each party running for the same office. The general election poll is conducted in March or April. Results are generally available by early May.

             Click here to access the current primary or general election poll.

THE JUDICIAL EVALUATION POLL

             In non-election years (odd years), the Dallas Bar Association conducts the Judicial Evaluation Poll. Members should evaluate judicial performance based on personal knowledge of the judges, and should evaluate judges only if they have had a case before the judge in the preceding four years.

             The poll contains questions such as, "Is this judge prepared for hearings and trials?", "Does this judge demonstrate adequate knowledge of the law?", "Is this judge impartial?", etc.

             Only judges who have served in a judicial office at least one year are included in this poll. Visiting judges (judges who fill in temporarily) are included in the poll, regardless of the time they may have served in a judicial capacity.

             Click here to view results of the judicial evaluation poll.

             If you wish to have a copy of the poll mailed to you please call 214-220-7484.

             The next poll will be issued May, 2009.