### Did you know?
**If an incumbent judge is the only candidate to file for their office, they are automatically reelected. For this reason, most superior court offices up for election do not appear on the ballot.**
California has 58 trial courts, one in each county. Superior courts have trial jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases. Superior court judges serve six-year terms and are elected by county voters in March of even-numbered years.
Vacancies occurring during those terms are filled through appointment by the Governor. The vast majority of superior court judges initially reach the bench via gubernatorial appointment.
To be eligible for appointment, a person must be a registered voter and a citizen of the of the state of California. The candidate must be a member of the State Bar of California or a judge of a court in California for at least 10 years immediately preceeding selection. The candidate must be also a member in good standing with the California State Bar.
Filing Requirements
Candidates must pay a filing fee of 1% of the first-year salary of the office. In lieu of a filing fee, candidates can submit signatures to qualify. In districts with more than 2,000 registered voters, candidates must submit a petition with three signatures for each dollar of the filing fee, or 7 percent of total registered voters in the district, whichever is less. In districts with less than 2,000 registered voters, the candidate may submit a petition containing three signatures for each dollar of the filing fee, or 14 percent of the total registered voters in the district, whichever is less. Candidates must also file a Candidate Intention Statement. All applicable documents and fees must be filed in the county elections office for which the candidate wishes to represent. Any applicant seeking a judicial appointment must complete and submit an application to the Office of Governor. All applicants are required to submit an application for appointment in electronic form. Applicants must also scan and email a photograph, written materials and an Authorization and Release form to the Office of Governor.