How often is State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) elected?

The position of State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) is typically elected every 6 years.

What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?

Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation on the ballot.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Michigan?

No filing fee. Incumbents must file an Affidavit of Candidacy to the Bureau of Elections office. Non-incumbents must file an Affidavit of Identity, Affidavit of Constitutional Qualification, and the amount of signatures prescribed to their district by the Michigan Bureau of Elections.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the state bureau of elections office.

Where is the filing office?

Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Elections, Richard H. Austin Building, 430 West Allegan, Lansing, Michigan 48918

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 517-373-2540.

How do I get started running for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)?

You can start running for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) does not include a primary or runoff election.

State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) in Michigan

Candidates for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)

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About State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)

About this position

These District or Circuit Inferior Court Judges are responsible for adjudicating cases in Civil and Criminal Courts at the trial-level, usually for minor offenses such as misdemeanor cases or civil matters below a certain dollar amount.

Office level: State
Election frequency: Every 6 years
Typical salary: $138,272 / year
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Nonpartisan
Positions: 9 open seats

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
A person is not eligible to the office of district court judge unless the person is a registered and qualified elector of this state by the filing deadline or the date the person files the affidavit of candidacy, is licensed to practice law in this state for at least five years, and at the time of election or appointment is less than 70 years of age.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
No filing fee. Incumbents must file an Affidavit of Candidacy to the Bureau of Elections office. Non-incumbents must file an Affidavit of Identity, Affidavit of Constitutional Qualification, and the amount of signatures prescribed to their district by the Michigan Bureau of Elections.
Filing period
January 2, 2026 - July 16, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the state bureau of elections office.
Where to file
Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Elections, Richard H. Austin Building, 430 West Allegan, Lansing, Michigan 48918
Filing phone
517-373-2540
Step 3
Launch your campaign
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State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) in Michigan

On the ballot

Candidates for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Michigan's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)

About this position

Election type

How to run for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for Judge

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