The Iowa State Bar Association now has its 2026 review of judges on its website to help you when you go to vote in the November election. Attorney Guy Cook oversees the review and says lawyers who work with the judges evaluate them on firsthand experience and courtroom observation.
Cook says He says it gives voters an anonymous attorney rating and feedback on trial court judges and appellate judges.
Cook says the retention elections took the place of outright votes on judges more than half a century ago.
Cook says the system is designed to ensure the judges are living up to the professional standards.
Cook says the latest review shows Iowa judges are doing their job.
Some states like neighboring Wisconsin still have outright elections for judges.
The Iowa State Bar Association has conducted biannual reviews of judges since Iowa. changed the constitution in 1962. You can find the full review of judges at www.iowabar.org.
