Who runs the 9th. How it's structured. Who answers to whom.

Voters of Kalamazoo County

Elect every judge

All judges in the 9th judicial district run in nonpartisan November elections. Six-year terms (eight for newly created seats). Filing deadline is April 21 of the election year.

Governor of Michigan

Fills mid-term vacancies

When a sitting judge retires or otherwise leaves the bench mid-term, the Governor appoints a successor who must then stand for election at the next scheduled cycle.

Michigan Supreme Court

Designates Chief Judges

Designates the Chief Judge of each court, sets administrative orders, hears appeals, and oversees judicial discipline through the Judicial Tenure Commission.