The Florida Bar recently conducted a poll of Florida lawyers regarding incumbent appellate judges in the state and found that the majority of respondents felt they should be retained in the upcoming election.  According to a press release issued by The Bar, the confidential poll indicated strong support with an average ranking of 88 percent for the judges.

70,467 ballots were sent out by The Florida Bar to member attorneys who are in good standing and 5,206 lawyers participated – meaning 7.4 percent of attorneys who received the ballots participated.

The attorneys recommended the retention of 5th DCA appellate judges Wendy W. Berger by 82 percent, Kerry I. Evander by 90 percent, Charles Alan Lawson by 90 percent, Richard B. Orfinger by 92 percent, William David Palmer by 88 percent, Thomas D. Sawaya by 92 percent and F. Rand Wallis by 86 percent. The 5th DCA has 10 full-time judges.

Voters will decide during the general election on November 4 whether or not the appellate judges should be retained. Appellate judges receiving a majority of votes in the general election win another six-year term. If voters do not retain a judge, then the Judicial Nominating Commission would take applications and recommend three to six nominees to the governor, who would then appoint a replacement.

You can read more on this poll here: http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20140908/NEWS/140909503