How are judges for the Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals selected?

• A. They are appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation
• B. They are selected by a nonpartisan judicial nominating commission and appointed by the Governor
• C. They are chosen by lot from among sitting Superior Court judges
• D. They are elected by voters in statewide elections

Answer: (D)

In Georgia, judges for the state’s high courts are chosen by statewide vote. The elections are nonpartisan, so party labels don’t appear on the ballot, and judges serve six-year terms. When a vacancy occurs, the Governor can appoint someone from a Judicial Nominating Commission slate to fill the seat temporarily, but the vacancy is ultimately filled by a statewide election at the next general election. This combination—regular selection by voters in statewide elections—is why the correct answer highlights election by the people, rather than appointment, lottery, or local/partial elections.