Supreme Court Associate Justice State Judicial Office

Elections: 1857-present. The number of Associate Justices of the Supreme Court has changed over the decades beginning with two at statehood (1858-1881), four after a March 1881 legislative act (1881-1930), six after a 1930 constitutional amendment (1930-1972), eight after a 1972 constitutional amendment (1973-1982), and six through attrition after a 1982 constitutional amendment. The original term for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court was set at seven years at statehood and the office was nonpartisan. The appointment of a new Associate Justice required the seat be on the ballot at the next annual election occuring more than 30 days following the vacancy. The term for Associate Justice was reduced to six years after a constitutional amendment passed in 1883. Partisan elections for the office were held from 1892 through 1910 with nonpartisan elections returning in 1912. The first primary election for the office was also held in 1912. A 1956 constitutional amendment required that an appointment to the seat trigger a new election one year after the appointment is made.