LTE: CI-132 focuses on records and qualifications

To the editor,

Party should never be a consideration for a judge and that is why I’m voting yes on CI-132.

When judges enter the courtroom, their only concern should be interpreting and enforcing the law and the Constitution. As a voter, what I care about is their qualifications and record. I want to know about their experience as a lawyer — were they a public defender, a family attorney, or a prosecutor? If they were already a judge, what cases have they ruled on before? That experience is far more relevant to how they will interpret the law.

Judges make decisions that affect Montanans every day from child custody to employment and property disputes. When making these decisions, they should focus on the law, not politics. CI-132 ensures our judicial elections remain nonpartisan. Vote YES on CI-132 this November.

Kaitlin O'Neil, Bridger

Originally published in the Billings Gazette, 9/13/26