LTE: Ensure judicial elections remain nonpartisan

Having spent many years covering news and courts, I have seen firsthand that individuals entering a courtroom feel like they have little to no power. They rely entirely on our judicial system to provide fair and impartial justice. Unfortunately, the toxic partisanship tearing our country apart threatens that very impartiality.

Ballot initiative CI-132 is a vital measure to protect our legal system. By ensuring judicial elections are nonpartisan, we protect our neighbors and friends during their most vulnerable moments — whether navigating child custody, divorce settlements, or business disputes.

In these life-changing situations, decisions must be grounded in the rule of law, not political agendas. When a citizen walks into a courtroom, they deserve a judge beholden to the Constitution and the facts of the case, not a party platform. CI-132 ensures that our courts remain the neutral ground they were intended to be, insulating them from the pressures of partisan politics.

Supporting CI-132 is not a partisan issue; it is a matter of judicial integrity. It ensures that justice remains blind to political affiliation and focused solely on what is right. I urge you to join me in voting "yes" on CI-132 on Nov. 3.

Sheila Callahan,

Missoula

Originally published in The Missoluian on 10/13/2026