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Bill

HJR 4202

Amending the Constitution to elect state supreme court justices by judicial districts.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremie Dufault

Proposes constitutional amendment shifting Washington Supreme Court elections from statewide to judicial district-based system, requiring legislature approval and voter referendum.

First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.
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Bill Summary · HJR 4202

Legislative bill overview

HJR 4202 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Washington State Supreme Court justices are elected. Rather than statewide elections for all positions, justices would be elected by specific judicial districts. The bill requires passage by the legislature and voter approval through a statewide referendum.

Why is this important

Supreme Court elections shape judicial philosophy and have cascading effects on state law interpretation across criminal justice, property rights, business regulation, and civil rights. Changing the electoral structure fundamentally alters which communities' interests influence judicial selection and could shift the court's ideological balance depending on how districts are drawn.

Potential points of contention

  • Gerrymandering concerns: District-based elections create opportunities for partisan manipulation of district boundaries to favor particular judicial philosophies or political parties
  • Reduced statewide accountability: Justices elected by districts may be less responsive to statewide interests and more focused on regional preferences, potentially fragmenting judicial consistency
  • Representation disparities: Depending on district design, some areas could have disproportionate influence while others are marginalized; smaller districts might amplify extreme positions
  • Implementation complexity: Requires determining district boundaries, managing multi-district campaigns, and potentially handling unequal district populations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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