New N.D. judge will avoid election for 2 years
The death of a North Dakota district judge means his successor will be able to hold the office for two years without having to face the voters.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The death of a North Dakota district judge means his successor will be able to hold the office for two years without having to face the voters.
Gov. John Hoeven intends to appoint a successor to Southeast District Judge James Bekken. The 61-year-old Bekken died this month from lung disease. He was running unopposed for a six-year term this fall.
Secretary of State Al Jaeger says once Hoeven appoints a replacement, that person will be able to serve for two years without being elected — even though Bekken’s term ends this year.
Jaeger says a constitutional amendment that voters approved in 1998 guarantees an appointed judge at least two years in office. He says that gives new judges some time to prove themselves.
Tags: daily updates, north dakota, james bakken, news, courts, judgeship
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