Sleeper Referendum Could Reshape the National Judiciary

“A ballot referendum in Kansas that’s generated little national attention could set off a nationwide arms race to politicize state courts,” Politico reports.

“Kansans on Tuesday will decide whether to amend the state constitution to allow voters to directly elect justices to the state’s highest court — a push by the legislature’s Republican supermajority to reshape a judicial system that’s repeatedly stymied its policy priorities.”

“Critics of the measure worry Kansas could become the inspiration for other states to overhaul their own high courts, eroding the independence of the judiciary nationwide.”