Electing judges does not preclude having legal requirements for running or holding the position. I’d wager more states have requirements like “must have practic

Electing judges does not preclude having legal requirements for running or holding the position. I’d wager more states have requirements like “must have practiced law in state x for y years” than not. Mine does. Going into this judge’s background, she was originally appointed a Family Master before becoming a judge, so evidently the wisdom of appointments did not save people from her either. Edit: are we sure this is an elected position in WV? I am looking at the county elections and don’t see judges listed on the results or ballot. Her replacement was appointed by the governor with no mention of it being interim u til an election. Edit2: they are indeed elected, with eight year terms, which is why I did not see it. But the judge in question was again someone previously appointed to a family master position and then elected - and family master would definitely be prior qualification. Additionally these judges in WV must be a member on good standing with the bar and have a minimum of five years practicing law in WV.