A guide to the LA County judges on your November 2026 ballot | LAist Voter Game Plan

Not sure how to vote for judges? LAist reporter Cato Hernández and guest experts break down the judicial races on your ballot, from L.A. County Superior Court to the state Supreme Court, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Guests: Laurie Levenson, professor of law at Loyola Marymount University Hon. Stuart M. Rice, retired Los Angeles County Superior Court judge Recorded live Oct. 21, 2026, at The Crawford in Pasadena. 0:00 Welcome & introductions 2:12 How California elects judges 10:12 What does a judge actually do? 17:03 LA County judges on the ballot 18:11 Why judicial races are low information 24:24 Tips for voters & red flags 30:55 Endorsements & politicization 34:56 State judicial seats (appellate & supreme court) 36:13 Why vote on retention elections? 41:09 Audience Q&A 55:19 Closing remarks 🎥 Cato Hernández, Tony Federico, Michael Leyva, Brandon Killman Voter Game Plan is supported by Loyola Marymount University, an LAist underwriter with no influence on coverage.