ELECTION FAQS
Open Primary Act
WHAT IS THE TOP TWO CANDIDATES OPEN PRIMARY ACT?
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On June 8, 2010, California voters approved Proposition 14, which created the Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act.
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Allows all voters to choose any candidate regardless of candidate or voter political party preference (except for President and Central Committees).
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This act requires that only the top two vote getters in a ‘Voter Nominated’ office will move onto the November General Election.
For more information, see the Alameda League’s visual explainer.
Judicial System in CA
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HOW IS THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM ORGANIZED IN CALIFORNIA ?
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HOW ARE JUDGES/JUSTICES APPOINTED OR ELECTED IN CALIFORNIA ?
California courts exist at three levels:
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Local superior courts in each of California’s 58 counties,
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Appellate courts in each of the six state appellate districts, and
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The California Supreme Court with statewide jurisdiction.

Learn more about how judges and justices at all levels obtain their positions from our blog posting.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about the California Judicial System developed and published by a committee of the Santa Clara County League of Women Voters.
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Watch a video, "How to Elect Fair and Independent Courts", a panel discussion facilitated and recorded by the League of Women Voters of San Francisco.