New York State ballots include races for judges. Rather than choosing a single candidate, voters can select as many candidates as there are open seats. In New York City, voting is based on the county (borough) where you live. PIX11 has put together a guide to what each court does and what to know before you vote.
According to PIX11, New York State ballots include races for judges. In New York City, voting is based on the county, or borough, where you live. Instead of choosing one of two candidates, voters can select as many candidates as there are open seats. For example, Kings County has four Civil Court seats, so voters there can choose up to four candidates.
These are the main courts New York City voters will see on the ballot. The Supreme Court is the highest-level trial court in New York State, with 62 in total, one in each county, and judges serve 14-year terms. Civil Court handles claims for damages of up to $50,000, small claims and housing cases, and judges are elected by borough. There are also Surrogate’s Court, which handles the estates of the deceased, and Family Court, which handles custody disputes, child abuse and neglect, adoption and other matters.
Outside New York City, the courts on the ballot are different. County Court handles felonies and misdemeanors, as well as civil lawsuits of up to $25,000. City Courts are located in 61 cities outside New York City, and District Courts in Nassau and Suffolk counties; they handle misdemeanors, traffic and housing cases, and civil cases of up to $15,000. Town and Village Courts handle civil cases of up to $3,000 and preliminary hearings. Judicial elections are held across the state, including New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Ulster, Dutchess and Rockland.
Oded Oren, founder and executive director of Scrutinize, which provides information on judicial elections, said judges handle cases that touch everyday life, such as criminal cases, eviction cases and family separation cases. He said many judicial elections in New York are uncontested. It is common for three candidates to run for three seats, though some races are competitive. Scrutinize has published profiles of incumbent judges and candidates in the 2026 elections, and local bar associations often rate candidates as "approved" or "not approved" based on their qualifications.
Flushing and Bayside are in Queens County. Under the borough-based rule, voters in these areas will vote in the judicial races assigned to Queens. The original report does not say how many seats are open in Queens or list the candidates. It helps to check the Scrutinize profiles and bar association ratings before you vote.