A judicial retention vote gives every voter the power to decide whether these judges have earned another term. They are counting on the public to remain quiet and simply check 'yes'. Hunters do not take shortcuts, and we should not start now. It is time to hold them accountable, study their records, and make sure our votes reflect our values.

Step 1: Know Their Approach to the Law

Before you decide whether a justice deserves another ten years, understand how they interpret the law. Every ruling comes down to one of two philosophies.

• Interpret the Law as Written: Judges who take this approach focus on the Constitution and the plain meaning of the law. They believe their job is to apply it, not change it. This mindset protects individual rights and ensures that lawmakers, not judges, make policy. For hunters, that means stronger safeguards for the Second Amendment and for property rights that protect access to land.
• Legislate from the Bench: Judges who follow this path use their power to shape policy through interpretation. They may stretch or redefine the law to fit modern political ideas. This approach often appears in cases involving gun control, election laws, or environmental regulation, where rulings can override the will of the people.

Look at how each justice has ruled on key constitutional cases. Their opinions reveal whether they respect the limits of their authority or use the bench to advance an agenda.