The Associated Press contributed reporting.

Republicans in the State House and Senate have been pushing to change the way judges are elected, and on Tuesday they unveiled yet another new proposal – this one calling for more frequent judicial elections.

The proposal would amend the state’s constitution to reduce judges’ terms to two years. District Court judges currently serve four-year terms; Superior Court judges serve eight-year terms, as do judges on the Court of Appeals and the State Supreme Court.

It’s not clear how much support the proposal actually has in the General Assembly: State House leaders have been pushing for new judicial district lines, while State Senate leader Phil Berger has called for scrapping judicial elections entirely.

Because the proposal is to amend the state constitution, voters would need to approve it in a referendum if it does pass the General Assembly.

Related Stories
‹
Another Court Hearing For New Law Canceling NC Judicial Primaries
The Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering how much authority lawmakers have to cancel judicial primaries.
Over Cooper's Veto, General Assembly Cancels 2018 Judicial Primary
Republicans say they need extra time to reform judicial elections - either via redistricting, or scrapping judicial elections entirely.
Democrat Wins NC's Last Contested Legislative Race
Republicans will hold a 65-55 majority in the NC House beginning next year - not enough of a majority to override Gov. Roy Cooper's vetoes.
NC Lawmakers Propose Wide Range Of Voter IDs
The proposal would allow voters to use several forms of ID, including state university IDs and a new photo ID that elections boards would offer free.
It's Official: NC Dems Break GOP Veto-Proof Majority In State House, Senate
Republicans will hold a 29-21 majority in the State Senate and (pending one recount) a 65-55 majority in the State House.
"Beginning Of A Real Conversation": NC Dems Unveil Proposals On Guns, School Safety
Following Gov. Cooper's lead, Democrats are calling for stricter gun restrictions - and also more mental health services in schools.
Gerrymandering Trial Wraps Up In Greensboro (Again)
Plaintiffs say the newly drawn US Congressional district lines don't fix the racial gerrymandering problem.
Fight For The Planet, Dine With A Stranger: Two Easy Ways To Make A Difference
The League of Women Voters is holding an environmental-advocacy event, and you're also invited to the 20th annual Community Dinner.
North Carolina, You're (Still) The Worst
Dear North Carolina, I love you, but you're bringing me down.
PPP: Americans Opposed On Healthcare And HB2, Split On Impeachment
When it comes to healthcare, Americans are surprisingly united against the GOP. (On Neil Gorsuch, we're unsurprisingly apathetic.)
›