In 2008, Ohioans will be electing two members of the Court. If voting patterns this year mirror those of previous elections, as many as one in four voters who cast a vote for a presidential candidate will leave their ballot for the Supreme Court blank.

The most common reason for not voting in elections is a lack of information about the candidates. Candidates typically focus on their legal and courtroom experience, their law enforcement background or connections, and their own fairness, integrity, and independence. All are relevant to serving on the bench, but rarely does this information alone enable voters to distinguish between competing candidates.

The true differences between candidates often stem from their philosophies and how they view the role of the courts. Below, you can learn more about the backgrounds and the philosophies of the candidates running for the Ohio Supreme Court in 2008.

Don’t be intimidated by the presence of races on this fall’s ballot. If you evaluate the records and determine the philosophies of the candidates, you’ll uncover the real differences between the candidates – and have all the information you need to cast an educated vote.

Current Officeholder: Justice Maureen O'Connor Party Affiliation: Republican Status: First elected in 2002; Seeking electon Term: Six years	2008 Candidates: Maureen O'Connor (R)......... Joseph D. Russo (D)

Current Officeholder: Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton Party Affiliation: Republican Status: Appointed to fill a vacancy in 1996; Elected to a full term in 1996; Re-elected in 2002; Seeking re-election Term: Six years	2008 Candidates: Peter M. Sikora (D) Evelyn Lundberg Stratton (R)