In addition to the more recognizable candidates and the usual collection of amendments and referenda, this year’s ballot presents seven state judges for the voters’ approval.

We know of no reason why they should not be retained.

In 1988 the Legislature created the Commissions on Judicial Performance for the express purpose of providing the voters with "fair, responsible and constructive evaluations of trial and appellate judges and justices seeking retention in general elections." Members of the state and local commissions are picked by the chief justice, the governor, the president of the state Senate and the speaker of the House. Evaluation techniques are established by the State Commission on Judicial Performance, which also evaluates Supreme Court justices and Court of Appeals judges.

Evaluations are based on interviews, questionnaires completed by prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, law enforcement personnel and other officials in a position to observe courtroom procedures. Each evaluation is then presented with a recommendation to "retain," "do not retain" or "no opinion." By law, a "no opinion" recommendation must be accompanied by a full explanation.

Given that insightful and sometimes critical information of this kind about judges is not normally available to laymen and the general public, these perspectives are invaluable.

On ballot are four justices of the Colorado Supreme Court and three from the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court justices are Michael L. Bender, Alex J. Martinez, Mary J. Mullarkey and Nancy E. Rice. The Court of Appeals judges are Sandra I. Rothenberg, Edwin G. Ruland and JoAnn L. Vogt.