Defenders of Missouri's method of selecting appellate judges are fighting a proposed constitutional amendment that would change the system.
Judges on the Missouri Supreme Court and the state Court of Appeals are selected by the governor from three finalists recommended by a special commission. The commission consists of one Supreme Court judge, three lawyers and three non-lawyers chosen by the governor.
A question on the November ballot would give the governor an additional appointee on the nominating commission and another finalist from which to appoint a judge.
An opposition group led by six former state Supreme Court judges said Thursday the measure would make the judicial selection process more political.
Proponents argue the changes would increase accountability to the public.