In South Florida, a survey of election ballots shows that dozens of incumbent judges were automatically reelected to the circuit court bench, ahead of the Aug. 20 primary and Nov. 5 runoff elections, because no one opposed them.

Former Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Alan Fine, who is a partner at Private Resolutions in Coral Gables, said in most elections, an incumbent is not challenged by an opponent unless they were just appointed and have not proven they could win an election yet; or if the incumbent has a reputational issue or is perceived to have a reputational issue.


Read more: Waltzing to Power: Despite Elections, No One Challenges Hundreds of US Judges


Alan Fine, partner at Private Resolutions in Coral Gables. (Courtsey photo) Alan Fine, partner at Private Resolutions in Coral Gables. (Courtsey photo)