Maryland lawmakers consider circuit court election reforms

Maryland lawmakers are debating two contrasting bills regarding circuit court judges: one seeks to improve the contested election process by allowing all voters to participate in primaries, while the other proposes to eliminate contested elections entirely, requiring a constitutional amendment. Proponents of the latter argue that it would protect judges from the ethical challenges of political campaigns, whereas supporters of contested elections believe it gives voters a crucial role in shaping the judiciary. Currently, Maryland's circuit court judges are unique in running in contested elections, unlike judges in other courts who are appointed by the governor and face retention elections. Meanwhile, in Ontario, a report by the Pembina Institute calls for the expansion of interprovincial electricity transmission to facilitate a transition to a clean economy amid potential trade disputes with the U.S. The Ontario government plans to bolster nuclear energy and natural gas to meet a projected 75% increase in electricity demand by 2050, a shift from previous policies favoring renewables. Critics warn that prioritizing nuclear and natural gas could overlook the environmental impacts and health risks associated with these energy sources.