A special election for a seat in Jefferson Family Court (Div. 3) will be on the November 3 ballot. Three candidates – Lori Goodwin, Ellie Kerstetter and Daren Neel – are vying to serve the remaining two years of the term of Judge Deborah Deweese who retired at the end of 2019. As it has done in past years, the Louisville Bar Association (LBA) recently polled Jefferson County attorneys for their opinions of the qualifications of the candidates for this office.

The LBA’s Judicial Candidates Poll is designed to let voters know what local attorneys think about the qualifications of those seeking judicial office. The LBA disseminated the poll electronically to approximately 4,700 members of the Kentucky Bar Association working and/or residing in Jefferson County. Those who have had substantial professional contact with one or more of the candidates were asked to rate their fitness to serve as a family court judge. 

617 attorneys responded to the poll. The results, which are shown in the accompanying chart, were tabulated by Dean Dorton Allen Ford, PLLC, a regional accounting and consulting firm, and are in no way an endorsement of any candidate by the LBA, its officers, directors or staff.

On October 1 at 4:00 p.m., the LBA and the Women Lawyers Association of Jefferson County will co-host an online forum for candidates in the special election for Jefferson Family Court (Div. 3). The candidates will discuss their qualifications for the position and answer questions from moderators. The forum is free but registration is required and can be made on the LBA’s website.