Independent Voters of Illinois–Independent Precinct Organization describes itself as a “not-for-profit, multi-partisan, independent political organization” in existence since 1944. It evaluates candidates for state and county offices, special districts (such as Metropolitan Water Reclamation District), judicial vacancies, and judicial retention. Where the candidates responded to IVI–IPO’s questionnaire, their answers are included.

“Project Vote Smart collects performance evaluations from special interest groups who provide them, regardless of issue or bias.” Not all interest groups provide evaluations to Project Vote-Smart so, for issues of concern, you may want to look at a particular group’s website.

Endorsements can be especially helpful in voting to elect or retain judges, since few of us know much about them. Several bar associations rate candidates and sitting judges based on their qualifications and experience.

The Illinois Civil Justice League’s site IllinoisJudges.net lists the candidate or candidates for each office, with links to their own campaign websites, financial disclosure, biographical information, endorsements from bar associations, and their responses (if they did respond) to ICJL’s questionnaire. ICJL is “a coalition of Illinois citizens, small and large businesses, associations, professional societies, not-for-profit organizations and local governments that have joined together to work for fairness in the Illinois civil justice system.”