Schwarzenegger, voters will decide next Chief Justice

California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald George announced today he would not seek another 12-year term. His term expires on Jan 2, the day before a new governor is set to be sworn in.

So who gets to pick George’s replacement? The state constitution says Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will make the call.

Article 6, Section 16 of the state constitution says if a justice does not seek reelection “the governor, before September 16, shall nominate a candidate.” That candidate will then stand for election “at the next general election” which is in November. Voters will either vote to confirm or reject Schwarzenegger’s pick.

So, now voters have one more thing to think about for the fall ballot