Ballots are due Tuesday, Nov. 3, and one race on the ballot will shape who hears misdemeanor cases for west King County.

Two candidates want the job.

Judge Bardi D. Martin, the appointed incumbent, faces Nyjat Rose-Akins for King County District Court West Electoral District Position No. 1. It is a nonpartisan race, according to the Ballot Brief.

Martin's statement in the official King County voters' pamphlet describes a unanimous County Council appointment to the bench, as Emerald City Wire reported Oct. 15. The pamphlet statement lists a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington, a law degree from Seattle University and 19 years as an attorney. That experience includes public defense, private practice and service as a judge pro tempore, according to the pamphlet. Martin also highlights work with the Shoreline and Kenmore community courts.

Rose-Akins is a full-time pro tem judge and former city prosecutor with 16 years of legal experience, according to Westside Seattle.

What they said at the Alki forum

The two candidates appeared at an Oct. 15 forum hosted by the Alki Community Council at Alki United Church of Christ. The forum covered bail rules, repeat offenders and community court programs, Westside Seattle reported.

Martin pointed to the court's caseload. "King County District Court processes the most cases out of any courts in Washington state," Martin said at the forum, according to Westside Seattle. He added that judges are bound by Court Rule CrRLJ 3.2, which establishes a legal presumption of release unless specific risk factors are proven.

Rose-Akins stressed that punishment and compassion can coexist. "My mantra is we can hold people accountable while still being compassionate. It is not mutually exclusive," Rose-Akins said, according to the same report. Rose-Akins called the district court "the people's court," saying it handles everyday legal matters that directly affect residents' lives.

Endorsements

The Stranger's Election Control Board endorsed Martin in both the primary and general elections.

Voters can read both candidates' full statements in King County's official voters' pamphlet online. Ballots must be postmarked or deposited in a drop box by Tuesday, Nov. 3.