For Judge of the Court of Common Pleas (General Division) (Full Term Commencing 1/10/2027)
November 3, 2026 · Cuyahoga County, Ohio · County · general
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Low · 1 out of 100
This district is large for its type, so each vote is a smaller slice of the outcome. About 1,245,873 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(1,333,048 ÷ 1,245,873) ÷ ln(1,333,048 ÷ 12,630) = 1.45, comparing counties in OH (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: None · only 1 candidate
One candidate is running unopposed, so votes can't change the outcome.
Low representation + an uncontested race → Very low vote impact.
This office is responsible for:
- Hearing trials — criminal cases, lawsuits, family, or probate matters, depending on the court
- Ruling on evidence, motions, and sentences
- Applying state law and court procedure fairly in every case
Affected Areas: Public Safety and Crime Control, Housing Affordability, Civil Rights, Impartiality, Legal Competence
Candidates
Shannon M. Gallagher
Nonpartisan · declared
Shannon M. Gallagher is a candidate (nonpartisan) in Cuyahoga County, Ohio on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
Election sources
Source: boe.cuyahogacounty.gov