Tuesday’s primary elections were front-and-center for millions of Michiganders who went to the polls. And no wonder – the winning candidates seek to represent us on matters ranging from taxes and human rights to national defense and foreign affairs.

But crucial decisions aren’t over for those who participate in the democratic process. Later this month, both parties will nominate Supreme Court judges who will appear on the November ballot. Unfortunately, over 30% of voters nationally don’t even vote for judges, leaving elites in charge of our state’s future without citizen participation.

That’s why on August 8, Pure Integrity Michigan Elections (PIME) and Stand Up Livingston co-hosted the only debate among Supreme Court candidates seeking the available four-year and eight-year terms. All seven candidates were invited, and four gave the public a rare insight into their judicial philosophies and understanding of the law.

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The Court plays a key role in the rights of Michigan residents. Just last week, it handed down rulings on farm regulations, minimum wage, and paid sick leave that will impact millions of Michiganders. It also appoints the four judges on the Michigan Court of Claims, which hears lawsuits against the state and in June rejected Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s claim that election ballots may be counted without first determining their validity.

Courts also matter to citizens like Kerry Lynn Elieff, who this week revealed that she is being threatened with criminal prosecution by Attorney General Dana Nessel for the heinous offense of…asking about due process related to moving election locations. My organization is considering representing her and filing at least one lawsuit on her behalf.

We all know the importance of the U.S. Supreme Court, which is why Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are working hard to convince voters of the kinds of judges they will nominate. It can swing key voters in key states like Michigan toward one candidate or the other.

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While you and I may not give much thought to the state’s judiciary, savvy political insiders are acutely aware of its significance. They work intensely, often behind the scenes, to influence who will hold judicial positions. By the time we see the judge – whether for a parking ticket, custody of our child, or to defend our constitutional rights – all we can do is make our case and hope. Our ability to influence who wears the robes and swings the gavel is long gone.

The four candidates in last week’s debate came from diverse backgrounds. They hold a variety of viewpoints on everything from the role of the judiciary to practical matters like determining the standards by which people can show harm when suing the government. Candidates didn’t see the questions in advance, so We the People heard their unscripted responses.

It’s now time for the public to tell GOP precinct delegates to nominate trusted candidates at the state convention this month, so we can vote for the best candidates this fall. After all, from parking tickets to sick leave to the right to have your vote counted, the scales of justice rise or fall under the weight of a judge’s gavel.

Patrice Johnson is chair of Pure Integrity Michigan Elections, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting fair and honest elections.