Voter Information
Your Vote for New York State Supreme Court
On November 3, 2026, voters across Western New York's 8th Judicial District will elect Justices to the New York State Supreme Court. Learn more about the court, the eight-county district, Judge Jon Hickey's qualifications, and what voters should know before Election Day.
The 8th Judicial District
Allegany • Cattaraugus • Chautauqua • Erie • Genesee • Niagara • Orleans • Wyoming
What is the New York State Supreme Court?
The New York State Supreme Court is primarily a trial court. In the Eighth Judicial District, voters across the eight Western New York counties elect the justices who serve our region.
What is the 8th Judicial District?
New York State is divided into 13 judicial districts. The Eighth Judicial District serves Western New York and includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Voters across all eight counties elect the Supreme Court justices who serve the district.
When can I cast my vote?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Voters may also cast their ballots during early voting, which runs from Saturday, October 24 through Sunday, November 1. Early-voting hours and locations vary by county.
How can I find my polling place?
Use the New York State Board of Elections voter lookup tool to find your polling place, confirm your registration, and check your early voting site.
Find My Polling PlaceWho is Judge Hickey?
Judge Jon S. Hickey has more than two decades of legal and courtroom experience. He has served as Clarence Town Justice since 2019 and as a confidential law clerk to a New York State Supreme Court Justice since 2015. A former town prosecutor and experienced trial attorney, Judge Hickey has been rated "Well Qualified" by the Bar Association of Erie County in 2026.
Meet JonWhat judicial experience does Judge Hickey have?
Judge Hickey has served as a Clarence Town Justice since 2019, presiding over criminal, civil, vehicle and traffic, and local ordinance matters. Since 2015, he has also served as a confidential law clerk to a New York State Supreme Court Justice, working on complex legal matters and assisting with legal research, conferences and written decisions.
Together, these roles give him experience both on the bench and inside the New York State Supreme Court.
How long has Judge Hickey worked in the New York State Supreme Court, and what does a law clerk do?
Judge Hickey has served as a confidential law clerk to a New York State Supreme Court Justice since 2015—more than a decade working inside the court.
A confidential law clerk is an experienced attorney who works directly with a judge, researching legal issues, analyzing motions and case records, assisting with conferences and trials, and helping prepare written decisions. This service has given Jon extensive, firsthand knowledge of how Supreme Court cases are managed and decided.
What does "Well Qualified" mean?
The "Well Qualified" rating was issued in 2026 by the nonpartisan Judiciary Committee of the Bar Association of Erie County after a comprehensive evaluation of Judge Hickey's integrity, experience, professional ability, temperament, fairness and knowledge of the law.
The Bar rating process includes a written questionnaire, a candidate interview and input from lawyers and judges familiar with the candidate's work.