Hear from the Jefferson County Probate Judge Place 2 candidates

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT )– CBS 42 is your local election headquarters. With just 16 days until the election, CBS 42 is taking a closer look at the Place Two Probate Judge race in Jefferson County.

A probate judge plays a crucial role in the county. They see all types of cases, ranging from adoptions to overseeing elections.

This year republican Joel Blankenship is up against democrat Jameria Moore. Both are attorneys in Jefferson County, and they say the experience they have will help them on the bench.

“I’ve been practicing law in the probate courts 2006,” said Moore. “My first case was filed in the probate court. I have a passion for the people of the of this community. I’ve been working in Jefferson County all my life. I’m from Birmingham.”

“It’s really a court of the people, and it’s a court that’s there and all aspects from adoptions to, unfortunately, estates and death and to take care of those that need taken care, of whether it’s mental health and commitments, whether it’s a conservatorship or guardianship,” said Blankenship.

Probate judges help oversee elections in the county. Both candidates say it’s a task they will take seriously.

“We want to make sure that we have poll accessibilities for all people individual that can get there. Make sure that they’re in good locations. I just feel like we need to make voting easier not harder,” said Moore.

“I want to make sure that that elections are done correctly and transparently,” Blankenship added. “The most important thing is you have to educate the public now because nowadays there’s so many stories out there about different problems with the elections that we need to educate public how important it is to be transparent show them all the aspects that are happening here.”

Another thing probate judges oversee is adoptions.

“My parents adopted me in Jefferson County Probate Court, place number two actually, just the ability to be a part of that process going forward to be to give back to let other families feel that same joy would really just be the most special thing in the world for me,” said Blankenship.

“I have filed numerous adoptions. I have been a part of working with agencies to join families together,” Moore said. “We need to make sure that we’re placing individuals together that can actually make sure these individuals are raised appropriately.”

The Place Two Probate Judge candidates will appear on the general election ballot on Nov. 5.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.