What type of officials are all state judges classified as?

State judges are classified primarily as elected officials in many states, including Washington. This classification reflects the democratic principles in which judges are held accountable to the public through elections, providing an avenue for citizens to participate in the judicial process by choosing individuals they believe will fairly and justly uphold the law.

While some states have systems where judges are appointed, the general structure in many states leans toward electing judges, which can enhance public trust and engagement in the judicial system. This system can also vary by specific positions within the state judiciary, where some judges may be appointed for certain roles but, overall, the classification of judges across states typically aligns with the electing process. The other classifications mentioned relate specifically to different contexts and do not apply universally to all state judges.