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Judicial Votes Count
Erica D. Voorhees

Erica D. Voorhees

For Judge of the Ninth District Court of Appeals
Full Term Beginning 2/10/2023

Candidate Q&A

Candidate Details

  • Residence
    Cuyahoga Falls
  • Email
    voorheesforjudge@gmail.com
  • Website
    voorheesforjudge.com
  • Social Media
    facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078669255748
    Instagram.com/voorheesforjudge
  • Age
    43
  • Occupation
    Magistrate & Judicial Attorney at the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
  • Education

    -Manchester High School (Akron, Ohio)-1998

    -University College (Bath/Oxford, England) - Study abroad, Spring 2001

    -Denison University (Granville, Ohio) - May 2002, Bachelor of Arts, English and political science (double major)

    -The University of Akron School of Law (Akron, Ohio) - May 2005, Juris Doctor

  • Work Experience

    -Summit County Court of Common Pleas, General Division – Akron, Ohio; Magistrate and Judicial Attorney for Judge Kathryn Michael (2019-Present). 

    -Akron Municipal Court – Akron, Ohio; Magistrate (2016-2017; 2017-2018; 2018) and Judicial Attorney (2016-2018) for Judge Kathryn Michael.

    -Summit County Legal Defender’s Office - Akron, Ohio; Staff Attorney (2012-2016).

    -Erica Pruitt Voorhees, Attorney at Law - Canton, Ohio; Solo Practitioner (2012-2013). 

    -Stark County Public Defender Office - Canton, Ohio; Staff Attorney (2005-2012). 

  • Family
    Married for 16 years with 2 children, ages 14 and 7
  • Affiliations

    -Parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Church of Cuyahoga Falls (Present)
    -Member of Akron Bar Association, Wayne County Bar Association, Lorain County Bar Association and Medina County Bar Association (Present)
    -Meal Volunteer for Rahab Ministries (Present)
    -Member of Federated Democratic Women of Ohio (Present)
    -Member of Federated Democratic Women's Caucus of Summit County (Present)
    -Parish Council Member for St. Joseph Catholic Church (2019 - 2021)
    -Member of Good Samaritan Hunger Center Board of Directors (2018 - 2020)
    -Volunteer for St. Bernard's Hot Meal Program (2016 - Present)
    -Volunteer Coordinator for the St. Joseph Catholic Parish School Home and School Association (2016 - 2018)
    -Member of Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative’s Detention Alternative Committee (2013 - 2017)
    -Member of Summit County Juvenile Court Restore Court Advisory Committee (2015 - 2017)
    -Member of Stark County Bar Association’s Criminal Law Committee, Grievances Committee (2011 - 2014)
    -Stark County Bar Association (2006 - 2015)
    -Ohio Association of Magistrates (Present)
    -Ohio Judicial College Mentorship Program (Present)
    -ATHENA Akron (Present)
    -NAACP (Present)

  • Endorsements

    -The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund

    http://www.theoecactionfund.org

    -CWA Local 4302

    https://cwad4.org/local-4302

    -Lorain County UAW CAP Council 

    -Carpenters Local #285

    -Lorain County AFL-CIO

    -Ohio AFL-CIO

    -Tri-County Regional Labor Council

    -IBEW Local 306

Photo of Erica D. Voorhees Erica D. Voorhees

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

-Summit County Court of Common Pleas – Akron, Ohio; Magistrate for Judge Kathryn Michael (2019-Present). 

-Akron Municipal Court – Akron, Ohio; Magistrate (2016-2017; 2017-2018; 2018) for Judge Kathryn Michael.

Question 2

What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?

As a practitioner, I saw people at the worst times of their lives. These experiences broadened my personal perspective in considering individuals more comprehensively. I also have significant jury and bench trial experience as a lawyer.

As a judicial attorney, I research, prepare, and revise judicial opinions with consideration toward possible appellate review.

Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I am running for the Ninth District Court of Appeals because appellate procedure and judgeships need demystified. Many members of the community - even members of the legal community - do not know or understand what appellate courts do. Judges, as community representatives and leaders, are responsible for educating the public about the courts in which they serve. To educate the community, however, judges must be present in and involved with their communities, both professionally and personally. I am committed to understanding the communities within Summit, Wayne, Lorain, and Medina Counties toward a meaningful judicial and personal relationship with their citizens.