As schools wrap up their academic year and parents pack supplies for summer camp, early voting will take place between June 15 and 23 for a number of local offices. They may not appear consequential, but lines on the ballot such as surrogate or civil court judge provide an opportunity for voters to participate in the judicial process. Often, it is the executive and legislative branches that appear on the ballot, and judges are usually nominated by party leaders, running unopposed, and sometimes on the lines of both major parties.