photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

The Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Center is pictured on Sept. 4, 2024.

The 7th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected three finalists as candidates to replace retired Judge Sally Pokorny on the Douglas County District Court bench.

Two of the finalists are currently pro tem judges on the court: Blake Gover, of Baldwin City, and Paul Klepper, of Lawrence. The other finalist is Krystal Vokins, of Lawrence, who is an assistant training director with Kansas Board of Indigents’ Defense Services.

The three names, narrowed down from nine, have been sent to Gov. Laura Kelly, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy.

After serving one year in office, a new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.