Last Day of Early Voting – Saturday, August 1, 2026

Election Day – Thursday, August 6, 2026

🗳️ Voting & Ballot Mechanics

Q: When is election day, and how does early voting work?

A: The official County General election is on August 6, 2026. However, you don’t have to wait until August to cast your ballot. Early Voting runs from July 17 through August 1, 2026, at various high-turnout locations across Shelby County. Because this is a non-partisan judicial race, there is no primary or runoff—whoever gets the most votes wins the seat.

Q: Where exactly will I find your name on the ballot?

A: The ballot is sorted alphabetically by last name, which means in this crowded eight-way race, PATEL is at the absolute bottom of the ballot for Criminal Court Division 8. Candidates often rely on voters picking a name at the top out of fatigue: I am asking my voters to stay focused, skip the noise, and scroll all the way to the bottom!

⚖️ Experience & Qualifications

Q: What is your actual courtroom and trial experience?

A: I have nearly two decades of state and federal criminal defense litigation experience. I built a criminal defense practice from the ground up as a solo practitioner before joining the Donati Law Firm. I have handled hundreds of felony and misdemeanor cases, as well as traffic citations and orders of protections. Particularly close to my heart, I volunteer in the mental health hospital system by representing persons who have been involuntarily committed to treatment for their safety. From bond hearings to jury trials, I have defended the rights of people of Shelby County.

Q: Why step away from a successful private practice to run for Judge?

A: Because public trust in our legal system is wavering, and our local courts are bogged down by systemic stagnation and multi-year backlogs. I am running because I know firsthand how an inefficient courtroom disrupts families, harms victims, and wastes tax dollars. I am ready to trade in my law practice to serve the people of Shelby County.

Vote for Ruchee Patel for Shelby County Criminal Court Judge for Division VIII