CHICAGO (AP) — A former law clerk who was fired for impersonating a judge now is running to become one, and critics say her expected victory is a product of Illinois’ system for filling judicial vacancies.

Rhonda Crawford is the only candidate listed on the ballot for the Chicago-area judgeship, after winning a three-way Democratic primary. She’s facing criminal charges for donning a robe and presiding over traffic cases in August.

Illinois is one of several states where party-affiliated candidates run for vacant judicial seats. Critics say the system often renders candidate records irrelevant and often means races are decided more by clout, identity politics and sheer luck.

The Illinois Supreme Court this week temporarily suspended her law license. Even if she wins Tuesday, she’d have to be cleared before taking the bench.