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The right judgment can change the trajectory of a life.

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<h3>Canvassing Kick-Off Training &amp; Meet-&amp;-Greet</h3>Join folks from around the community to learn about Bill's campaign and how you can help spread the word to people in your neighborhood!

<h2>Bill learns about Central Missouri YouthBuild</h2>Job Point’s YouthBuild Program has been young people from central Missouri improve their lives for more than 20 years. It offers young people the opportunity to take control of their futures by completing their educations while also developing crucial career and leadership skills.Bill met with the group in January to learn how the program can continue and even expand its positive impact on our community.

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<h3>Justice shapes our future</h3>"I’m running for judge because I believe our courts should be more than places of punishment — they should be places of accountability and opportunity.After years of representing adults, parents, and children in the Criminal, Civil, Family, Probate, Traffic, and Juvenile Divisions of Boone County’s Court, I've seen firsthand how the right guidance and the right judgment can change the trajectory of a life. That experience taught me that justice isn’t only about decisions made in the moment – it’s about shaping futures."-- Bill Ellis, Candidate for Division 9 Boone County Associate Circuit Judge

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Testimonials in Support of Bill's Campaign

Rep. David Tyson Smith

Casey Berndt, esq.

Michael Campbell, esq.

Amy Markel, esq.

christina mccartney, esq.

Ruth McCluskey

Jerrell morton

Tony meyer, esq.

Stephen Pratte, esq.

Michelle werts

Natalie Wuest

sander sowers, esq.

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Bill is committed to engaging with the community. Below is a list of upcoming events -- we hope to see you there!

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Bill is incredibly grateful to the community leaders who have publicly endorsed his candidacy!

Bill Ellis for Judge

mISSOURI STATE SENATOR

Stephen Webber

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Missouri state representative

David Tyson Smith

boone county presiding commissioner

Kip Kendrick

Boone County commissioner

Janet Thompson

boone county commissioner

Justin Aldred

boone county recorder of deeds

Bob Nolte

columbia city council member, ward 3

Jacque Sample

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Casey Berndt

harper, evans, hilbrenner &amp; netemeyer

Jessica Caldera

Smith lewis llp

Jose Caldera

Managing Partner, Thomas Law Offices

Michael Campbell

Journalism professor

Prof. Amanda Hinnant

Markel &amp; lingo attorneys at law

Anna Lingo

markel &amp; Lingo Attorneys at law

Amy Markel

law office of christina mCcarnety

Christina McCartney

juvenile officer, 13th Judicial circuit, 2015-2024

meyer moody llc

Tony Meyer

Missouri Youthbuild Program Director

Jerrell Morton

Blitz Bardget &amp; Deutsch, LC

Chris Pieper

Pratte &amp; Associates, LLC

Stephen Pratte

MO bar dist. 15 governor, Lear Werts LLP

Sander Sowers

columbia dentistry for children

Dr. Gregory Stine

Fidelity national financial

Dave Townsend

anesthesiologist

Dr. Andrew Tran

law office of matt uhrig

Matt Uhrig

Perspective farms

Michelle Werts

Co-founder, ragtag &amp; true/false

David Wilson

LIcensed professional counselor

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<h2>Our court is part of our community</h2><h3>I’m Bill Ellis and I’m running for Associate Circuit Judge in Division 9 because as a lifelong resident of Boone County, I believe our courts should be a place where justice means not only holding people accountable for their actions but also providing them the opportunity to move forward.</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/bc241a56-2814-4f83-b97b-c64d00f2b89f/01451424-1499-4c9d-b69e-26e0b6b5bea4/01451424-1499-4c9d-b69e-26e0b6b5bea4.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=79%2C106%2C443%2C708&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Bill in High School" align="right" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Bill in High SchoolI’m proud to have grown up here in Boone County. I’m a Shepard Boulevard Stallion, Jefferson Junior Cyclone, Hickman Kewpie, and Missouri Tiger. From kindergarten all the way through law school at Mizzou, this community shaped me. It’s where my family and friends live, where I built my legal career and try to give back, and where I met my partner, Kim, and where we’ve made our life.I’ve spent many years in and around our courts, starting from my early days prior to law school when I worked as a deputy juvenile officer for Boone and Callaway Counties. That job gave me a crash course in the kinds of challenges people in our community face, but it also taught me the importance of hope and accountability, and that people can change when given the opportunity and support to do so. Those same lessons guide me today. Whether it’s a criminal, probate, civil, or family law case, or my work in juvenile court where I regularly represent youth alleged to have broken the law or serve as a Guardian ad Litem advocating for abused and neglected children, I’ve learned that the law has the power to change people’s lives and futures.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/bc241a56-2814-4f83-b97b-c64d00f2b89f/42af5279-63c7-40b1-ae5a-4474e81e61ac/42af5279-63c7-40b1-ae5a-4474e81e61ac.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=453%2C333%2C1595%2C1203&amp;w=1500" alt="Photo of Bill Ellis outside of the Boone County Courthouse" caption="Bill on the courthouse steps" align="left" alignwidth="35" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Bill on the courthouse steps&nbsp;I’ve spent my entire career using the law to help people from Boone County through some of the most crucial moments of their lives. As a lawyer, I’ve helped people adopt a child, stop abusing drugs or alcohol, start a business, or safely escape an abusive relationship. In my nearly 25 years as an attorney, I’ve seen the full range of what the legal system can do. Sure, sometimes it has to hold people accountable because that’s what’s needed for everyone to move forward. But sometimes, the right conversation with someone who is appearing in court to answer for a terrible choice they’ve made is enough to give that person hope for a better future, and sometimes hope for a better future is all a person needs to decide not to make the same bad choice again. That’s why I’m running for Associate Circuit Judge. I want to keep making that difference by bringing fairness, empathy, and common sense to the bench, and to help strengthen Boone County one case at a time.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/bc241a56-2814-4f83-b97b-c64d00f2b89f/4b6e04f7-3011-4f05-b721-7fdb5c81ac8f/4b6e04f7-3011-4f05-b721-7fdb5c81ac8f.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=1425%2C0%2C6239%2C4187&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Bill teaching civics at Boys &amp; Girls State" align="right" alignwidth="35" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Bill teaching civics at Boys &amp; Girls StateOutside of my law practice, I’ve always believed in giving back. I’ve volunteered with Missouri Boys State and Missouri Girls State for almost twenty years, teaching young people about leadership, government, and civic responsibility. I also serve on the Missouri State Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, helping shape policy for youth and families across the state.And when I’m not in court, you can probably find me cheering for the Royals or the Tigers, or catching a band at Rose Park, or spending time with friends at Flat Branch because for me, Boone County isn’t just where I work. It’s home.

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<h2>Election Resources</h2><h3>Primary Election: August 4, 2026</h3>

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Bill is committed to engaging community members. Here are some upcoming events. More will be added to our <a href="/7f7058cb-11c5-4a3d-8c6f-45dc4e0bd3aa">Events</a> page, so stay tuned!

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rep. David Tyson Smith

Bill is running for Division 9 Associate Circuit Judge, currently Boone County's juvenile court division. And with a career filled with deep experience, he has the background necessary to treat any case with the consideration and care it deserves.

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“I was born and raised in Boone County. It's where I attended school, from kindergarten all the way through law school. It's where my family and friends are. And it's where I've chosen to devote my professional career. I love it here."

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The right judgment can change the trajectory of a life.

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Donations can also be mailed to:Friends of Bill Ellis 103 Ripley Street Columbia, MO 65201Contributors must (1) be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident (2) make contributions from their own funds and are not being provided by another person or entity for the purpose of making the contribution (3) be at least 18 years old (4) disclose to the campaign any contract they have with the Missouri state government, and (5) not be using corporation or labor organization funds.

One of the most powerful ways you can support Bill Ellis is by helping more people hear about his campaign.A quick post from you reaches friends and neighbors who trust your voice.If you’re supporting Bill Ellis for the Division 9 Associate Circuit Judge, would you take a moment to share that endorsement on your social media page?Just click the button below to post.

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Bill held his Campaign Kickoff on October 29 at Logboat Brewery. More than 100 supporters attended to get first dibs on campaign swag and learn why Bill is running for Division 9 Boone County Circuit Associate Judge.

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Bill is committed to engaging with the entire Boone County community. Here are some of the headlines and events for our campaign.

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Bill has been working in Boone County’s courtrooms nearly every day for almost 25 years. That experience has left him convinced that our courts work best when they are responsive to the needs of our community, hold people and themselves accountable, and provide opportunity to those of us who need to get back on track.

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Bill Ellis has been endorsed by elected officials and community leaders from across Boone County and Columbia Missouri for his campaign to be the next Division 9 Associate Circuit Judge.

Boone County Leaders Endorse Bill Ellis for Judge

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Elected officials and Boone County Missouri leaders offer their personal testimonials about Bill Ellis and his campaign to become the next Division 9 Associate Circuit Judge.

Testimonials from Boone County Democrats about Bill Ellis

See the events Bill Ellis is attending during his Boone County, Missouri judicial campaign.

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Learn what's happening in the campaign to elect Bill Ellis for Boone County Associate Circuit Judge.

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Starting page for the campaign to elect Bill Ellis as Division 9 Associate Circuit Judge for Boone County, Missouri.

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Learn about Bill Ellis' personal values for why he believes he is qualified to serve as Division IX associate circuit judge.

Bill's Values | Boone County judicial candidate

Your donation will help elect Bill Ellis as the next Division IX Associate Circuit Judge for Boone County, Missouri.

Support Bill Ellis for Boone County Judge

Come meet Bill Ellis on the second floor of Logboat Brewing Co. on Wed, Oct 29 at 4:30 PM.

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Meet Bill Ellis and learn about his personal history as he runs for Boone County, MO associate circuit judge.

Meet Bill Ellis, candidate for judge

Meet Bill

I’m running for Associate Circuit Judge because I believe our courts should reflect the values of the community they serve and represent. Boone County has shaped who I am. It’s where I grew up, from kindergarten all the way through high school. It’s where I decided to attend college and law school. It’s where my family and friends are. And it’s where I’ve chosen to live and work as a lawyer. I love it here. There is synergy between Boone County’s people and families, its businesses and organizations and institutions. We are all interconnected. Our neighbors’ troubles impact all of us, but their successes make our whole community better.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/bc241a56-2814-4f83-b97b-c64d00f2b89f/f935e4a4-82db-4eaf-880c-f6f6366e22e8/f935e4a4-82db-4eaf-880c-f6f6366e22e8.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=70%2C45%2C466%2C668&amp;w=1500" alt="Bill in first grade at Shepard Boulevard Elementary School" caption="Bill in first grade at Shepard Boulevard Elementary School" align="left" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Bill in first grade at Shepard Boulevard Elementary SchoolI share Boone County’s values. I have walked the same streets, lived in the same neighborhoods, attended the same schools, and supported the same local businesses as the rest of its citizens. And I’ve built a career out of serving the people of this community. I understand the challenges we face because I’ve helped people through them. As a judge, I’ll ensure that the courtroom isn’t a distant, intimidating place, but a space where neighbors are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Justice doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it lives in the trust between the court and the community it serves.Our courts can help those in our community faced with life-altering challenges. Our legal system is entrusted not just with protecting the public when the social contract is broken, but also with finding a way to help those who are struggling to get back on track. And when those who are struggling get back on track, all of us in Boone County benefit.Justice, at its best, strengthens our community by ensuring fairness, restoring trust, and helping people find a better path forward. That is the vision I will bring to our courts.

Boone County is greater than the sum of its parts. Its people and families, its businesses, and its organizations and institutions are all interconnected. Our neighbors’ struggles impact all of us. And their successes make our whole community better.

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Bill Ellis will make his first appearance as a candidate at the Annual BBQ &amp; Stump Speeches hosted by the Boone County Democratic Party at Stephens Lake Park on October 12 from 11:30AM to 2:30PM. This is a candidate focused event that will also feature a silent auction of baked goods and other items.

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Annual BBQ, Stump Speeches &amp; Silent Auction

Join Bill for a fun event at his office! We will have CoMo Smoke &amp; Fire BBQ, live music, yard games, and more! All are welcome, but please RSVP using this form so we make sure we have enough food!

BBQ with Bill (hosted by our local attorneys)

BBQ with Bill

Come meet Bill Ellis on the second floor at Logboat Brewing Co. We will have plenty of food and drink as well as first dibs on campaign swag fresh off the presses. Hope to see you there!

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RSVP for our Campaign Kickoff at Logboat!

Bill Ellis is looking forward to attending this year's Chili Supper. The event is a beloved tradition of the Boone County Democrats and is always well attended. This year's special guest speaker is the Mayor of Kansas City, the Honorable Quinton Lucas!

Boone County Democrats Annual Chili Supper

Annual BBQ & Stump Speeches

I’m running for Associate Circuit Judge because our courts must be accountable, not just to the people they serve and the community they represent, but to the law they must uphold. Judges must follow the law, but they must also lead with integrity, consistency, and transparency. If judges don’t respect the rule of law, then the rest of the community won’t respect it either. With years of experience in the courtroom, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for Boone County’s citizens to have confidence in our justice system. I will hold myself to the highest ethical standards, because this role isn’t just about rulings, it’s about responsibility. People deserve a judge who listens, who acts fairly, and who never forgets that every decision affects real lives.But there can also be no opportunity without accountability. The court can provide fairness and guidance and offer promising second chances instead of harsh consequences, but those opportunities come with responsibility. The law can provide a pathway to a better life, but individuals must take ownership of their actions and futures and be accountable to the court and the rest of the community. True accountability is a partnership between the court and the community. When the judiciary upholds the law with fairness and integrity, and when individuals take responsibility for making positive changes, our entire community grows stronger.

Our courts can be places where people and families turn things around, where accountability goes hand-in-hand with the chance to rebuild, and where the community stands at the ready to help in that effort.

I’m running for Associate Circuit Judge because I believe everyone deserves a fair shot, both in life and in court. Our courts should be more than places of punishment; they should be places of fairness, accountability, and assistance. After years of representing adults, parents, and children in the Criminal, Civil, Family, Probate, Traffic, and Juvenile Divisions of Boone County’s Court, I’ve seen firsthand how the right guidance and the right judgment can change the trajectory of a life. That experience has taught me that justice isn’t only about choices or rulings made in the moment, it’s about making decisions that can shape futures. Not just the future of the individual standing in front of the judge, but the future of our entire community. If Boone County’s people are successful, then Boone County thrives.Opportunity should not depend on zip code, background, or bank account. My legal career has taught me that the justice system can either open doors for people or close them. I choose to open them. Whether someone is facing their first mistake or seeking protection under the law, I will ensure they are heard, treated with fairness, and given a chance. Justice shouldn’t just be available for those who are privileged, it should create pathways for everyone to do better, be better, and move forward.As judge, I will always remember that every case is more than just a file; it’s an opportunity for a person, a family, and a community. Our courts don’t necessarily need to be punitive to be effective. Our courts can be places where people and families turn things around, where accountability goes hand-in-hand with the chance to rebuild, and where the community stands at the ready to help in that effort. Our courthouse can and should be a place where the law serves as both a safeguard for all of us and a second chance for litigants. Justice, when done right, not only changes outcomes, it can also change lives.

Justice isn’t only about decisions made in the moment – it’s about shaping futures. Not just the future of the individual standing in front of the judge, but the future of our entire community.