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<h1>The right judgment can change the trajectory of a life.</h1>

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<h2>Support Bill's Campaign!</h2>

<h4>Contribute now to support our campaign!</h4>

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<h1>Issues</h1>

<p>Mike &amp; Bethany Campbell hosted an event on June 17 at their home to introduce their neighbors to their friend Bill Ellis and learn why he is running for Division 9 Associate Circuit Judge.</p>

<h2>Meet Bill<br><span style="color: var(--color-headline-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-headline-secondary);">Hosted by Mike &amp; Bethany Campbell</span></h2>

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Read below for some of our top priorities

<h2>Headline text here</h2>

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<h4>Community</h4>

<h4>Opportunity</h4>

<h4>Accountability</h4>

<h3>Justice shapes our future</h3><p>"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.</p><p>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."</p><p>-- Bill Ellis, Candidate for Division 9 Boone County Associate Circuit Judge</p>

Priorities List

<h1>News</h1>

<p>On April 26, Bill joined several volunteers to host a booth at the Columbia Earth Day festival. We handed out flowers to take home and plant and our popular "Democra-seed" packets. Bill got the opportunity to engage with many people in our community to explain why he is running for judge.</p>

<h2>Earth Day</h2>

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<p>On July 18, Bill joined his fellow proud Boone County Democrats to march in the Ashland Pride Parade and then enjoyed visiting with our Southern Boone neighbors at the 2026 Ashland Pride Fest. It was a beautiful day filled with positivity and community pride!</p>

<h2>Ashland Pride Parade</h2>

<h1>Donate</h1>

<h2>Testimonials in Support of Bill's Campaign</h2>

<h6>Rep. David Tyson Smith</h6>

<h6>Casey Berndt, esq.</h6>

<h6>Mike Campbell, esq.</h6>

<h6>Cindy Garrett</h6>

<h6>Emily livigne</h6>

<h6>Amy Markel, esq.</h6>

<h6>christina mccartney, esq.</h6>

<h6>Ruth McCluskey</h6>

<h6>Jerrell morton</h6>

<h6>Tony meyer, esq.</h6>

<h6>Stephen Pratte, esq.</h6>

<h6>Chimene Schwach, Boone County Public Administrator</h6>

<h6>sander sowers, esq.</h6>

<h6>Michelle werts</h6>

<h6>Natalie Wuest</h6>

Testimonials

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

<h2>Events</h2>

Events

<p>Bill is incredibly grateful to the community leaders who have publicly endorsed his candidacy!</p>

<h2>Bill Ellis for Judge</h2>

<h6>mISSOURI STATE SENATOR</h6>

<h4>Stephen Webber</h4>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><a href="/514da289-8c6a-48c2-8c02-6e5e5cdc4a70#block-4e3c8e98-0c6f-4697-90d5-7e3e5ecab68b"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Read Testimonial</strong></a></span></p>

<h6>Missouri state representative</h6>

<h4>David Tyson Smith</h4>

<h6>Fmr. Missouri State Represetnative</h6>

<h4>Vicky Riback Wilson</h4>

<h6>boone county<br>presiding commissioner</h6>

<h4>Kip Kendrick</h4>

<h6>Boone County commissioner</h6>

<h4>Janet Thompson</h4>

<h6>boone county commissioner</h6>

<h4>Justin Aldred</h4>

<h6>boone county<br>recorder of deeds</h6>

<h4>Bob Nolte</h4>

<p><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=I%20am%20certain%20he%20would%20be%20the%20same%20as%20a%20judge" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Read Testimonial</strong></a></p>

<h6>Boone County<br>Public Administrator</h6>

<h4>Chimene Schwach</h4>

<h6>columbia city council member, ward 3</h6>

<h4>Jacque Sample</h4>

<h6>Columbia city council member, ward 4</h6>

<h4>Nick Foster</h4>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=Boone%20County%20deserves%20a%20judge%20with%20experience%2C%20compassion%2C%20and%20a%20genuine%20heart%20for%20service" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Read Testimonial</strong></a></span></p>

<h6>Law office of casey rose berndt</h6>

<h4>Casey Berndt</h4>

<h6>harper, evans, hilbrenner &amp; netemeyer</h6>

<h4>Jessica Caldera</h4>

<h6>Smith lewis llp</h6>

<h4>Jose Caldera</h4>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=I%20hope%20you%E2%80%99ll%20join%20me%20in%20supporting%20Bill%20Ellis%20for%20Boone%20County%20Associate%20Circuit%20Judge" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Read Testimonial</strong></a></span></p>

<h6>Managing Partner, Thomas Law Offices</h6>

<h4>Mike Campbell</h4>

<h6>community activist</h6>

<h4>Kate Canterbury</h4>

<h6>Stinson llp</h6>

<h4>Aimee Davenport</h4>

<h6>retired educator hallsville RIV</h6>

<h4>Kena Forbis</h4>

<p><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=Based%20on%20my%20years%20of%20observing%20Bill%E2%80%99s%20work%20and%20dedication%2C%20I%20believe%20he%20would%20serve%20with%20integrity%2C%20fairness%2C%20and%20compassion%20as%20a%20judge" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Read Testimonial</strong></a></p>

<h6>court administrator<br>13th judicial cir., 2021-2025</h6>

<h4>Cindy Garrett</h4>

<h6>recent graduate<br>first time voter</h6>

<h4>Tena Green</h4>

<h6>Journalism professor</h6>

<h4>Prof. Amanda Hinnant</h4>

<h6>James law group</h6>

<h4>Charlie James</h4>

<h6>Markel &amp; lingo<br>attorneys at law</h6>

<h4>Anna Lingo</h4>

<p><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=Bill%20Ellis%20is%20exactly%20the%20kind%20of%20person%20you%20want%20making%20those%20decisions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Read Testimonial</strong></a></p>

<h6>Former client</h6>

<h4>Emily Livigne</h4>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=He%20will%20be%20an%20outstanding%20addition%20to%20the%20bench" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Read Testimonial</strong></a></span></p>

<h6>markel &amp; Lingo<br>Attorneys at law</h6>

<h4>Amy Markel</h4>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=Bill%20is%20an%20excellent%20attorney%20and%20will%20be%20the%20perfect%20addition%20to%20Missouri%E2%80%99s%20Thirteenth%20Judicial%20Circuit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Read Testimonial</strong></a></span></p>

<h6>law office of<br>christina mCcarnety</h6>

<h4>Christina McCartney</h4>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=I%20wholeheartedly%20endorse%20him%20for%20Judge%20in%20Division%209" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Read Testimonial</strong></a></span></p>

<h6>juvenile officer, 13th Judicial circuit, 2015-2024</h6>

<h4>Ruth McCluskey</h4>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=I%20know%20Bill%20will%20set%20the%20standard%20as%20a%20fair%20and%20empathetic%20judge" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Read Testimonial</strong></a></span></p>

<h6>meyer moody llc</h6>

<h4>Tony Meyer</h4>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=education%2C%20stability%2C%20and%20success" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Read Testimonial</strong></a></span></p>

<h6>Missouri Youthbuild Program Director</h6>

<h4>Jerrell Morton</h4>

<h6>Educator, fmr. chair of boone county democrats</h6>

<h4>Lyra Noce</h4>

<h6>Blitz Bardget &amp;<br>Deutsch, LC</h6>

<h4>Chris Pieper</h4>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=Our%20County%20and%20its%20residents%20deserve%20and%20need%20someone%20with%20experience%20and%20integrity%2C%20and%20Bill%20has%20both%20of%20these%20things%20and%20more" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Read Testimonial</strong></a></span></p>

<h6>Pratte &amp;<br>Associates, LLC</h6>

<h4>Stephen Pratte</h4>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=Bill%20is%20the%20right%20choice%20for%20Division%209%20Judge" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Read Testimonial</strong></a></span></p>

<h6>MO bar dist. 15 governor, Lear Werts LLP<br></h6>

<h4>Sander Sowers</h4>

<h6>columbia dentistry<br>for children</h6>

<h4>Dr. Gregory Stine</h4>

<h6>Fidelity national financial</h6>

<h4>Dave Townsend</h4>

<h6>anesthesiologist</h6>

<h4>Dr. Andrew Tran</h4>

<h6>law office of matt uhrig</h6>

<h4>Matt Uhrig</h4>

<h6>Columbia earth day coordinator</h6>

<h4>Laura Wacker</h4>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><a href="/514da289-8c6a-48c2-8c02-6e5e5cdc4a70"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Read Testimonial</strong></a></span></p>

<h6>Perspective farms</h6>

<h4>Michelle Werts</h4>

<h6>Co-founder,<br>ragtag &amp; true/false </h6>

<h4>David Wilson</h4>

<h6>The hines &amp; Wilson<br>law firm</h6>

<h4>Scott Wilson</h4>

<h6>Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Dist. Ass'n</h6>

<h4>Pastor Anthony Woods</h4>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><a href="https://www.ellisforjudge.org/testimonials#:~:text=Bill%20is%20an%20invaluable%20asset%20in%20this%20role%2C%20and%20I%20wholeheartedly%20endorse%20him%20without%20reservation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Read Testimonial</strong></a></span></p>

<h6>LIcensed professional counselor</h6>

<h4>Natalie Wuest</h4>

Headshots

<p>Bill headed to Hallsville on May 21 for dinner at Jim &amp; Tabby McCray's place. It was an evening of good food and good neighbors.</p>

<h2>Grab a Bite with Bill<br><span style="color: var(--color-headline-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-headline-secondary);">with Jim &amp; Tabby McCrary</span></h2>

<h2>Headline Text Here</h2>

<h2>Our court is part of our community</h2><h4>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.</h4><span class="image image-framed image-right image-tilt-left" style="width: 25%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><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"></span><span class="caption" style="">Bill in High School</span></span><p>I’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.</p><p>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.</p><span class="image image-framed image-left image-tilt-left" style="width: 35%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><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"></span><span class="caption" style="">Bill on the courthouse steps</span></span><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><span class="image image-framed image-right image-tilt-left" style="width: 35%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><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"></span><span class="caption" style="">Bill teaching civics at Boys &amp; Girls State</span></span><p>Outside 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.</p><p>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.</p>

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<h1>Bill's Values</h1>

<h1>Events</h1>

<h1>Videos</h1>

<p>On May 13, our Boone County local attorneys sponsored a BBQ at Bill's office and invited one and all from the community. We had CoMo Smoke &amp; Fire BBQ, live music, yard games, and more!</p>

<h2>BBQ with Bill<br><span style="color: var(--color-headline-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-headline-secondary);">Hosted by our Local Attorneys</span></h2>

Check if you are registered to vote

<h2>Election Resources</h2><h4>Primary Election: August 4, 2026</h4>

<h5>Register to vote</h5>

<h5>Update your voter registration</h5>

<h5>Request an absentee ballot</h5>

<h5>Find Your Polling Place</h5>

Resources

News Post

<p>On May 29, Bill and supporters joined the Boone County Democrats to march in Centralia's annual Anchor Fest Parade. It was a chance to connect with our Northern Boone County neighbors, hand out some candy to the kids, and of course . . . enjoy some funnel cake!</p>

<h2>Anchor Fest</h2>

<h1>Privacy Policy</h1>

<p>Tory Kassabaum &amp; Tony Meyer hosted a gathering on June 27 at the Flower Folk Community Garden for their friend Bill Ellis. It was an opportunity to munch on a light breakfast, enjoy the natural beauty of the garden, and learn about our local courts.</p>

<h2>Garden Party<br><span style="color: var(--color-headline-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-headline-secondary);">with Tory Kassabaum &amp; Tony Meyer</span></h2>

<p><strong>We would love to hear from you!</strong> Use this form to sign up to join the great team of people working to get Bill elected as Boone County's next Judge!</p>

<h2>Get Involved</h2>

Long Form

Short Form

<p>On June 20, Bill joined the Boone County Democrats and many other local groups to walk in the Juneteenth Parade. This was the culminating event of a week of celebration to commemorate<em> </em>the end of slavery in the United States and celebrate our longest-running African American holiday.</p>

<h2>Juneteenth Parade</h2>

<h1>Can you directly help make a difference today? (not asking for $)<br></h1>

<p><strong>Intro to the testimonials</strong> can be written here.</p>

<h2>Testimonials Here</h2>

<h6>rep. David Tyson Smith<br></h6>

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

<h2>Ready on Day One</h2>

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Experience

<p>Volunteers from all over Boone County joined bill at the Boone County Democrats Headquarters on April 25 to learn how to canvass their neighborhoods and let voters know about Bill's campaign for Division 9 Associate Circuit Judge.</p>

<h2>Canvassing Kickoff</h2>

<strong>Introduce the videos below</strong> with a short blurb.

<h2>Campaign Videos</h2>

<h4>Emily L.</h4><p>Emily is a former foster youth who had Bill as her Guardian Ad Litem. She explains the impact Bill had on her life and why she supports him for Division 9 Judge.</p>

<h4>Bob C.</h4><p>Bob is a lifelong democrat and retired professor. He explains that he supports Bill for Division 9 Judge because of Bill's commitment to teaching young people about our democracy.</p>

<h4>Tena G.</h4><p>Tena is a first-time voter who met Bill at Missouri Girls State and then interned with him .</p>

<h4>Greta B.</h4><p>Greta is a local attorney how has known Bill since they attended law school together. She explains why she believes Boone County would be fortunate to have Bill as a judge.</p>

Video

<p><strong>“I was born and raised in Boone County.</strong> 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."</p>

Page Intro

news & press

Latest Campaign News

Annual BBQ, Stump Speeches & Silent Auction

Columbia Attorney Bill Ellis Announces Candidacy for Division 9 Boone County Associate Circuit Judge