Frederick County Circuit Court Judge William Rogers Nicklas Jr., who ran unopposed in Tuesday’s general election, will keep his seat on the bench.

Nicklas finished the night with 80,537 votes, or 99.2 percent, according to complete but unofficial results from the Frederick County Board of Elections. There were 653 write-in votes.

Nicklas was appointed to the bench by Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) in December. He was sworn in on Jan. 27, and has been serving as judge since. Although he was running unopposed for the 6th Circuit Court, his name still was required to appear on the ballot.

Nicklas, 61, was one of 13 people who applied to fill the vacancy left by Judge John H. Tisdale, who retired last year at the age of 70.

A circuit court judge serves 15 years, but must step down at age 70. Circuit judges in Maryland earn $144,908 a year.

Lynne A. Battaglia, who ran unopposed for judge for the Court of Appeals, and Stuart R. Berger, who ran unopposed for the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, will both keep their seats on the bench.

Battaglia finished with 75,988 votes or 88.9 percent. There were 9,465 write-in votes. Berger garnered 74,894 votes or 88.3 percent. His race ended with 9,909 write-in votes.

sgreenfield@gazette.net