WASHINGTON — Montgomery County voters will be asked on the Nov. 8 ballot whether they favor term limits after a Circuit Court judge upheld the legality of a petition drive requesting the referendum.

Voters will be asked whether the county executive and members of the county council should be limited to three straight terms. County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett is currently serving his third term, and several members of the council have either served at least three terms or are in their third.

Defense attorney and activist Robin Ficker launched the petition drive and was delighted that the question has been ordered placed on the ballot.

“The Montgomery County Council is like a diaper: It needs to be changed often, and for the same reason,” Ficker said.

Opponents of term limits argue that the right to vote elected leaders out of office is a sufficient vehicle for change. But Ficker hopes Montgomery County voters back the referendum.

“We’re going to get term limits and fresh ideas in Montgomery County,” Ficker said.