Bill > SB335

This bill modifies Missouri state law to require special elections, rather than gubernatorial appointments, for filling vacancies in statewide elected offices such as lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer, and attorney general. Under the new provisions, when a vacancy occurs in one of these offices, the governor must issue a writ of election within 30 days of receiving notice of the vacancy, and the special election must be held within 60 days of the writ's issuance. Previously, the governor would appoint someone to fill these vacancies until the next regular election. The bill repeals existing statutes that allowed gubernatorial appointments and replaces them with a new section (105.025) mandating special elections. This change ensures that voters, rather than the governor, have the immediate opportunity to choose a replacement for a vacant statewide office, enhancing democratic representation by allowing more direct public input into filling unexpected leadership gaps. The bill does not apply to vacancies in legislative offices like state senators or representatives.

Government Affairs

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=411