115.001. Sections 115.001 to 115.641 and sections 51.450 and 51.460*, RSMo, shall be known as the "Comprehensive Election Act of 1977".
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 1.001)Effective 1-1-78
*Section 51.450 was repealed by S.B. 65, et al., 1987.
115.002. Sections 115.002, 115.024, 115.105, 115.124, 115.159, 115.163, 115.203, 115.205, 115.219, 115.225, 115.237, 115.247, 115.249, 115.427, 115.430, 115.431, 115.439, 115.445, 115.449, 115.453, 115.456, and 115.631, may be cited as the "Missouri Voter Protection Act".
(L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.003. The purpose of sections 115.001 to 115.641 and sections 51.450 and 51.460*, RSMo, is to simplify, clarify and harmonize the laws governing elections. It shall be construed and applied so as to accomplish its purpose.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 1.005)Effective 1-1-78
*Section 51.450 was repealed by S.B. 65, et al., 1987.
115.005. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, sections 115.001 to 115.641 shall apply to all public elections in the state, except elections for which ownership of real property is required by law for voting.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 1.010, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971)
115.007. No part of sections 115.001 to 115.641 and sections 51.450 and 51.460*, RSMo, shall be construed as impliedly amended or repealed by subsequent legislation if such construction can be reasonably avoided.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 1.015)Effective 1-1-78
*Section 51.450 was repealed by S.B. 65, et al., 1987.
115.009. The effective date of sections 115.001 to 115.641 and sections 51.450 and 51.460*, RSMo, shall be January 1, 1978. Any amendment made to a provision repealed by sections 115.001 to 115.641 and sections 51.450 and 51.460*, RSMo, shall remain in force only until January 1, 1978.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 1.020)Effective 1-1-78
*Section 51.450 was repealed by S.B. 65, et al., 1987.
115.012. No rule or portion of a rule promulgated under the authority of this chapter shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to the provisions of section 536.024, RSMo.
(L. 1994 H.B. 1411 § 1, A.L. 1995 S.B. 3)
115.013. As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly implies otherwise, the following terms mean:
(1) "Automatic tabulating equipment", the apparatus necessary to examine and automatically count votes, and the data processing machines which are used for counting votes and tabulating results;
(2) "Ballot", the ballot card, paper ballot or ballot designed for use with an electronic voting system on which each voter may cast all votes to which he or she is entitled at an election;
(3) "Ballot card", a ballot which is voted by making a punch or sensor mark which can be tabulated by automatic tabulating equipment;
(4) "Ballot label", the card, paper, booklet, page or other material containing the names of all offices and candidates and statements of all questions to be voted on;
(5) "Counting location", a location selected by the election authority for the automatic processing or counting, or both, of ballots;
(6) "County", any one of the several counties of this state or the City of St. Louis;
(7) "Disqualified", a determination made by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Missouri ethics commission, an election authority or any other body authorized by law to make such a determination that a candidate is ineligible to hold office or not entitled to be voted on for office;
(8) "District", an area within the state or within a political subdivision of the state from which a person is elected to represent the area on a policy-making body with representatives of other areas in the state or political subdivision;
(9) "Electronic voting system", a system of casting votes by use of marking devices, and counting votes by use of automatic tabulating or data processing equipment, and includes computerized voting systems;
(10) "Established political party" for the state, a political party which, at either of the last two general elections, polled for its candidate for any statewide office, more than two percent of the entire vote cast for the office. "Established political party" for any district or political subdivision shall mean a political party which polled more than two percent of the entire vote cast at either of the last two elections in which the district or political subdivision voted as a unit for the election of officers or representatives to serve its area;
(11) "Federal office", the office of presidential elector, United States senator, or representative in Congress;
(12) "Independent", a candidate who is not a candidate of any political party and who is running for an office for which party candidates may run;
(13) "Major political party", the political party whose candidates received the highest or second highest number of votes at the last general election;
(14) "Marking device", either an apparatus in which ballots are inserted and voted by use of a punch apparatus, or any approved device which will enable the votes to be counted by automatic tabulating equipment;
(15) "Municipal" or "municipality", a city, village, or incorporated town of this state;
(16) "New party", any political group which has filed a valid petition and is entitled to place its list of candidates on the ballot at the next general or special election;
(17) "Nonpartisan", a candidate who is not a candidate of any political party and who is running for an office for which party candidates may not run;
(18) "Political party", any established political party and any new party;
(19) "Political subdivision", a county, city, town, village, or township of a township organization county;
(20) "Polling place", the voting place designated for all voters residing in one or more precincts for any election;
(21) "Precincts", the geographical areas into which the election authority divides its jurisdiction for the purpose of conducting elections;
(22) "Public office", any office established by constitution, statute or charter and any employment under the United States, the state of Missouri, or any political subdivision or special district, but does not include any office in the reserve forces or the national guard or the office of notary public or city attorney in cities of the third classification or cities of the fourth classification;
(23) "Question", any measure on the ballot which can be voted "YES" or "NO";
(24) "Relative within the first degree by consanguinity or affinity", a spouse, parent, or child of a person;
(25) "Relative within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity", a spouse, parent, child, grandparent, brother, sister, grandchild, mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, or son-in-law;
(26) "Special district", any school district, water district, fire protection district, hospital district, health center, nursing district, or other districts with taxing authority, or other district formed pursuant to the laws of Missouri to provide limited, specific services;
(27) "Special election", elections called by any school district, water district, fire protection district, or other district formed pursuant to the laws of Missouri to provide limited, specific services; and
(28) "Voting district", the one or more precincts within which all voters vote at a single polling place for any election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 1.025, A.L. 1979 S.B. 275, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58)
115.015. The county clerk shall be the election authority, except that in a city or county having a board of election commissioners, the board of election commissioners shall be the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.001)Effective 1-1-78
115.017. There shall be a board of election commissioners:
(1) In each county which has or hereafter has over nine hundred thousand inhabitants;
(2) In each city not situated in a county;
(3) In each city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants on January 1, 1978, and is situated in more than one county;
(4) In each county of the first classification containing any part of a city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants; provided that the county commission of a county which becomes a county of the first classification after December 31, 1998, may, prior to such date, adopt an order retaining the county clerk as the election authority. The county may subsequently establish a board of election commissioners as provided in subdivision (5) of this section;
(5) In each county of the first class which elects to have such a board through procedures provided in section 115.019.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.005, A.L. 1997 H.B. 761)
115.019. 1. Any group of registered voters from any county of the first classification not having a board of election commissioners may circulate a petition for the formation of a board.
2. The petition shall be signed by the number of registered voters in the county equal to at least fifteen percent of the total votes cast in the county for governor at the last gubernatorial election.
3. Petitions proposing the formation of a board of election commissioners in any county of the first classification shall be filed with the election authority of the county not later than 5:00 p.m. on the thirteenth Tuesday preceding a general election.
4. Each petition for the formation of a board of election commissioners shall consist of sheets of uniform size. The space for signatures on either side of a petition page shall be no larger than eight and one-half by fourteen inches, and each page shall contain signatures of registered voters from only one county. Each page of each petition for the formation of a board of election commissioners shall be in substantially the following form:
To the Honorable ......................................, county clerk of ......................... County:
We, the undersigned, citizens and registered voters of .................. County, respectfully order that the following question be placed on the official ballot, for acceptance or rejection, at the next general election to be held on the ................. day of ............., ..........:
"Should a board of election commissioners be established in .............. County to assume responsibility for the registration of voters and the conduct of elections?";
and each for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the state of Missouri and ............ County; my registered voting address and the name of the city, town or village in which I live are correctly written after my name. CIRCULATOR'S AFFIDAVIT STATE OF MISSOURI, COUNTY OF ............... I, ..................., a resident of the state of Missouri, being first duly sworn, say (print or type names of signers)
REGISTERED VOTING NAME DATE ADDRESS ZIP CONG NAME (Signature) SIGNED (Street) CODE DIST. (Printed (City,
Town or or Village) Typed)
(Here follow numbered lines for signers)
signed this page of the foregoing petition, and each of them signed his or her name thereto in my presence; I believe that each has stated his or her name, registered voting address and city, town or village correctly, and that each signer is a registered voter of the state of Missouri and ........... County.
..............................
Signature of Affiant
(Person obtaining signatures)
..............................
Address of Affiant
Subscribed and sworn to before me this .................... day of ................., A.D. .............
..............................
Signature of Notary Notary Public (Seal) My commission expires ..................................
If this form is followed substantially, it shall be sufficient, disregarding clerical and merely technical errors.
5. The validity of each petition filed pursuant to provisions of this section shall be determined in the manner provided for new party and independent candidate petitions in sections 115.333, 115.335 and 115.337.
6. Upon the filing of a valid petition for the formation of a board of election commissioners or upon a majority vote of the county commission in any county of the first classification with more than eighty-two thousand but fewer than eighty-two thousand one hundred inhabitants, it shall be the duty of the election authority to have the following question placed on the official ballot, in the same manner other questions are placed, at the next general election:
"Should a board of election commissioners be established in ................... County to assume responsibility for the registration of voters and the conduct of elections?"
7. The votes for and against the question shall be counted and certified in the same manner as votes on other questions.
8. If the question is approved by a majority of the voters at the election, a board of election commissioners shall be appointed as provided in this subchapter and shall have the same rights and responsibilities provided by law for all boards of election commissioners.
9. Any person who is a registered voter of a county of the first classification not having a board of election commissioners may sign a petition for the formation of a board in the county. Any person who signs a name other than the person's own to any petition or knowingly signs the person's name more than once to the same petition or who knows the person is not a registered voter at the time of signing such petition, or any officer or person willfully violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of a class two election offense.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.010, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58 merged with H.B. 342 merged with S.B. 210)
115.021. 1. In each city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants on January 1, 1978, and is situated in more than one county, the board of election commissioners for the city shall have jurisdiction in that part of the city situated in the county containing the major portion of the city.
2. In each county of the first class containing the major portion of a city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants, the board of election commissioners shall have jurisdiction in that part of the county outside the city.
3. In each city not situated in a county, the board of election commissioners shall have jurisdiction throughout the city.
4. In all other counties, the election authority shall have jurisdiction throughout the county.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.015)Effective 1-1-78
115.023. 1. Except as provided in subsections 2 and 3 of this section, each election authority shall conduct all public elections within its jurisdiction.
2. When an election is to be conducted for a political subdivision or special district, and the political subdivision or special district is located within the jurisdiction of more than one election authority, the election authority of the jurisdiction with the greatest proportion of the political subdivision's or special district's registered voters shall be responsible for publishing any legal notice required in this chapter.
3. When an election is to be conducted for a political subdivision or special district, and the political subdivision or special district is located within the jurisdiction of more than one election authority, the affected election authorities may, by contract, authorize one of their number to conduct the election for all or any part of the political subdivision or special district. In any election conducted pursuant to this subsection, the election authority conducting part of an election in an area outside its jurisdiction may consolidate precincts across jurisdiction lines and shall have all powers and duties granted pursuant to this chapter, except the provisions of sections 115.133 to 115.223 and sections 115.279 and 115.297, in the area outside its jurisdiction.
4. Notwithstanding the provision of section 493.030, RSMo, whenever the publication of a legal advertisement, legal notice, order of court or public notice of any kind is allowed or required pursuant to this chapter, a newspaper publishing such notice shall charge and receive not more than its regular local classified advertising rate. The regular local classified advertising rate is that rate shown by the newspaper's rate schedule as offered to the public, and shall have been in effect for at least thirty days preceding publication of the particular notice to which it is applied.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.020, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1995 H.B. 484, et al., A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.024. 1. As used in this section, "disaster" means any catastrophic or natural disaster, statewide or nationwide emergency, man-made disaster, civil disorder, insurgency, bioterrorism attack, terrorist attack, or enemy attack.
2. The supreme court shall by rule establish a panel in each district of each court of appeals of the state to consider petitions filed under this section. Each panel shall consist of three court of appeals judges from such district, and shall be known as the "election panel" of the district in which it is established.
3. In the event that any disaster prohibits any election from occurring on the day the election is required to be held under this chapter, the election authority of the city or county in which the election was to be held may petition the election panel of the district in which the city or county is located for the election panel to authorize a relocation of the polling places affected by such disaster, or to schedule a new date upon which the election authority may conduct the election. The petition shall include the following:
(1) A description of the event prohibiting the election from occurring;
(2) A statement of the reasons the election cannot be held on the day required by law;
(3) The election authority's recommendation for relocation of the polling places or the new date upon which the election shall be held;
(4) A statement of the plan for providing notice to voters of the new location or new date of the election;
(5) A statement that the election authority will be able to conduct the election at the recommended location or on the recommended new date in the same manner as the election would have been conducted had the disaster not occurred.
4. If satisfied that the election authority will be unable to conduct the election as required by this chapter and that the recommended relocation of the polling places or new date of the election will allow voters to vote as provided by law, the election panel shall issue an order to the election authority to relocate the polling places or to conduct the election on the new date as set by the election panel.
5. The election authority shall provide notice to all voters in the election authority's jurisdiction in the same manner as required for elections by this chapter, provided that the requirements for the date and time of providing such notice in this chapter shall not apply. Notice of the election shall include a copy of the order issued by the election panel.
6. The election authority may use the same ballots that were printed for the election that was relocated or rescheduled under this section, unless such ballots were damaged, destroyed, lost, or spoiled by the disaster.
7. All procedures for voting, counting of votes, and contesting elections required under this section shall apply to any election relocated or rescheduled under this section, provided that any requirements for deadlines under this chapter that cannot be met because of the relocation or rescheduling of the election shall be rescheduled by the election panel.
8. The election authority may appeal any order issued by the election panel under this section to the supreme court, and the supreme court shall hear such appeal immediately.
(L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.027. 1. Each board of election commissioners shall be composed of four members, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. Two commissioners on each board shall be members of one major political party, and two commissioners on each board shall be members of the other major political party. In no case shall more than two commissioners on a board be members of the same political party. When appointing commissioners, the governor shall designate one commissioner on each board to be chairman of the board and one commissioner on each board to be secretary of the board. The chairman and secretary of a board shall not be members of the same political party.
2. In jurisdictions with boards of election commissioners as the election authority, the governor may appoint to the board one representative from each established political party. The representative shall not be a member of the board for purposes of subsection 1 of this section. The state chair of each established political party shall submit a list of no more than four names from which the governor shall select the representative for that party. The representative shall not have voting status, and shall not be compensated, but shall be allowed to participate in discussions and be informed of any meeting of the board.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.025, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.029. 1. In each county of the first class containing the major portion of a city which has more than three hundred thousand inhabitants, each election commissioner shall be appointed on April 21, 1982, for a term of four years and until his successor is appointed, confirmed and sworn. Successors shall be appointed in like manner for a term of four years and until their successors are appointed, confirmed and sworn.
2. In each county containing a portion but not the major portion of a city which has more than three hundred thousand inhabitants, each election commissioner shall be appointed on June 15, 1981, for a term of four years and until his successor is appointed, confirmed and sworn. Successors shall be appointed in like manner for a term of four years and until their successors are appointed, confirmed and sworn. The first two election commissioners appointed after May 10, 1994, shall be appointed for terms of two years and until their successors are appointed, confirmed and sworn. One of those appointed to a two-year term shall be a member of one major political party and one shall be a member of the other major political party. The next two election commissioners appointed, and all successors, shall be appointed for terms of four years and until their successors are appointed, confirmed and sworn.
3. In all other cities and counties which have or hereafter have a board of election commissioners, each commissioner's term of office shall coincide with the term of the governor who appoints him and until the commissioner's successor is appointed, confirmed and sworn.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.030, A.L. 1994 S.B. 548)Effective 5-10-94
115.031. Each election commissioner shall be a registered voter and a resident of the jurisdiction for which he is appointed for at least one year preceding his appointment. During his term of office, no commissioner shall hold any statutory position within a political party or on a political committee, be a candidate for political office or hold any other public office.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.035)Effective 1-1-78
115.033. Before entering upon his duties, each commissioner shall take and subscribe an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and of this state and to demean himself faithfully and impartially in office. Before entering upon his duties, each commissioner shall give bond to the state in the sum of ten thousand dollars, with security to be approved by the governor, conditioned for the faithful and honest performance of his duties and the care and preservation of the board's property. Not later than thirty days after a commissioner is sworn, his oath and bond shall be filed with the secretary of state.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.040)Effective 1-1-78
115.035. 1. In each county which has over nine hundred thousand inhabitants, each election commissioner shall receive a salary of seven thousand two hundred dollars per year, payable from the county revenue.
2. In each city not situated in a county, each election commissioner shall receive a salary of six thousand dollars per year, except the chairman and the secretary of the board, who shall each receive a salary of seven thousand five hundred dollars per year, payable from the city revenue.
3. In each county of the first class containing the major portion of a city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants, each election commissioner shall receive a salary of five thousand two hundred dollars per year, payable from the county revenue.
4. In each city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants on January 1, 1978, and is situated in more than one county, each election commissioner shall receive a salary of five thousand two hundred dollars per year, payable one-half from the city revenue and one-half from the revenue of the county containing the major portion of the city.
5. In each county containing a portion but not the major portion of a city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants, each election commissioner shall receive a salary of four thousand eight hundred dollars per year, paid proportionally from the city revenue and the county revenue. The city shall pay such proportion as its population within the county is to the total population of the county as determined by the last preceding federal decennial census.
6. In all other counties which now or hereafter have a board of election commissioners, each election commissioner shall receive a salary of two thousand six hundred dollars per year, payable from the county revenue.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.045)Effective 1-1-78
115.037. Any commissioner may be removed by the governor for misconduct in office. Before removing a commissioner, the governor shall notify the commissioner in writing of all charges against him. Not less than ten days after so notifying a commissioner, the governor shall give the commissioner an opportunity to be publicly heard in person or by counsel in his defense. If a vacancy on any board occurs for any reason, the governor shall, with the advice and consent of the senate, appoint a new commissioner to serve the unexpired term. The new commissioner shall be a member of the same political party as the commissioner he is appointed to replace.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.050)Effective 1-1-78
115.039. Upon the swearing in of a new board of election commissioners, the election authority or other custodian shall, upon demand, turn over to the new board all records, supplies and property relating in any way to the registration of voters and the conduct of elections within its jurisdiction.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.055)Effective 1-1-78
115.041. Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed in any way as interfering with or discontinuing the term of office of any person now serving as an election commissioner until the term for which he was appointed has expired, or until he has been removed as provided in section 115.037.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.060)Effective 1-1-78
115.043. Each election authority may make all rules and regulations, not inconsistent with statutory provisions, necessary for the registration of voters and the conduct of elections.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.065, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234)
115.045. Each election authority shall have the authority to employ such attorneys and other employees as may be necessary to promptly and correctly perform the duties of the election authority. Where an electronic voting system or voting machines are used, the election authority shall designate competent employees to have custody of and supervise maintenance of the voting equipment. Board of election commissioners' employees shall be subject to the same restrictions and subscribe the same oath as members of the board of election commissioners, except that no employee of a board of election commissioners shall be required to post bond unless directed to do so by the board. Employee oaths and any bonds shall be filed and preserved in the office of the board.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.070, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.047. Employees of each board shall be selected in equal numbers from the two major political parties. Each board shall adopt regulations to govern the hiring, probationary period, tenure, discipline, discharge and retirement of its employees.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.075, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411)Effective 1-1-95
115.049. 1. Each board of election commissioners in existence on January 1, 1978, shall set the salaries of its employees. Except as provided in subsection 3 of this section, the number of employees of each board and the total yearly amount of all salaries paid to the board's employees shall not exceed the number of employees and the total yearly amount of all salaries authorized on January 1, 1982; except that, in any city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants and is located in more than one county, the board of election commissioners having jurisdiction in the part of the city situated in the county containing the major portion of the city may set the number of its employees and the total yearly amount of all salaries authorized by statute on January 1, 1982.
2. Each board of election commissioners established after January 1, 1978, shall set the salaries of its employees. Except as provided in subsection 3 of this section, the number of employees of each board and the total yearly amount of all salaries paid to the board's employees shall not exceed the number of employees and the total yearly amount of all salaries authorized on December 31, 1977, for counties of the first class not having a charter form of government by sections 119.090 and 119.100, RSMo.
3. If any board of election commissioners wishes to increase the number of its employees or the total yearly amount of all salaries paid to its employees, the board shall deliver a notice of the fact to the presiding officer of the local legislative body or bodies responsible for providing payment of the election commissioners' salaries. The notice shall specify the number of additional employees requested and the additional yearly amount requested by the board and shall include a justification of the increase and a day, not less than ninety days after the notice is delivered, on which the increase is to take effect. Unless any legislative body responsible for approving payment of the election commissioners' salaries adopts a resolution disapproving the increase, the increase shall take effect on the day specified. Any board of election commissioners may implement salary adjustments, after notice to the presiding officer of the local legislative body or bodies responsible for providing payment of the election commissioners' salaries, equal to, but not more than, those adjustments granted to the employees of the local legislative body or bodies without prior legislative approval.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.080, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526)Effective 5-20-82
115.051. 1. In each county which does not have a board of election commissioners, the county clerk shall have the right to employ such deputies and assistants as are necessary to promptly and correctly register voters and conduct elections. Where an electronic voting system or voting machines are used, the county clerk shall designate competent employees to have custody of and supervise maintenance of the voting equipment. Each deputy shall be subject to the same restrictions and subscribe the same oath as the county clerk, except that no employee shall be required to post bond unless directed to do so by the clerk. Employee oaths and any bonds shall be filed and preserved in the office of the county clerk.
2. Within the total amount for deputies and assistants approved by the county commission, the salary of each deputy and assistant shall be set by the county clerk.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.085)Effective 1-1-78
115.053. 1. Each election authority may appoint such even number of additional deputies as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of subsection 3 of this section. One-half of the deputies shall be members of one major political party, and one-half of the deputies shall be members of the other major political party.
2. Each deputy appointed under the provisions of this section shall be a registered voter of the jurisdiction for which he is appointed. No such deputy shall be a candidate for any office in an election at which he serves or a relative within the third degree, by consanguinity or affinity, to any person whose name appears on the ballot in an election at which he serves.
3. At the direction of the election authority, such deputies may investigate the facts and conditions relating to the residence and voting rights of any person. Upon direction by the election authority, such deputies may attend and be present at any polling place, witness and report to the election authority any failure of duty, fraud or irregularity, instruct election judges, supervise voting procedures and perform any other lawful function prescribed by the election authority.
4. The deputies shall be paid an amount determined by the election authority, subject to approval of the legislative body or bodies responsible for providing the salaries of other election authority employees and payable from the same source as the salary of the election authority.
5. Deputies shall serve for such time as the election authority determines and may be dismissed summarily by the election authority. At no time, however, shall more deputies from one major political party serve than deputies from the other major political party.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.090)Effective 1-1-78
115.055. Each election authority and its designated employees may administer oaths and perform all other duties necessary to register voters and conduct elections.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.095)Effective 1-1-78
115.057. Each election authority shall maintain an office or offices sufficient for its purposes. The offices of each election authority shall be kept open during regular business hours on all election days and on all other weekdays, except legal holidays. The offices of each election authority shall also be kept open for four hours on the Saturday preceding each election and may be kept open at other times as determined by the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.100)Effective 1-1-78
115.059. It shall be the duty of the police, the sheriff and all other peace officers to give any assistance or protection required by the election authority, any employee of the election authority, any election judge, any registration officer or any canvasser in the performance of his duties and to comply with all lawful requests and directions of the election authority relating to such assistance.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.105)Effective 1-1-78
115.061. 1. When any question or candidate is submitted to a vote of all voters in the state and no other question or candidate is submitted at the same election, all costs of the election shall be paid from the general revenue of the state.
2. After an audit by the commissioner of administration, the state treasurer shall pay the amounts claimed by and due the respective counties and cities out of moneys appropriated by the general assembly for the purpose.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.505)Effective 1-1-78
115.063. 1. When any question or candidate is submitted to a vote by any political subdivision or special district and no other question or candidate is submitted at the same election, all costs of the election shall be paid from the general revenue of the political subdivision or special district submitting a question or candidate at the election.
2. All costs of special elections involving a statewide candidate or statewide issue and all costs of special elections involving candidates for state senator or state representative shall be paid by the state, except that if a political subdivision or special district holds an election on the same day, the costs shall be shared proportionately by the state and the political subdivisions and special districts affected in the manner provided in section 115.065.
3. The state shall not be liable for any costs of a general election or primary election held in even-numbered years as designated in subsections 1 and 2 of section 115.121.
4. When a proposed political subdivision submits a petition requesting an election as part of the formation thereof, the petitioners shall submit together with the petition sufficient security to pay all costs of the election. If such proposition is successful, the political subdivision thereby created shall reimburse those persons advancing funds to pay the costs of the election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.510, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1993 S.B. 31)
115.065. 1. Except as provided in sections 115.069, 115.071, 115.073 and 115.077, when any question or candidate is submitted to a vote by two or more political subdivisions or special districts, or except in primary and general elections by the state and one or more political subdivisions or special districts at the same election, all costs of the election shall be paid proportionally from the general revenues of the state and all political subdivisions and special districts submitting a question or candidate at the election, except that costs of publications of legal notice of elections shall not be paid proportionally. The state and each political subdivision and each special district shall pay for publication of its legal notice of election. At the discretion of the election authority, ballot printing costs, if any, may be paid proportionally or the state and each political subdivision and each special district may pay for such ballot printing costs, if any.
2. Except as provided in sections 115.069, 115.071 and 115.073, when any question or candidate is submitted to a vote by two or more political subdivisions or special districts at the same election, all costs of the election shall be paid proportionally from the general revenues of all political subdivisions and special districts submitting a question or candidate at the election.
3. Proportional election costs paid under the provisions of subsection 2 of this section shall be assessed by charging each political subdivision and special district the same percentage of the total cost of the election as the number of registered voters of the political subdivision or special district on the day of the election is to the total number of registered voters on the day of the election, derived by adding together the number of registered voters in each political subdivision and special district submitting a question or candidate at the election.
4. "Proportional costs" and "election costs", as used in this chapter, are defined as those costs that require additional out-of-pocket expense by the election authority in conducting an election. It may include reimbursement to county general revenue for the salaries of employees of the election authority for the hours worked to conduct an election, any indirect expenses identified under an independent cost allocation study and an amount not to exceed five percent of the total cost of election to be credited to the election services fund of the county. The election services fund shall be budgeted and expended at the direction of the election authority and shall not be used to substitute for or subsidize any allocation of general revenue for the operation of the election authority's office without the express consent of the election authority. The election services fund may be audited by the appropriate auditing agency, and any unexpended balance shall be left in the fund to accumulate from year to year with interest. The election services fund shall be used by the election authority for training programs and purchase of additional supplies or equipment to improve the conduct of elections, including anything necessarily pertaining thereto. In addition to these costs, the state shall, subject to appropriation, compensate the election services fund for transactions submitted pursuant to the provisions of section 115.157.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.515, A.L. 1979 S.B. 275, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1983 H.B. 713 Revision, S.B. 234, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676)
115.069. In any county of the first class containing the major portion of a city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants, the salaries of election judges at all county and state primary, general and special elections shall be paid from the general revenue of the county, unless the city submits a question or candidate at the election, in which case the salaries of election judges shall be paid one-half from the general revenue of the city and one-half from the general revenue of the county.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.525)Effective 1-1-78
115.071. 1. In any city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants and is located in more than one county, all general expenses related to the conduct of elections and the registration of voters in the part of the city situated in the county containing the major portion of the city shall be paid one-half from the general revenue of the city and one-half from the general revenue of the county in which the major portion of the city is located.
2. Except as provided in section 115.067, in any city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants and is located in more than one county, the salaries of election judges at all city primary, general and special elections shall be paid from the general revenue of the city, even if a candidate or question other than a city candidate or question is submitted at the same election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.530)Effective 1-1-78
115.073. 1. In any county containing a portion but not the major portion of a city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants, all general expenses related to the conduct of elections and the registration of voters shall be paid proportionally from the general revenue of the city and the general revenue of the county. The city shall pay such proportion as its population within the county is to the total population of the county as determined by the last preceding federal decennial census. The annual general operating expenditures from the general revenue funds of the city and any county of the first classification with more than seventy-three thousand seven hundred but less than seventy-three thousand eight hundred inhabitants or any city located within such county shall be subject to the budgeting approval of the governing body of the county.
2. In any county containing a portion but not the major portion of a city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants, the salaries of election judges at all county and state primary, general and special elections shall be paid from the general revenue of the county, unless the city submits a question or candidate at the election, in which case the salaries of election judges shall be paid proportionally from the general revenue of the city and the general revenue of the county as provided in subsection 1 of this section.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.535, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.074. 1. Subject to appropriation from federal funds, the secretary of state shall administer a grant, loan, or other aid program for the purposes of providing funds to election authorities to upgrade or improve the voting process or equipment. Such funding may be in the form of matching grants. The secretary of state when awarding grants shall give priority to jurisdictions which have the highest number of residents according to the most recent federal census, with an income below the federal poverty level as established by the federal department of health and human services or its successor agency. The secretary of state may promulgate rules to effectuate the provisions of this section.
2. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, RSMo, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and, if applicable, section 536.028, RSMo. This section and chapter 536, RSMo, are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo, to review, to delay the effective date or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2002, shall be invalid and void.
(L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.075. Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, all costs and expenses relating to the conduct of elections and the registration of voters in each county shall be paid from the general revenue of the county.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.540)Effective 1-1-78
115.076. 1. Subject to appropriation of federal funds, the secretary of state shall administer a grant, loan, or other aid program for the purpose of providing funds to election authorities:
(1) To purchase electronic voting machines that are accessible to all individuals with disabilities, including people who are blind or visually impaired;
(2) To make polling places, including path of travel, entrances, exits and voting areas of each polling facility accessible to individuals with disabilities, including the blind and visually impaired, in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and secret, independent and verifiable participation, including privacy and independence, as for other voters;
(3) To provide individuals with disabilities and individuals who are blind and visually impaired with information about the accessibility of polling places, including outreach programs to inform individuals about the availability of accessible polling places and to train election officials, poll workers, and election volunteers on how to best promote the access and participation of individuals in elections, and to provide assistance in all accommodations needed by voters with disabilities.
Such funding may be in the form of matching grants. The secretary of state when awarding grants shall give priority to jurisdictions which have the highest number of residents, according to the most recent federal census, with an income below the federal poverty level as established by the federal Department of Health and Human Services or its successor agency. The secretary of state may promulgate rules to effectuate the provisions of this section.
2. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, RSMo, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and, if applicable, section 536.028, RSMo. This section and chapter 536, RSMo, are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo, to review, to delay the effective date or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2002, shall be invalid and void.
(L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.077. 1. Special districts, cities, townships in township organization counties, villages and the state shall pay the election costs required by this subchapter to each election authority conducting its elections.
2. Not later than the fifth Tuesday prior to any election to be conducted for the state, a special district or political subdivision, the election authority shall estimate the cost of conducting the election for the state and each political subdivision and special district submitting a candidate or question at the election. Not later than the third Tuesday prior to the election, the state, each special district and political subdivision submitting a candidate or question at the election, except the county, shall deposit with the election authority an amount equal to the estimated cost of conducting the election for the state, the political subdivision or special district. All payments of election costs received by an election authority under the provisions of this subsection shall be placed by the election authority in a special account and used by the election authority only to pay the costs incurred in conducting the election. If the amount paid to an election authority by the state or any political subdivision or special district exceeds the cost of conducting the election for the state, political subdivision or special district, the election authority shall promptly refund to the state, political subdivision or special district the difference between the amount deposited with it and the cost of conducting the election. If the amount deposited with an election authority by the state or any political subdivision or special district is less than the cost of conducting the election for the state, political subdivision or special district, the state, political subdivision or special district shall, not later than the fifth Tuesday after the election, pay to the election authority the difference between the amount deposited and the cost of conducting the election.
3. Except as provided in section 115.061, all payments of election costs received by an election authority under the provisions of this section shall be placed by the election authority in a special account and used by the election authority only to pay the costs incurred in conducting elections.
4. When the state or any political subdivision or special district willfully fails to make payment of an election cost required by this subchapter by the time provided in this subchapter, it shall pay a penalty of fifty dollars for each day after the time provided in this subchapter proper payment is not made. Any such penalty shall be payable to the election authority authorized to receive payment of the election cost and shall be deposited in the general revenue fund of such election authority's city or county.
5. There is hereby created the "State Election Subsidy Fund" in the state treasury which shall be funded by appropriations from the general assembly for the purpose of the state making advance payments of election costs as required by this section. To meet the state's funding obligation to maintain expenditures pursuant to Section 254(a)(7) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002, the commissioner of the office of administration shall annually transfer from general revenue to the state election subsidy fund an amount not less than the amount expended in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2000. At the end of each fiscal year, any amounts in the state election subsidy fund not expended or obligated to meet the state's obligations pursuant to section 115.065 and this section shall be transferred to the election administration improvements fund authorized pursuant to section 115.078 and used to meet the maintenance of effort funding requirements of Section 254(a)(7) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the funds received pursuant to Sections 251 and 252 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 shall be expended according to the state plan developed pursuant to the provisions of Section 254 of said act. The secretary of state shall develop the state plan through the committee appointed by the secretary of state under the provisions of Section 255 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 2.545, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1983 H.B. 713 Revision, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.078. 1. There is hereby created in the state treasury the "Election Administration Improvements Fund", which shall consist of any gifts, contributions, grants, or bequests received from federal, private, or other sources for the purpose of improving the administration of elections within Missouri. The state treasurer shall be custodian of the fund and shall make disbursements from the fund in accordance with sections 30.170 and 30.180, RSMo. Money in the fund shall be used exclusively for election administration improvements as directed by the secretary of state. No moneys obtained through the provisions of this section shall be made a part of the general operating budget of an election authority, or used to supplant other federal, state, or local funds expended for elections. The secretary of state may transfer moneys from the fund to the election improvements revolving loan fund as the secretary deems necessary to facilitate compliance with the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Notwithstanding section 33.080, RSMo, to the contrary, any moneys remaining in the fund at the end of any biennium shall not revert to the credit of the general revenue fund. All yield, interest, income, increment, or gain received from time deposit of moneys in the state treasury to the credit of the fund shall be credited to the fund. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no amount of moneys in the fund shall be transferred from the fund or charged for purposes of the administration of central services for the state of Missouri.
2. There is hereby created in the state treasury the "Election Improvements Revolving Loan Fund", which shall consist of all moneys appropriated to it by the general assembly, all repayment of moneys from eligible lenders and any moneys deposited or transferred to the fund for the purpose of improving the administration of elections through loans. The state treasurer shall be custodian of the fund and shall make disbursements from the fund in accordance with sections 30.170 and 30.180, RSMo. Money in the fund shall be used solely for improving the administration of elections through loans. Notwithstanding section 33.080, RSMo, to the contrary, any moneys remaining in the fund shall not revert to the credit of the general revenue fund. All yield, interest, income, increment, or gain received from time deposit of moneys in the state treasury to the credit of the fund shall be credited to the fund. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no amount of moneys in the fund shall be transferred from the fund or charged for purposes of the administration of central services for the state of Missouri. The secretary of state is authorized to administer the fund in accordance with this section and the Help America Vote Act of 2002, and to promulgate rules to execute this section. No rule or portion of a rule promulgated pursuant to the authority of this section shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo.
(L. 2003 H.B. 511)Effective 7-11-03
115.079. All election judges in each jurisdiction shall be appointed by the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 3.001)Effective 1-1-78
115.081. 1. Each election authority shall appoint election judges for each polling place within its jurisdiction in accordance with the provisions of this section.
2. In all primary and general elections, the election authority shall appoint at least two judges from each major political party to serve at each polling place. No major political party shall have a majority of the judges at any polling place. No established party shall have a greater number of judges at any polling place than any major political party.
3. In any election that is not a primary or general election, the election authority shall appoint at least one judge from each major political party to serve at each polling place. No major political party shall have a majority of the judges at any polling place. No established party shall have a greater number of judges at any polling place than any major political party.
4. The election authority shall designate two of the judges appointed for each polling place, one from each major political party, as supervisory judges. Supervisory judges shall be responsible for the return of election supplies from the polling place to the election authority and shall have any additional duties prescribed by the election authority.
5. Election judges may be employed to serve for the first half or last half of any election day. Such judges shall be paid one-half the regular rate of pay. If part-time judges are employed, the election authority shall employ such judges and shall see that a sufficient number for each period are present at all times so as to have the proper total number of judges present at each polling place throughout each election day. The election authority shall require that at each polling place at least one election judge from each political party serve a full day and that at all times during the day there be an equal number of election judges from each political party.
6. An election authority may appoint additional election judges representing other established political parties and additional election judges who do not claim a political affiliation. Any question which requires a decision by the majority of judges shall only be made by the judges from the major political parties.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 3.005, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.085. No person shall be appointed to serve as an election judge who is not a registered voter in this state; provided that, before any election authority may appoint judges who are registered voters of another election authority's jurisdiction, the election authority shall obtain the written consent of the election authority for the jurisdiction where the prospective judges are registered to vote. Each election judge shall be a person of good repute and character who can speak, read, and write the English language. No person shall serve as an election judge at any polling place in which his or her name or the name of a relative within the second degree, by consanguinity or affinity, appears on the ballot. However, no relative of any unopposed candidate shall be disqualified from serving as an election judge in any election jurisdiction of the state. No election judge shall, during his or her term of office, hold any other elective public office, other than as a member of a political party committee or township office, except any person who is elected to a board or commission of a political subdivision or special district may serve as an election judge except at a polling place where such political subdivision or special district has an issue or candidate on the ballot. In any county having a population of less than two hundred fifty thousand inhabitants, any candidate for the county committee of a political party who is not a candidate for any other office and who is unopposed for election as a member of the committee shall not be disqualified from serving as an election judge.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 3.015, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al., A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.087. 1. In each county which does not have a board of election commissioners, the election judges shall be selected from lists provided by the county committee of each major political party or as authorized pursuant to section 115.081. Not later than December tenth in each year in which county committeemen are elected, the county committee of each major political party shall submit to the election authority a list of persons qualified to serve as election judges in double the number required to hold a general election in the county. For each election, the election authority shall select and appoint the number of judges required to hold the election. If a county committee fails to present the prescribed number of names of qualified persons by the time prescribed, the election authority may select and appoint the number of judges provided by law for the county committee's party. If the election authority deems any person on a list to be unqualified, the election authority may request the county committee which submitted the list to furnish another name.
2. The state chairperson of each established political party may, in jurisdictions where no county committee exists and where the county clerk is the election authority, submit a list of persons qualified to serve as election judges to the county clerk. The county clerk may select and appoint additional judges from such list pursuant to section 115.081.
3. County clerks may compile a list of persons who claim no political affiliation and who volunteer to be election judges. A county clerk may select and appoint additional judges from such list pursuant to section 115.081.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 3.020, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.089. Each board of election commissioners shall have authority to appoint election judges for individual elections, or for a term coincident with the term of the board and until the judges' successors are appointed and qualified. The board may ask the county committee of each major political party to submit a list of persons qualified to serve as election judges and may select and appoint judges from the lists. The board may compile a list of persons who claim no political affiliation and who volunteer to be election judges and may select and appoint judges from the list.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 3.025, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.091. On commissioning or before entering upon his duties, each election judge shall take and subscribe the following oath:
I solemnly swear that I will impartially discharge the duties
of judge according to law, to the best of my ability and that
I will not disclose how any voter has voted unless I am
required to do so as a witness in a proper judicial
proceeding. I also affirm that I will not allow any person
to vote who is not entitled to vote and that I will make no
statement nor give any information of any kind tending in any
way to show the state of the count prior to the close of the
polls on election day.
Sworn and subscribed to before
me this ..........day of ........, 20... ...................... Judge of Election
......................
Election Authority (Judge of Election)
witnessing oath
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 3.030)Effective 1-1-78
115.093. If an election judge dies, resigns, becomes incapacitated, becomes disqualified, is removed pursuant to section 115.099, or is otherwise unable or unwilling to serve during his term, the election authority shall appoint another qualified person from the same political party as the unable or unwilling judge to serve as a temporary judge or for the unexpired term.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 3.035)Effective 1-1-78
115.095. If any judge fails to act or to appear by the time fixed by law for the opening of the polls, the election authority shall be notified immediately by an election judge. The election authority or the election judges present in the polling place shall appoint another judge from the same political party as the judge failing to act or to appear. If the election judges elect a qualified temporary judge, such judge shall have full authority to act as judge for the election, except that such judge may be removed at any time by the election authority and replaced with another qualified judge from the same political party as the removed judge. Any judge selected pursuant to this section shall be selected to ensure that no political party shall have a majority of judges at any polling place and that each major political party has at least one judge serving at the polling place.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 3.040, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.097. No election judge shall be absent from the polls for more than one hour during the hours the polls are open on election day. No election judge shall be absent from the polls before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. on election day. No more than one judge from the same major political party shall be absent from the polls at the same time on election day.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 3.043, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.098. 1. Subject to appropriation from federal funds, the secretary of state shall administer a grant, loan, or other aid program for the purpose of increasing the compensation of election judges. Such funding shall be made available to election authorities contingent upon the election authority increasing the compensation of election judges to an amount not less than seven dollars per hour. Such funding may be in the form of matching grants. The secretary of state when awarding grants shall give priority to jurisdictions which have the highest number of residents according to the most recent federal census, with an income below the federal poverty level as established by the federal Department of Health and Human Services or its successor agency. The secretary of state may promulgate rules to effectuate the provisions of this section.
2. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, RSMo, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and, if applicable, section 536.028, RSMo. This section and chapter 536, RSMo, are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo, to review, to delay the effective date or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2002, shall be invalid and void.
(L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.099. Each election authority shall have authority to direct judges in their duties and to compel compliance with the law. Each election authority may substitute judges at his discretion on election day. Each election authority shall also have authority at any time to remove any judge for good cause and to replace the judge with a qualified person from the same political party as the removed judge. Any judge selected pursuant to this section shall be selected to ensure that no political party shall have a majority of judges at any polling place and that each major political party has at least one judge serving at the polling place.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 3.045, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.101. For service in conducting elections and house-to-house canvasses, each election judge shall be paid an amount established by the election authority. For purposes of this section, and the Constitution of Missouri, election judges appointed by the election authority shall not be considered employees of the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 3.050, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.102. 1. An employer shall not terminate, discipline, threaten or take adverse actions against an employee based on the employee's service as an election judge.
2. An employee who is appointed to serve as an election judge may, on election day, be absent from his or her employment for the period of time that the election authority requires the employee to serve as election judge. Employees must notify employers at least seven days prior to an election that they will be absent from work on election day due to service as an election judge.
3. An employee discharged in violation of this section may bring a civil action against the employer within ninety days of discharge for recovery of lost wages and other damages caused by the violation and for an order directing reinstatement of the employee. If the employee prevails, the employee shall be entitled to receive reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
(L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.103. All election authorities shall establish training courses for election judges. Such courses shall include substantially the curriculum developed by the secretary of state's office in accordance with the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Election authorities may compensate judges for attendance at the rate set for election service subject to the approval of the governing body of a county not having a board of election commissioners, or the political subdivision or special district.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 3.055, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.104. 1. As used in this section, the term "participant" means a Missouri youth election participant.
2. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, any person more than fifteen years of age but less than eighteen years of age who is in full-time attendance in a school of this state may aid and assist any election judge or election authority authorized or appointed pursuant to this chapter. Such persons shall be known as "Missouri Youth Election Participants" and shall, before entering upon the duties related to an election conducted pursuant to this chapter, take and subscribe the following oath, which shall be signed by the participant and an original copy thereof delivered to the election authority:
I solemnly swear or affirm that I will impartially discharge the duties of a Missouri youth election participant by following to the best of my ability the instructions of any election judge, election authority, or teacher of my school. I also swear or affirm that I will not disclose how any voter has voted unless I am told to do so by an election judge, election authority, or a court of law in a proper judicial proceeding. I also swear or affirm that I will make no statement nor give any information of any kind tending in any way to show the state of the count of votes prior to the close of the polls on election day, nor will I make any statement during the conduct of my duties which tends to show my preferences for any issue or candidate involved in the election.
................................................
Signature of Missouri Youth Election Participant
3. If, in the opinion of the chief administrative officer of any high school of this state, the appointment of students in the tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade as Missouri youth election participants would benefit those persons involved and the election process, the officer may nominate such persons as participants. The chief administrative officer shall establish the academic and behavioral standards for qualification, but persons nominated shall, at a minimum:
(1) Have demonstrated age-appropriate academic ability and demeanor;
(2) Be a person of good repute who can speak, read and write the English language; and
(3) Not be related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears on the ballot, except that no participant shall be disqualified if related within such degree to an unopposed candidate.
4. The chief administrative officer of the school shall transmit a written list of nominees to the election authority of the jurisdiction at least sixty days prior to the election. If, in the opinion of the election authority, the appointment of participants nominated pursuant to this section would not be disruptive to the election process, the election authority may appoint any number of participants for each polling place or place where votes are to be counted within its jurisdiction. Such appointment shall include a schedule of the time during which the participant is expected to serve. No participant shall be entitled to any compensation or remuneration for the time served as a participant or costs incurred in the performance of his* duties. Nothing in this section shall be construed to mandate the appointment of any participant if, in the sole discretion of the election authority, the presence of such participants in any polling place or place where votes are counted would be disruptive to the orderly election process.
5. Subject to the provisions of this section and under the direct supervision of the election authority or election judges, each participant may assist in the administration of the polling place, assist in the counting of votes, assist in the execution of any administrative duty of any election authority or election judge, and perform any other election-day-related duty as instructed.
6. Each election authority and election judge appointed pursuant to this chapter shall have the authority to direct any Missouri youth election participant in his* duties and to compel compliance with law. Each election authority may, in its sole discretion, substitute participants on or before election day. Each election authority or election judge shall have the authority at any time to take any action necessary to remove any participant from any polling place or place where votes are being counted. It shall be the duty of any law enforcement officer, if requested by the election authority or judges of election, to exclude any participant from the polling place or place where votes are being counted.
7. In order to best prepare students for duty as Missouri youth election participants pursuant to this section, each high school of this state may offer a course of instruction in the democratic electoral process which concentrates upon the election law of this state. The high school may require successful completion of such a course prior to qualification for nomination as a Missouri youth election participant.
(L. 1994 S.B. 632)*Word "their" appears in original rolls.
115.105. 1. The chair of the county committee of each political party named on the ballot shall have the right to designate a challenger for each polling place, who may be present during the hours of voting, and a challenger for each location at which absentee ballots are counted, who may be present while the ballots are being prepared for counting and counted. No later than four business days before the election, the chair of each county committee of each political party named on the ballot shall provide signed official designation forms with the names of the designated challengers and substitutes to the local election authority for confirmation of eligibility to serve as a challenger. The local election authority, after verifying the eligibility of each designated and substitute challenger, shall sign off on the official designation forms, unless the challenger is found not to have the qualifications established by subsection 5 of this section. If the election authority determines that a challenger does not meet the qualifications of subsection 5 of this section, the designating party chair may designate a replacement challenger and provide the local election authority with the name of the replacement challenger before 5:00 p.m. of the Monday preceding the election. The designating chair may substitute challengers at his or her discretion during such hours.
2. Challenges may only be made when the challenger believes the election laws of this state have been or will be violated, and each challenger shall report any such belief to the election judges, or to the election authority if not satisfied with the decision of the election judges.
3. Prior to the close of the polls, challengers may list and give out the names of those who have voted. The listing and giving out of names of those who have voted by a challenger shall not be considered giving information tending to show the state of the count.
4. In a presidential primary election, challengers may collect information about the party ballot selected by the voter and may disclose party affiliation information after the polls close.
5. All persons selected as challengers shall have the same qualifications required by section 115.085 for election judges, except that such challenger shall be a registered voter in the jurisdiction of the election authority for which the challenger is designated as a challenger.
6. Any challenge by a challenger to a voter's identification for validity shall be made only to the election judges or other election authority. If the poll challenger is not satisfied with the decision of the election judges, then he or she may report his or her belief that the election laws of this state have been or will be violated to the election authority as allowed under this section.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 4.001, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.106. 1. Before being permitted to enter the polling place, each person designated by the election authority to administer a simulated youth election shall take the following oath: I do solemnly swear that I will make no statement nor give any information of any kind tending in any way to show the state of the count prior to the close of the polls on election day. Sworn and subscribed to before me this . . . . . . . . day of . . .,20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Simulated Youth Election Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judge of Election
2. If any person admitted to the polling place to administer or participate in a simulated youth election interferes with the orderly process of voting, or is guilty of misconduct or any law violation, the election judges shall ask the person to leave the polling place or cease the interference. If the interference continues, the election judges shall notify the election authority, which shall take such action as it deems necessary. It shall be the duty of the police, if requested by the election authority or judges of election, to exclude any such person from the polling place or the place where votes are being counted.
(L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489 § 3)Effective 6-13-96
115.107. 1. At every election, the chairman of the county committee of each political party named on the ballot shall have the right to designate a watcher for each place votes are counted.
2. Watchers are to observe the counting of the votes and present any complaint of irregularity or law violation to the election judges, or to the election authority if not satisfied with the decision of the election judges. No watcher may be substituted for another on election day.
3. No watcher shall report to anyone the name of any person who has or has not voted.
4. All persons selected as watchers shall have the same qualifications required by section 115.085 for election judges, except that such watcher shall be a registered voter in the jurisdiction of the election authority for which the watcher is designated as a watcher.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 4.005, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.109. Before entering upon his duties, each challenger and watcher shall take the following oath:
I do solemnly swear that I will make no statement nor give
any information of any kind tending in any way to show the
state of the count prior to the close of the polls on
election day.
Sworn and subscribed to before me
this ....... day of ...., 20... ..................... Challenger or Watcher .................. Judge of Election
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 4.015)Effective 1-1-78
115.111. If any watcher or challenger interferes with the orderly process of voting, or is guilty of misconduct or any law violation, the election judges shall ask the watcher or challenger to leave the polling place or cease the interference. If the interference continues, the election judges shall notify the election authority, which shall take such action as it deems necessary. It shall be the duty of the police, if requested by the election authority or judges of election, to exclude any watcher or challenger from the polling place or the place where votes are being counted. If any challenger is excluded, another may be substituted by the designating committee chairman.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 4.020)Effective 1-1-78
115.113. 1. The basic election district shall be the precinct. In each jurisdiction, precinct boundaries shall be established by the election authority. Every effort shall be made by the election authority to establish precinct lines which do not cross political subdivision or special district boundaries. Upon mail notification of each voter affected by the change, or publication of the new boundaries in a newspaper of general circulation in its jurisdiction, the election authority may change precinct boundaries from time to time as convenience may require.
2. When a political subdivision is formed, the political subdivision shall assist the election authority in determining the identity of all registered voters residing in each precinct eligible to vote in elections affecting the district.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 5.001, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526)Effective 5-20-82
115.115. 1. Except as provided in subsection 2 of this section or in section 115.436, for each election within its jurisdiction, the election authority shall designate a polling place for each precinct within which any voter is entitled to vote at the election.
2. For any election, the election authority shall have the right to consolidate two or more adjoining precincts for voting at a single polling place and to designate one set of judges to conduct the election for such precincts. Voters shall be notified of the place for voting in the manner provided in section 115.127 or 115.129.
3. No person shall be required to go to more than one polling place to vote on the same day.
4. Prior to the opening of the polling places on any election day, if candidates or issues for more than one political subdivision or district are to be voted for at one precinct, the election authority for that precinct shall provide color-coded ballots, or ballots with other distinguishing codes, to show what candidates and issues the voter is eligible to vote, based on the voter's place of residence, so that on election day no voter will have an opportunity to vote for candidates or issues for which the voter is not entitled to vote. If such ballots are not available, the election authority shall be notified and voting at that precinct shall not begin until appropriate ballots are available.
5. Each local election authority shall designate one common site and may designate up to four additional common sites as election day central polling places designed for accessibility to voters who have physical disabilities, the elderly, and any other registered voter authorized by law to vote at a central polling place. Such sites shall conform to nationally accepted accessibility standards. In addition to being able to supply such voters with their appropriate ballots, and being open during regular voting hours, such a polling place shall otherwise be staffed and operated in accordance with law, especially as provided in subsection 3 of section 115.436 and subsection 3 of section 115.445, and like any other polling place, insofar as possible.
6. Subject to receipt of sufficient Section 261 funds authorized by the Help America Vote Act of 2002, the secretary of state shall develop a comprehensive plan for increased polling place accessibility. The secretary of state shall apply for funds pursuant to Section 261 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 and may allocate Section 101 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 funding after reaching full compliance of Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Any funds received pursuant to Section 291 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 may be used for provisions of this section. The plan shall include:
(1) Completion of a comprehensive audit of current polling place accessibility using nationally accepted standards for architectural accessibility such as the Federal Election Commission Polling Place Accessibility Survey or other survey developed using the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. Audits shall be completed no later than twelve months after receipt of Section 261 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 funds. The audit shall include recommendations and cost estimates for each polling place to achieve accessibility and shall be procured in accordance with chapter 34, RSMo;
(2) Development of the plan, including time lines for barrier removal and funding needed to achieve one hundred percent polling place accessibility within twenty-four months after the completion of the audit. The implementation plan may be used by local election authorities in applying for any available federal and state funds available to improve polling place accessibility and shall be submitted to the general assembly by the secretary of state for use in determining future requirements and funding needs for polling place accessibility;
(3) Establishment of an oversight committee made up of individuals with disabilities, disability organizations, advocates, and election officials to assist the activities pursuant to this section.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the ability of local election authorities to apply for and receive grants for polling place accessibility pursuant to Section 261 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 prior to the completion of the survey authorized pursuant to this section. Improvements to polling places made with grants received pursuant to Section 261 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 shall be used to meet standards as outlined in this section unless the requirements of the grant exceed these requirements.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 5.010, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.117. 1. The election authority may designate tax-supported public buildings or buildings owned by any political subdivision or special district to be used as polling places for any election, and no official in charge or control of any such public building shall refuse to permit the use of the building for election purposes. The election authority shall have the right to choose the location of the polling place within such buildings.
2. If an election authority determines there is no public building convenient for a polling place in any voting district, the authority shall first attempt to secure the use of a privately owned tax-exempt building, and in the event no such building is available, it may contract for the rental of a suitable polling place in the district.
3. In selecting polling places, the election authority shall consider parking areas which may be available and shall give priority to those places which have adequate parking areas for use by poll workers and voters.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 5.015, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.119. Each polling place shall be plainly marked with a sign posted in a place and manner sufficient to notify voters of the location of the polling place.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 5.020)Effective 1-1-78
115.121. 1. The general election day shall be the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years.
2. The primary election day shall be the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August of even-numbered years.
3. The election day for the election of political subdivision and special district officers shall be the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April each year; and shall be known as the "general municipal election day".
4. In addition to the primary election day provided for in subsection 2 of this section, for the year 2003, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August, 2003, also shall be a primary election day for the purpose of permitting school districts and other political subdivisions of Missouri to incur debt in accordance with the provisions of article VI, section 26(a) through 26(g) of the Missouri Constitution, with the approval of four-sevenths of the eligible voters of such school district or other political subdivision voting thereon, to provide funds for the acquisition, construction, equipping, improving, restoration, and furnishing of facilities to replace, repair, reconstruct, reequip, restore, and refurnish facilities damaged, destroyed, or lost due to severe weather, including, without limitation, windstorms, hail storms, flooding, tornadic winds, rainstorms and the like which occurred during the month of April or May, 2003.
5. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 1 of section 115.125, the officer or agency calling an election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of August, 2003, shall notify the election authorities responsible for conducting the election not later than 5:00 p.m. on the sixth Tuesday prior to the election. For purposes of any such election, all references in section 115.125 to the tenth Tuesday prior to such election shall be deemed to refer to the sixth Tuesday prior to such election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 6.001, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1997 H.B. 734, A.L. 2003 S.B. 686)Effective 6-23-03
115.123. 1. All public elections shall be held on Tuesday. Except as provided in subsections 2, 3, and 4 of this section, and section 247.180, RSMo, all public elections shall be held on the general election day, the primary election day, the general municipal election day, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in February or November, or on another day expressly provided by city or county charter, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June and in nonprimary years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 1 of this section, an election for a presidential primary held pursuant to sections 115.755 to 115.785 shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March of each presidential election year.
3. The following elections shall be exempt from the provisions of subsection 1 of this section:
(1) Bond elections necessitated by fire, vandalism or natural disaster;
(2) Elections for which ownership of real property is required by law for voting; and
(3) Special elections to fill vacancies and to decide tie votes or election contests.
4. No city or county shall adopt a charter or charter amendment which calls for elections to be held on dates other than those established in subsection 1 of this section.
5. Nothing in this section prohibits a charter city or county from having its primary election in March if the charter provided for a March primary before August 28, 1999.
6. Nothing in this section shall prohibit elections held pursuant to section 65.600, RSMo, but no other issues shall be on the March ballot except pursuant to this chapter.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 6.005, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971, A.L. 1979 S.B. 275, A.L. 1980 S.B. 734, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1986 H.B. 879 merged with S.B. 729, A.L. 1987 S.B. 386, A.L. 1993 H.B. 551 & 552, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.124. 1. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, in a nonpartisan election in any political subdivision or special district except for municipal elections, if the notice provided for in subsection 5 of section 115.127 has been published in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the district, and if the number of candidates who have filed for a particular office is equal to the number of positions in that office to be filled by the election, no election shall be held for such office, and the candidates shall assume the responsibilities of their offices at the same time and in the same manner as if they had been elected. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, if at any election the number of candidates filing for a particular office exceeds the number of positions to be filled at such election, the election authority shall hold the election as scheduled, even if a sufficient number of candidates withdraw from such contest for that office so that the number of candidates remaining after the filing deadline is equal to the number of positions to be filled.
2. The election authority or political subdivision responsible for the oversight of the filing of candidates in any nonpartisan election in any political subdivision or special district shall clearly designate where candidates shall form a line to effectuate such filings and determine the order of such filings; except that, in the case of candidates who file a declaration of candidacy with the election authority or political subdivision prior to 5:00 p.m. on the first day for filing, the election authority or political subdivision may determine by random drawing the order in which such candidates' names shall appear on the ballot. If a drawing is conducted pursuant to this subsection, it shall be conducted so that each candidate may draw a number at random at the time of filing. If such drawing is conducted, the election authority or political subdivision shall record the number drawn with the candidate's declaration of candidacy. If such drawing is conducted, the names of candidates filing on the first day of filing for each office on each ballot shall be listed in ascending order of the numbers so drawn.
(L. 1990 S.B. 862 § 1, A.L. 1996 S.B. 598, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2003 S.B. 686, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.125. 1. Not later than 5:00 p.m. on the tenth Tuesday prior to any election, except a special election to decide an election contest, tie vote or an election to elect seven members to serve on a school board of a district pursuant to section 162.241, RSMo, or a delay in notification pursuant to subsection 2 of this section, or pursuant to the provisions of section 115.399, the officer or agency calling the election shall notify the election authorities responsible for conducting the election. The notice shall be in writing, shall specify the name of the officer or agency calling the election and shall include a certified copy of the legal notice to be published pursuant to subsection 2 of section 115.127. The notice and any other information required by this section may, with the prior notification to the election authority receiving the notice, be accepted by facsimile transmission prior to 5:00 p.m. on the tenth Tuesday prior to the election, provided that the original copy of the notice and a certified copy of the legal notice to be published shall be received in the office of the election authority within three business days from the date of the facsimile transmission. In lieu of a certified copy of the legal notice to be published pursuant to subsection 2 of section 115.127, each notice of a special election to fill a vacancy shall include the name of the office to be filled, the date of the election and the date by which candidates must be selected or filed for the office. Not later than the fourth Tuesday prior to any special election to fill a vacancy called by a political subdivision or special district, the officer or agency calling the election shall certify a sample ballot to the election authorities responsible for conducting the election.
2. Except as provided for in sections 115.247 and 115.359, if there is no additional cost for the printing or reprinting of ballots or if the political subdivision or special district calling for the election agrees to pay any printing or reprinting costs, a political subdivision or special district may, at any time after certification required in subsection 1 of this section, but no later than 5:00 p.m. on the sixth Tuesday before the election, be permitted to make late notification to the election authority pursuant to court order, which, except for good cause shown by the election authority in opposition thereto, shall be freely given upon application by the political subdivision or special district to the circuit court of the area of such subdivision or district. No court shall have the authority to order an individual or issue be placed on the ballot less than six weeks before the date of the election, except as provided in sections 115.361 and 115.379.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 6.010, A.L. 1980 S.B. 734, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1676, A.L. 1995 H.B. 484, et al., A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.127. 1. Except as provided in subsection 4 of this section, upon receipt of notice of a special election to fill a vacancy submitted pursuant to section 115.125, the election authority shall cause legal notice of the special election to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in its jurisdiction. The notice shall include the name of the officer or agency calling the election, the date and time of the election, the name of the office to be filled and the date by which candidates must be selected or filed for the office. Within one week prior to each special election to fill a vacancy held in its jurisdiction, the election authority shall cause legal notice of the election to be published in two newspapers of different political faith and general circulation in the jurisdiction. The legal notice shall include the date and time of the election, the name of the officer or agency calling the election and a sample ballot. If there is only one newspaper of general circulation in the jurisdiction, the notice shall be published in the newspaper within one week prior to the election. If there are two or more newspapers of general circulation in the jurisdiction, but no two of opposite political faith, the notice shall be published in any two of the newspapers within one week prior to the election.
2. Except as provided in subsections 1 and 4 of this section and in sections 115.521, 115.549 and 115.593, the election authority shall cause legal notice of each election held in its jurisdiction to be published. The notice shall be published in two newspapers of different political faith and qualified pursuant to chapter 493, RSMo, which are published within the bounds of the area holding the election. If there is only one so qualified newspaper, then notice shall be published in only one newspaper. If there is no newspaper published within the bounds of the election area, then the notice shall be published in two qualified newspapers of different political faith serving the area. Notice shall be published twice, the first publication occurring in the second week prior to the election, and the second publication occurring within one week prior to the election. Each such legal notice shall include the date and time of the election, the name of the officer or agency calling the election and a sample ballot; and, unless notice has been given as provided by section 115.129, the second publication of notice of the election shall include the location of polling places. The election authority may provide any additional notice of the election it deems desirable.
3. The election authority shall print the official ballot as the same appears on the sample ballot, and no candidate's name or ballot issue which appears on the sample ballot or official printed ballot shall be stricken or removed from the ballot except on death of a candidate or by court order.
4. In lieu of causing legal notice to be published in accordance with any of the provisions of this chapter, the election authority in jurisdictions which have less than seven hundred fifty registered voters and in which no newspaper qualified pursuant to chapter 493, RSMo, is published, may cause legal notice to be mailed during the second week prior to the election, by first class mail, to each registered voter at the voter's voting address. All such legal notices shall include the date and time of the election, the location of the polling place, the name of the officer or agency calling the election and a sample ballot.
5. If the opening date for filing a declaration of candidacy for any office in a political subdivision or special district is not required by law or charter, the opening filing date shall be 8:00 a.m., the sixteenth Tuesday prior to the election, except that for any home rule city with more than four hundred thousand inhabitants and located in more than one county and any political subdivision or special district located in such city, the opening filing date shall be 8:00 a.m., the fifteenth Tuesday prior to the election. If the closing date for filing a declaration of candidacy for any office in a political subdivision or special district is not required by law or charter, the closing filing date shall be 5:00 p.m., the eleventh Tuesday prior to the election. The political subdivision or special district calling an election shall, before the sixteenth Tuesday, or the fifteenth Tuesday for any home rule city with more than four hundred thousand inhabitants and located in more than one county or any political subdivision or special district located in such city, prior to any election at which offices are to be filled, notify the general public of the opening filing date, the office or offices to be filled, the proper place for filing and the closing filing date of the election. Such notification may be accomplished by legal notice published in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the political subdivision or special district.
6. Except as provided for in sections 115.247 and 115.359, if there is no additional cost for the printing or reprinting of ballots or if the candidate agrees to pay any printing or reprinting costs, a candidate who has filed for an office or who has been duly nominated for an office may, at any time after the certification required in section 115.125 but no later than 5:00 p.m. on the sixth Tuesday before the election, withdraw as a candidate pursuant to a court order, which, except for good cause shown by the election authority in opposition thereto, shall be freely given upon application by the candidate to the circuit court of the area of such candidate's residence.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 6.015, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971, A.L. 1979 S.B. 275, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1983 H.B. 713 Revision merged with S.B. 234, A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al., A.L. 1989 H.B. 316, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511 merged with S.B. 136)
115.129. Not later than the fifth day prior to any election, the election authority may mail to each registered voter in the area of its jurisdiction in which the election is to be held, a notice of election which shall include the date and time of the election, the location of the voter's polling place and the name of the agency calling the election. The notice may also include a sample ballot. The election authority may provide any additional notice of the election it deems desirable.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 6.020, A.L. 1978 S.B. 582, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.133. 1. Except as provided in subsection 2 of this section, any citizen of the United States who is a resident of the state of Missouri and seventeen years and six months of age or older shall be entitled to register and to vote in any election which is held on or after his eighteenth birthday.
2. No person who is adjudged incapacitated shall be entitled to register or vote. No person shall be entitled to vote:
(1) While confined under a sentence of imprisonment;
(2) While on probation or parole after conviction of a felony, until finally discharged from such probation or parole; or
(3) After conviction of a felony or misdemeanor connected with the right of suffrage.
3. Except as provided in federal law or federal elections and in section 115.277, no person shall be entitled to vote if the person has not registered to vote in the jurisdiction of his or her residence prior to the deadline to register to vote.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.010, A.L. 1979 S.B. 275, A.L. 1982 H.B. 1600, A.L. 1983 S.B. 44 & 45, A.L. 1993 H.B. 23, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.135. 1. Any person who is qualified to vote, or who shall become qualified to vote on or before the day of election, shall be entitled to register in the jurisdiction within which he or she resides. In order to vote in any election for which registration is required, a person must be registered to vote in the jurisdiction of his or her residence no later than 5:00 p.m., or the normal closing time of any public building where the registration is being held if such time is later than 5:00 p.m., on the fourth Wednesday prior to the election, unless the voter is an interstate former resident, an intrastate new resident or a new resident, as defined in section 115.275. In no case shall registration for an election extend beyond 10:00 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday prior to the election. Any person registering after such date shall be eligible to vote in subsequent elections.
2. A person applying to register with an election authority or a deputy registration official shall identify himself or herself by presenting a copy of a birth certificate, a Native American tribal document, other proof of United States citizenship, a valid Missouri drivers license or other form of personal identification at the time of registration.
3. Except as provided in federal law or federal elections and in section 115.277, no person shall be entitled to vote if the person has not registered to vote in the jurisdiction of his or her residence prior to the deadline to register to vote.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.015, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620, A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al., A.L. 1993 H.B. 551 & 552, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511, A.L. 2005 H.B. 353)
115.136. 1. The secretary of state shall be the chief state election official responsible for the coordination of state responsibilities under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
2. The secretary of state shall be responsible for the transmission of requested data from the election authorities to the Federal Election Commission.
3. The secretary of state shall supply each election authority with a list of all public assistance agencies and armed forces recruitment offices that are designated as voter registration sites within the jurisdiction of the election authority.
4. The secretary of state shall consult with the Federal Election Commission in the formation of a national mail voter registration application form.
5. The secretary of state shall be responsible for the transmission to the appropriate election authority of the notification by the United States attorney of the conviction of a Missouri citizen for a federal felony offense.
6. The secretary of state may promulgate rules only to ensure state compliance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
7. Any person who is aggrieved by a violation of the National Voter Registration Act may provide written notice of the violation to the secretary of state and may bring a civil action pursuant to the process prescribed by section 11 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
(L. 1994 H.B. 1411)Effective 1-1-95
115.137. 1. Except as provided in subsection 2 of this section, any citizen who is entitled to register and vote shall be entitled to register for and vote pursuant to the provisions of this chapter in all statewide public elections and all public elections held for districts and political subdivisions within which he resides.
2. Any person who and only persons who fulfill the ownership requirements shall be entitled to vote in elections for which ownership of real property is required by law for voting.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.020, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.139. Except as provided in subsection 2 of section 115.137 and section 115.277, no person shall be permitted to vote in any election unless the person is duly registered in accordance with this chapter.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.025, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.140. At least one-half of the voter registration sites provided by each election authority shall be accessible to handicapped persons. Each election authority shall also provide interpreter services upon request for persons with hearing impairments who wish to register.
(L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al. § 2)
115.141. Each election authority shall supervise the registration of voters within its jurisdiction in accordance with this subchapter and shall direct the activities of all deputy registration officials.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.030)Effective 1-1-78
115.143. 1. Each election authority may appoint persons regularly employed in the office of the clerk of any city, town or village, any department of revenue fee office, or any school, library or other tax-supported public agency in its jurisdiction as deputy registration officials.
2. Each election authority may appoint any number of additional persons to serve as deputy registration officials. Each such deputy shall be a registered voter in the jurisdiction of the appointing election authority.
3. Each election authority may appoint, with the concurrence of the top administrator of each school, at least one staff person or instructor as a deputy registration official in each school that chooses to participate in voter registration. As used in this subsection, the term "school" means any school building in this state in which grades nine through twelve or grades ten through twelve are taught, including public, nonpublic, vocational and vocational-technical school buildings.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.035, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526)Effective 5-20-82
115.145. Each election authority shall have the following duties with respect to registration:
(1) To conduct registration at its office or offices throughout the entire year, including any four-week period prior to an election for the purpose of registration of persons for subsequent elections, on all usual business days and during its regular office hours in the manner required by this chapter;
(2) To instruct and direct each deputy registration official in the performance of his or her duties including those agencies mandated and optional, including as optional any institution of higher education located in the state, under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and to supply each deputy with the proper registration forms and other necessary supplies;
(3) To designate the times, dates and places or areas for additional voter registration by any deputy appointed pursuant to subsection 2 of section 115.143, and to publicize the times, dates and places or areas of such registration in any manner reasonably calculated to inform the public; provided, that the place or area for voter registration by deputies appointed under subsection 3 of section 115.143 shall be located in the school for which the deputy has been appointed;
(4) Retain all voter registration records and registration list maintenance records for a minimum of two years. The election authority shall compile data from the records as may be necessary for compliance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993;
(5) Number or use another system of identifying the original agency of the voter registration application.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.040, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al., A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411)Effective 1-1-95
115.147. Each deputy registration official shall have the following duties:
(1) To comply with all reasonable instruction and direction by the election authority which is not inconsistent with this subchapter; and
(2) To conduct registration at his regular place of business throughout the entire year on all usual business days and at the usual office hours in the manner required by this subchapter, unless he has been appointed pursuant to subsection 2 or 3 of section 115.143, in which case he shall conduct registration during the dates and times and at the places or areas designated by the election authority in the manner required by this subchapter.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.045, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526)Effective 5-20-82
115.149. 1. Within its jurisdiction, each election authority may register any person who is qualified to register in the jurisdiction. Each election authority may issue information cards to registered voters.
2. Upon agreement with another election authority, any election authority may register any person qualified to register in its jurisdiction in the jurisdiction of the other election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.050, A.L. 1979 S.B. 275)
115.151. 1. Each qualified applicant who appears before the election authority shall be deemed registered as of the time the applicant's completed, signed and sworn registration application is witnessed by the election authority or deputy registration official.
2. Each applicant who registers by mail shall be deemed to be registered as of the date the application is postmarked, if such application is accepted and not rejected by the election authority and the verification notice required pursuant to section 115.155 is not returned as undeliverable by the postal service.
3. Each applicant who registers at a voter registration agency or the division of motor vehicle and drivers licensing of the department of revenue shall be deemed to be registered as of the date the application is signed by the applicant, if such application is accepted and not rejected by the election authority and the verification notice required pursuant to section 115.155 is not returned as undeliverable by the postal service. Voter registration agencies and the division of motor vehicle and drivers licensing of the department of revenue shall transmit voter registration application forms to the appropriate election authority not later than five business days after the form is completed by the applicant.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.055, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.155. 1. The election authority shall provide for the registration of each voter. Each application shall be in substantially the following form:
APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION
Are you a citizen of the United States?
[ ] YES [ ] NO Will you be 18 years of age on or before election day?
[ ] YES [ ] NO
IF YOU CHECKED "NO" IN RESPONSE TO EITHER OF THESE QUESTIONS, DO NOT COMPLETE THIS FORM.
IF YOU ARE SUBMITTING THIS FORM BY MAIL AND ARE REGISTERING FOR THE FIRST TIME, PLEASE SUBMIT A COPY OF A CURRENT, VALID PHOTO IDENTIFICATION. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT SUCH INFORMATION, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT ADDITIONAL IDENTIFICATION UPON VOTING FOR THE FIRST TIME SUCH AS A BIRTH CERTIFICATE, A NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBAL DOCUMENT, OTHER PROOF OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP, A VALID MISSOURI DRIVERS LICENSE OR OTHER FORM OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION.
......................................................
Township (or Ward) .......................................... ...................................................... Name Precinct .......................................... ...................................................... Home Address Required Personal
Identification Information .......................................... City ZIP .......................................... ...................................................... Date of Birth Place of Birth (Optional) .......................................... ...................................................... Telephone Number Mother's Maiden Name (Optional) (Optional) .......................................... ...................................................... Occupation (Optional) Last Place Previously
Registered .......................................... ...................................................... Last four digits of Under What Name Social Security Number (Required for registration unless no Social Security number exists for Applicant) Remarks:
......................................................
When I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the state of Missouri. I have not been adjudged incapacitated by any court of law. If I have been convicted of a felony or of a misdemeanor connected with the right of suffrage, I have had the voting disabilities resulting from such conviction removed pursuant to law. I do solemnly swear that all statements made on this card are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I UNDERSTAND THAT IF I REGISTER TO VOTE KNOWING THAT I AM NOT LEGALLY ENTITLED TO REGISTER, I AM COMMITTING A CLASS ONE ELECTION OFFENSE AND MAY BE PUNISHED BY IMPRISONMENT OF NOT MORE THAN FIVE YEARS OR BY A FINE OF BETWEEN TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS AND TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS OR BY BOTH SUCH IMPRISONMENT AND FINE. ......................................... ...................................................... Signature of Voter Date ......................................... Signature of Election Official
2. After supplying all information necessary for the registration records, each applicant who appears in person before the election authority shall swear or affirm the statements on the registration application by signing his or her full name, witnessed by the signature of the election authority or such authority's deputy registration official. Each applicant who applies to register by mail pursuant to section 115.159, or pursuant to section 115.160 or 115.162, shall attest to the statements on the application by his or her signature.
3. Upon receipt by mail of a completed and signed voter registration application, a voter registration application forwarded by the division of motor vehicle and drivers licensing of the department of revenue pursuant to section 115.160, or a voter registration agency pursuant to section 115.162, the election authority shall, if satisfied that the applicant is entitled to register, transfer all data necessary for the registration records from the application to its registration system. Within seven business days after receiving the application, the election authority shall send the applicant a verification notice. If such notice is returned as undeliverable by the postal service within the time established by the election authority, the election authority shall not place the applicant's name on the voter registration file.
4. If, upon receipt by mail of a voter registration application or a voter registration application forwarded pursuant to section 115.160 or 115.162, the election authority determines that the applicant is not entitled to register, such authority shall, within seven business days after receiving the application, so notify the applicant by mail and state the reason such authority has determined the applicant is not qualified. The applicant may have such determination reviewed pursuant to the provisions of section 115.223. If an applicant for voter registration fails to answer the question on the application concerning United States citizenship, the election authority shall notify the applicant of the failure and provide the applicant with an opportunity to complete the form in a timely manner to allow for the completion of the registration form before the next election.
5. It shall be the responsibility of the secretary of state to prescribe specifications for voter registration documents so that they are uniform throughout the state of Missouri and comply with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, including the reporting requirements, and so that registrations, name changes and transfers of registrations within the state may take place as allowed by law.
6. All voter registration applications shall be preserved in the office of the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.065, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al., A.L. 1993 S.B. 88, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511, A.L. 2005 H.B. 353)
115.157. 1. The election authority may place all information on any registration cards in computerized form in accordance with section 115.158. No election authority or secretary of state shall furnish to any member of the public electronic media or printout showing any registration information, except as provided in this section. Except as provided in subsection 2 of this section, the election authority or secretary of state shall make available electronic media or printouts showing unique voter identification numbers, voters' names, dates of birth, addresses, townships or wards, and precincts. Electronic data shall be maintained in at least the following separate fields:
(1) Voter identification number;
(2) First name;
(3) Middle initial;
(4) Last name;
(5) Suffix;
(6) Street number;
(7) Street direction;
(8) Street name;
(9) Street suffix;
(10) Apartment number;
(11) City;
(12) State;
(13) Zip code;
(14) Township;
(15) Ward;
(16) Precinct;
(17) Senatorial district;
(18) Representative district;
(19) Congressional district.
All election authorities shall enter voter history in their computerized registration systems and shall, not more than six months after the election, forward such data to the Missouri voter registration system established in section 115.158. In addition, election authorities shall forward registration and other data in a manner prescribed by the secretary of state to comply with the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Except as provided in subsection 2 of this section, the election authority shall also furnish, for a fee, electronic media or a printout showing the names, dates of birth and addresses of voters, or any part thereof, within the jurisdiction of the election authority who voted in any specific election, including primary elections, by township, ward or precinct, provided that nothing in this chapter shall require such voter information to be released to the public over the Internet. The amount of fees charged for information provided in this section shall be established pursuant to chapter 610, RSMo. All revenues collected by the secretary of state pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the secretary of state's technology trust fund account established pursuant to section 28.160, RSMo. In even-numbered years, each election authority shall, upon request, supply the voter registration list for its jurisdiction to all candidates and party committees for a charge established pursuant to chapter 610, RSMo. Except as provided in subsection 2 of this section, all election authorities shall make the information described in this section available pursuant to chapter 610, RSMo. Any election authority who fails to comply with the requirements of this section shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 610, RSMo.
2. Any person working as an undercover officer of a local, state or federal law enforcement agency, persons in witness protection programs, and victims of domestic violence and abuse who have received orders of protection pursuant to chapter 455, RSMo, shall be entitled to apply to the circuit court having jurisdiction in his or her county of residence to have the residential address on his or her voter registration records closed to the public if the release of such information could endanger the safety of the person. Any person working as an undercover agent or in a witness protection program shall also submit a statement from the chief executive officer of the agency under whose direction he or she is serving. The petition to close the residential address shall be incorporated into any petition for protective order provided by circuit clerks pursuant to chapter 455, RSMo. If satisfied that the person filing the petition meets the qualifications of this subsection, the circuit court shall issue an order to the election authority to keep the residential address of the voter a closed record and the address may be used only for the purposes of administering elections pursuant to this chapter. The election authority may require the voter who has a closed residential address record to verify that his or her residential address has not changed or to file a change of address and to affirm that the reasons contained in the original petition are still accurate prior to receiving a ballot. A change of address within an election authority's jurisdiction shall not require that the voter file a new petition. Any voter who no longer qualifies pursuant to this subsection to have his or her residential address as a closed record shall notify the circuit court. Upon such notification, the circuit court shall void the order closing the residential address and so notify the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.070, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al., A.L. 1993 S.B. 88, A.L. 1994 S.B. 635, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.158. 1. The secretary of state shall implement a centralized, interactive computerized statewide voter registration list. This computerized list shall be known as the "Missouri Voter Registration System". The system shall be implemented by January 1, 2004, unless a waiver is obtained pursuant to the Help America Vote Act of 2002. If a waiver is obtained, the system shall be implemented by January 1, 2006. The system shall be maintained and administered by the secretary of state and contain the name and registration information of every legally registered voter in Missouri. In addition, the system shall:
(1) Assign a unique identifier to each legally registered voter in Missouri;
(2) Serve as the single system for storing and managing the official list of registered voters throughout Missouri;
(3) Be coordinated with other agency databases in Missouri;
(4) Allow any election official in Missouri, including local election authorities, immediate electronic access to the information contained in the system;
(5) Allow all voter registration information obtained by any local election official in Missouri to be electronically entered into the system on an expedited basis at the time the information is provided to the local official. The secretary of state, as the chief state election official, shall provide such support as may be required so that local election officials are able to enter the registration information; and
(6) Serve as the official voter registration list for the conduct of all elections in Missouri.
2. The secretary of state and local election authorities shall perform system maintenance on a regular basis, which shall include:
(1) Removing names in accordance with the provisions and procedures of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and coordinating system maintenance activities with state agency records on death and felony status;
(2) Requiring the name of each registered voter to appear in the system;
(3) Removing only voters who are not registered or who are not eligible to vote; and
(4) Eliminating duplicate names from the system.
3. The secretary of state shall provide adequate technological security measures to prevent the unauthorized access to the system established pursuant to this section.
4. The secretary of state shall develop procedures to ensure that voter registration records within the system are accurate and updated regularly. At a minimum, the procedures shall include:
(1) A system of file maintenance that makes a reasonable effort to remove registrants who are ineligible to vote. Consistent with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, registrants who have not responded to a notice and who have not voted in two consecutive general elections for federal office shall be removed from the official list of eligible voters, except that no registrant may be removed solely by reason of a failure to vote; and
(2) Safeguards to ensure that eligible voters are not removed in error.
5. Voter registration information shall be verified in accordance with the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
(1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, an application for voter registration may not be accepted or processed unless the application includes:
(a) In the case of an applicant who has been issued a current and valid driver's license, the applicant's driver's license number; or
(b) In the case of any other applicant, other than an applicant to whom subdivision (2) applies, the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number.
(2) If an applicant for voter registration has not been issued a current and valid driver's license or a Social Security number, the applicant shall be assigned a number which will serve to identify the applicant for voter registration purposes. The number assigned under this subdivision shall be used as the unique identifying number within the system.
(3) The secretary of state and the director of the department of revenue shall enter into an agreement to match information in the database of the voter registration system with information in the database of the motor vehicle system to enable the secretary to verify the accuracy of information provided on applications for voter registration.
(4) The director of the department of revenue shall enter into an agreement with the commissioner of Social Security and comply with the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
6. In addition to using the system for voter registration, the election authorities and secretary of state may use the system for the collection and dissemination of election results and other pertinent information. Any information contained in any state or local voter registration system, limited to the master voter registration list or any other list generated from the information, subject to chapter 610, RSMo, shall not be used for commercial purposes; provided, however, that the information may be used for elections, for candidates, or for ballot measures, furnished at a reasonable fee. Violation of this section shall be a class B misdemeanor. For purposes of this section, "commercial purposes" means the use of a public record for the purpose of sale or resale or for the purpose of producing a document containing all or part of the copy, printout, or photograph for sale or the obtaining of names and addresses from public records for the purpose of solicitation or the sale of names and addresses to another for the purpose of solicitation or for any purpose in which the purchaser can reasonably anticipate the receipt of monetary gain from the direct or indirect use of the public record.
7. The secretary of state shall establish an advisory committee to assist in the establishment and maintenance of the Missouri voter registration system.
8. The secretary of state may promulgate rules to execute this section. No rule or portion of a rule promulgated pursuant to the authority of this section shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo.
9. Election authorities and any agency required under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to accept voter registration applications shall forward registration and other data in a manner prescribed by the secretary of state to assist with administering and maintaining the Missouri voter registration system in accordance with the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
(L. 1994 S.B. 635, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.159. 1. Any person who is qualified to register in Missouri shall, upon application, be entitled to register by mail. Upon request, application forms shall be furnished by the election authority or the secretary of state.
2. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the election authority shall not deliver any absentee ballot to any person who registers to vote by mail until after such person has:
(1) Voted, in person, after presentation of a proper form of identification set out in section 115.427, for the first time following registration; or
(2) Provided a copy of identification set out in section 115.427 to the election authority.
This subsection shall not apply to those persons identified in section 115.283 who are exempted from obtaining a notary seal or signature on their absentee ballots. An individual who has registered to vote by mail but who does not meet the requirements of this subsection may cast a provisional ballot by mail. Such ballot shall not be counted pursuant to this chapter, and the individual shall be notified of the reason for not counting the ballot.
3. Subsection 2 of this section shall not apply in the case of a person:
(1) Who registers to vote by mail pursuant to Section 6 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and submits a copy of a current and valid photo identification as part of such registration;
(2) Who registers to vote by mail pursuant to Section 6 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and:
(a) Submits with such registration either a driver's license number, or at least the last four digits of the individual's Social Security number; and
(b) With respect to whom the secretary of state matches the information submitted pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subdivision with an existing state identification record bearing the same number, name, and date of birth as provided in such registration;
(3) Who is:
(a) Entitled to vote by absentee ballot pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act;
(b) Provided the right to vote otherwise than in person pursuant to Section 3(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act; or
(c) Entitled to vote otherwise than in person pursuant to any other federal law.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.075, A.L. 1993 H.B. 551 & 552, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.160. 1. All Missouri driver's license applicants shall receive a voter registration application form as a simultaneous part of the application for a driver's license, renewal of driver's license, change of address, duplicate request and a nondriver's license.
2. If a single application form is used, the voter registration application portion of any application described in subsection 1 of this section may not require any information that duplicates information required in the driver's license portion of the form, except a second signature or other information required by law.
3. After conferring with the secretary of state as the chief state election official responsible for overseeing of the voter registration process, the director of revenue shall adopt rules and regulations pertaining to the format of the voter registration application used by the department.
4. No information relating to the failure of an applicant for a driver's license or nondriver's license to sign a voter registration application may be used for any purpose other than voter registration.
5. Any voter registration application received pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be forwarded to the election authority located within that county or any city not within a county, or if there is more than one election authority within the county, then to the election authority located nearest to the location where the driver's license application was received. The election authority receiving the application forms shall review the applications and forward any applications pertaining to a different election authority to that election authority.
6. A completed voter registration application accepted in the driver's licensing process shall be transmitted to the election authority described in subsection 5 of this section not later than five business days after the form is completed by the applicant.
7. Any person registering to vote when applying for or renewing a Missouri driver's license shall submit with the application form a copy of a birth certificate, a Native American tribal document, or other proof of United States citizenship, a valid Missouri driver's license, or other form of personal identification.
(L. 1994 H.B. 1411, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2005 H.B. 353)
115.161. If any person applying to register in person pursuant to this subchapter is unable to write, the election official shall fill in the registration cards, and the applicant shall sign by mark, witnessed by the election official. The election official shall note the applicant's height in feet and inches, weight, color of eyes and other distinguishing features under the title "Remarks" on the registration cards.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.080, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411)Effective 1-1-95
115.162. 1. A voter registration application shall be provided by the secretary of state in all offices of the state that provide public assistance, all offices that provide state-funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities, and other offices as directed by the governor. In addition all armed forces recruitment offices shall be considered a voter registration agency.
2. At each voter registration agency, the following services shall be made available:
(1) Assistance to applicants in completing voter registration application forms, unless the applicant refuses such assistance;
(2) Acceptance of completed voter registration application forms for transmittal to the election authority located in the same county or any city not within a county, or if there is more than one election authority within the county, to the election authority nearest to the office of the agency. The election authority receiving the application forms shall review the applications and forward any applications pertaining to a different election authority to that election authority;
(3) Voter registration sites shall transmit voter registration application forms to the appropriate election authority not later than five business days after the form is completed by the applicant;
(4) If a voter registration agency provides services to a person with a disability at the person's home, the agency shall provide the services provided in this section at the person's home.
3. An applicant declining to register in any agency shall be noted in a declination section incorporated into the voter registration form used by the agency. No information relating to a declination to register to vote in connection with an application made at a voter registration agency may be used for any purpose other than voter registration.
(L. 1994 H.B. 1411, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.163. 1. Each election authority shall use the Missouri voter registration system established by section 115.158 to prepare a list of legally registered voters for each precinct. The list shall be arranged alphabetically or by street address as the election authority determines and shall be known as the "precinct register". The precinct registers shall be kept by the election authority in a secure place, except when given to election judges for use at an election. Except as provided in subsection 2 of section 115.157, all registration records shall be open to inspection by the public at all reasonable times.
2. A new precinct register shall be prepared by the election authority prior to each election.
3. The election authority shall send to each voter a voter notification card no later than ninety days prior to the date of a primary or general election for federal office, unless the voter has received such a card during the preceding six months. The voter notification card shall contain the voter's name, address, and precinct. The card also shall inform the voter of the personal identification requirement in section 115.427 and may also contain other voting information at the discretion of the election authority. The voter notification card shall be sent to a voter after a new registration or a change of address. If any voter shall lose his voter notification card, he may request a new one from the election authority. The voter notification card authorized pursuant to this section may be used as a canvass of voters in lieu of the provisions set out in sections 115.179 to 115.193. Except as provided in subsection 2 of section 115.157, anyone, upon request and payment of a reasonable fee, may obtain a printout, list and/or computer tape of those newly registered voters or voters deleted from the voting rolls, since the last canvass or updating of the rolls. The election authority may authorize the use of the postal service contractors under the federal National Change of Address program to identify those voters whose address is not correct on the voter registration records. The election authority shall not be required to mail a voter registration card to those voters whose addresses are incorrect. Confirmation notices to such voters required by section 115.193 shall be sent to the corrected address provided by the National Change of Address program.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.085, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.165. 1. If the voter files a change of address application in person at the office of the election authority, at the polling place, or pursuant to section 115.159, 115.160, 115.162 or 115.193, or otherwise provides signed written notice of the move, including notice by facsimile transmission, an election authority may change the address on a voter registration record for a voter who moves within the election authority's jurisdiction after comparing and verifying the signature. Before changing the address on a voter record, the election authority shall be satisfied that the record is that of the person providing the change of address information.
2. A registered voter who has changed his or her residence within an election authority's jurisdiction and has not been removed from the list of registered voters pursuant to this chapter shall be permitted to file a change of address with the election authority or before an election judge at a polling place and vote at a central polling place or at the polling place that serves his or her new address upon written or oral affirmation by the voter of the new address.
3. If the applicant for registration was last registered in another jurisdiction within this state or another state, the election authority shall send notice of the registration to the election authority where the applicant was previously registered. The election authority sending the notice shall provide identifying information to assist the election authority receiving the notice to determine whether the person named was previously registered in such jurisdiction and whether, based on the identifying information provided, the application can be removed from the voting record in the former jurisdiction.
4. Upon receipt of a notice from another election authority that a voter has registered in another jurisdiction in this state or another state, the election authority shall determine whether sufficient information is provided in the notice to identify the person named in such notice as previously registered in the election authority's jurisdiction and presently removable from the voting records in the election authority's jurisdiction. Every election authority is authorized to examine the information provided in a notice of duplicate registration provided by the Missouri voter registration system authorized pursuant to section 115.158 to determine if a voter in one election authority's voter registration records has subsequently registered in another jurisdiction. If, after reviewing the information provided, the election authority is satisfied that the person identified in the notice is listed as a registered voter in the election authority's jurisdiction but has subsequently registered in another jurisdiction, the election authority may remove the person's registration from the list of registered voters.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.090, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620, A.L. 1986 S.B. 709 merged with H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al., A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.167. If a registered voter obtains a lawful name change, including a change because of marriage, the voter shall notify the election authority of such change and the election authority shall, upon notification, enter the change on the voter's registration cards. After filling in the voter's new name and transferring other necessary information from the voter's previous registration cards to a new set of cards, the election authority may send new cards to the voter for signature or may require the voter to sign new cards at the polls. If the election authority does require the voter to sign new cards, the new cards shall become the voter's official registration cards. A registered voter who obtains a lawful name change may, after notifying the election judges of the name change, vote at one election under the previous name. The election judges shall notify the election authority of the voter's name change and the election authority shall enter the change on the voter's registration cards as provided for in this section.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.105, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al., A.L. 1993 S.B. 31)
115.169. Before the time fixed by law for the opening of the polls on election day, the election authority shall deliver the proper precinct registers to each polling place and shall make a record of the delivery.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.110)Effective 1-1-78
115.171. If the election authority learns on election day that a registration record has been placed in the wrong precinct register, the election authority shall immediately have the error corrected.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.115, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234)
115.173. All applications and affidavits required by this chapter shall be preserved in the office of the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.120, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411)Effective 1-1-95
115.175. Any person who knowingly or willfully gives any false information for the purpose of establishing his eligibility to register to vote or who conspires with another person for the purpose of encouraging his false registration or illegal vote, or who pays or offers to pay, accepts or offers to accept payment for registering to vote or for voting, or who otherwise willfully and fraudulently furnishes false information to a registration official for the purpose of causing a false or fictitious registration, or who registers to vote with the intention of voting more than once in the same election shall be guilty of a class one election offense.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.125)Effective 1-1-78
115.177. Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed in any way as interfering with or discontinuing any person's valid registration which is in effect on January 1, 1978, until such time as the person is required to transfer his registration or to reregister under the provisions of sections 115.001 to 115.641 and sections 51.450 and 51.460*, RSMo.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.180)Effective 1-1-78
*Section 51.450 was repealed by S.B. 65, et al., 1987.
115.179. 1. The election authority shall have the registration records of all precincts in its jurisdiction canvassed every two years in accordance with subsection 3 of section 115.163 and that it be completed no later than ninety days prior to the date of a primary or general election for federal office. The election authority may utilize postal service contractors under the federal National Change of Address program to canvass the records.
2. In each jurisdiction without a board of election commissioners, the county clerk shall have the registration records of all precincts in its jurisdiction canvassed every two years in accordance with subsection 3 of section 115.163 and that it be completed no later than ninety days prior to the date of a primary or general election for federal office.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.300, A.L. 1979 S.B. 275, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.181. 1. In its discretion, the election authority may order all or any part of a canvass to be made house-to-house, through the United States Postal Service, or by both methods.
2. At the discretion of the election authority, the canvass may be made by including only those voters who did not vote at the last general election and those voters who registered since the last general election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.305, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620)
115.183. As used in this subchapter, the term "verification list" shall mean a list prepared under the supervision of the election authority which contains the name and address of each registered voter within a precinct.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.310)Effective 1-1-78
115.185. 1. Immediately before a house-to-house canvass, the election authority shall prepare two verification lists for each precinct to be canvassed.
2. For each precinct to be canvassed, the election authority shall appoint two registered voters from its jurisdiction, one from each major political party, to serve as canvassers of the precinct. The two canvassers, each having one of the verification lists, shall together call at each dwelling place in the precinct which is shown on the verification lists.
3. If the canvassers find that any registered voter does not live at the address shown on the verification lists, they shall immediately notify the election authority.
4. Whenever it deems necessary, the election authority may request that police protection be furnished canvassers while they perform their official duties. Such protection shall be promptly furnished by the appropriate authorities.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.315, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411)Effective 1-1-95
115.187. Immediately after calling at all dwelling places shown on the verification lists, the house-to-house canvassers shall report with the verification lists to the office of the election authority. The election authority shall as soon as possible prepare and mail a notice to each person who was not found to reside at the address shown on the verification lists. The election authority shall send notice by postage prepaid and preaddressed return card, sent by forwardable mail, on which the registered voter may state his or her current address together with a notice as prescribed by section 115.193.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.320, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411)Effective 1-1-95
115.189. In lieu of a house-to-house canvass or postal service canvass, the election authority may establish a program by which change of address information is supplied by the postal service.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.325, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411)Effective 1-1-95
115.191. The election authority may investigate the residence or other qualifications of any voter at any time it deems necessary. The election authority shall investigate material affecting any voter's qualifications brought to its attention from any source, and such investigations shall be conducted in the manner it directs. The election authority may defer investigation of material brought to its attention within ten days of an election until after the election if it determines time does not permit an earlier investigation.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.330)Effective 1-1-78
115.193. 1. Upon completion of a canvass as provided for in this chapter, a registered voter's name shall not be removed from the list of registered voters on the ground that the voter has changed residence unless:
(1) The voter confirms in writing that the voter has changed residence to a place outside the election authority's jurisdiction in which the voter is registered; or
(2) The voter fails to respond to a notice described in this section and has not voted in an election during the period beginning on the date of the notice and ending on the day after the date of the second general election that occurs after the date of the notice.
2. The notice referred to in subsection 1, subdivision (2) of this section shall contain a postage prepaid and preaddressed return card, sent by forwardable mail, on which the voter may state the voter's current address.
3. The notice shall also contain the following statements:
"(1) Any voter who has not changed his or her residence, or has changed residence but remained in the same election authority's jurisdiction, shall return the card not later than the fourth Wednesday prior to the next election. If the card is not returned by this date, oral or written affirmation of the voter's address may be required at the polling place before the voter will be permitted to vote in an election during the period beginning on the date of the notice and ending on the day after the date of the second general election that occurs after the date of the notice. Any voter who does not vote in an election during that period, will have his or her name removed from the list of eligible voters;"
"(2) For additional information on registering to vote, contact the election authority located in the county of your current residence. If you reside in the city of St. Louis, contact the St. Louis City election board."
4. If the election authority believes that the name of any voter was improperly removed from the registration records, it may, by telephone or in writing on election day, authorize election judges to permit the voter to vote. The voter may be required to execute an affidavit of qualification on a form prescribed by the election authority before being permitted to vote.
5. An election authority may designate any voter as an inactive voter if the election authority receives from the United States Postal Service notification that the voter no longer resides at the address last known to the election authority and no forwarding address is available, or the voter fails to respond to the notice authorized in subdivision (2) of subsection 1 of this section within thirty days after the election authority sends such notice. Such voter may be designated as an inactive voter only until:
(1) The voter returns such notice to the election authority;
(2) The voter provides the election authority with his or her new address pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;
(3) The voter provides a written affirmation that the voter has not changed residence; or
(4) The election authority receives sufficient information to remove the voter from the list of registered voters pursuant to this section or section 115.165, or return the voter to the active list of registered voters in the jurisdiction.
6. An election authority may exclude inactive voters to determine only:
(1) The number of ballots to be printed pursuant to section 115.247;
(2) The proportional costs of elections; or
(3) Mailing information to registered voters.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.335, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1994 H.B. 1411, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.195. 1. At least once each month, the state or local registrar of vital statistics shall provide to the election authority a list of the name and address, if known, of each person over eighteen years of age in its jurisdiction whose death has been reported to him or her and provide a copy of the list of any death reported in the state to the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall notify the election authority of the jurisdiction in which the deceased resided of the information received pursuant to this subsection.
2. At least once each month, the clerk of the circuit court of each county and city not within a county shall provide to the election authority a list of the name and address, if known, of each person over eighteen years of age in the court's jurisdiction who has been convicted of any felony, or of a misdemeanor connected with the right of suffrage. A copy of the list shall also be submitted to the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall notify the election authority of the jurisdiction in which an offender resides of the information received pursuant to this subsection.
3. At least once each month, the clerk of the probate division of the circuit court of each county and city not within a county shall provide to the election authority a list of the name and address, if known, of each person over eighteen years of age in the court's jurisdiction who has been adjudged incapacitated and has not been restored to capacity. A copy of the list shall also be submitted to the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall notify the election authority of the jurisdiction in which such person resides of the information received pursuant to this subsection.
4. All state and local registrars and all clerks of probate divisions of the circuit courts and circuit courts shall provide the information specified in this section, without charge, to the election authority or the secretary of state.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.340, A.L. 1983 S.B. 44 & 45, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.197. Not later than October tenth each year, the governor of this state shall provide to each election authority in the state, without charge, the name and address, if known, of each person pardoned by him during the preceding calendar year.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.345)Effective 1-1-78
115.199. Each election authority shall remove from its registration records the names of voters reported dead or adjudged incapacitated and shall determine the voting qualifications of those reported convicted or pardoned.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.350, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676)
115.203. 1. No person shall pay or otherwise compensate any other person for registering voters based on the number of:
(1) Voters registered by the other person;
(2) Voter registration applications collected by the other person; or
(3) Voter registration applications submitted to election officials by the other person.
2. No person shall receive or accept payment or any other compensation from any other person for registering voters based on the number of:
(1) Voters registered by the person receiving or accepting payment or other compensation;
(2) Voter registration applications collected by the person receiving or accepting payment or other compensation;
(3) Voter registration applications submitted to election officials by the person receiving or accepting payment or other compensation.
3. No person who agrees or offers to submit a voter registration application for another person shall knowingly destroy, deface, or conceal such voter registration application.
4. Any person who accepts or receives a voter registration application from another person and agrees or offers to submit such application to the election authority for the registrant shall deliver the application to the election authority within seven days of accepting or receiving the application.
5. A violation of this section is a class four election offense.
(L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.205. 1. Any person who is paid or otherwise compensated for soliciting more than ten voter registration applications, other than a governmental entity or a person who is paid or compensated by a governmental entity for such solicitation, shall be registered with the secretary of state as a voter registration solicitor. A voter registration solicitor shall register for every election cycle that begins on the day after the general election and ends on the day of the general election two years later. A voter registration solicitor shall be at least eighteen years of age and shall be a registered voter in the state of Missouri.
2. Each voter registration solicitor shall provide the following information in writing to the secretary of state's office:
(1) The name of the voter registration solicitor;
(2) The residential address, including street number, city, state, and zip code;
(3) The mailing address, if different from the residential address;
(4) Whether the voter registration solicitor expects to be paid for soliciting voter registrations;
(5) If the voter registration solicitor expects to be paid, the identity of the payor; or
(6) The signature of the voter registration solicitor.
3. The solicitor information required in subsection 2 of this section shall be submitted to the secretary of state's office with the following oath and affirmation:
"I HEREBY SWEAR OR AFFIRM UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY THAT ALL STATEMENTS MADE BY ME ARE TRUE AND CORRECT.".
4. Any voter registration solicitor who knowingly fails to register with the secretary of state is guilty of a class three election offense. Voter registration applications shall be accepted by the election authority if such applications are otherwise valid, even if the voter registration solicitor who procured the applications fails to register with or submits false information to the secretary of state.
(L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.219. 1. Any person who believes a violation of any provision of Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), 42 U.S.C. Sections 15481 to 15485, as amended, has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur may file a complaint with the elections division of the secretary of state's office.
2. Any complaint filed under this section shall:
(1) Be in writing, signed, and sworn to before a notary public commissioned by the state of Missouri;
(2) Be filed within thirty days of the certification of the election in which the violation is alleged to have occurred and state the following:
(a) The name and mailing address of the person or persons alleged to have committed the violation of Title III of HAVA described in the complaint;
(b) A description of the act or acts that the person filing the complaint believes is a violation of Title III of HAVA; and
(c) The nature of the injury suffered or about to be suffered by the person filing the complaint.
3. The elections division shall promptly provide a copy of the complaint by certified mail to:
(1) All persons identified in the complaint as possible violators of Title III of HAVA; and
(2) The election authority in whose jurisdiction the violation is alleged to have occurred or is about to occur.
4. The elections division may consolidate complaints filed under this section.
5. Upon the proper filing of a complaint under this section, the secretary of state shall appoint a presiding officer who shall conduct an investigation of the complaint.
6. At the request of the person filing the complaint or if the presiding officer believes that the circumstances so dictate, the presiding officer shall conduct a hearing on the complaint and prepare a record on the hearing, such hearing to be conducted within ten days of the request of the person filing the complaint.
7. Upon completion of the investigation, the presiding officer shall submit the results to the elections division, which shall then issue a written report. The elections division shall provide a copy of the report by certified mail to:
(1) The person who filed the complaint;
(2) The person or persons alleged to have committed the violation; and
(3) The election authority in whose jurisdiction the violation is alleged to have occurred.
8. The report described in subsection 7 of this section shall:
(1) Indicate the date when the complaint was received by the elections division;
(2) Contain findings of fact regarding the alleged violation and state whether a violation of Title III of HAVA has occurred;
(3) State what steps, if any, the person or persons alleged to have committed a violation have taken to correct or prevent any recurrence;
(4) Suggest any additional measures that could be taken to correct the violation;
(5) Indicate the date a violation was corrected or is expected to be corrected;
(6) Provide any additional information or recommendations useful in resolving the complaint.
9. If the elections division determines that there is a violation of Title III of HAVA, the elections division shall determine and provide the appropriate remedy, as authorized by law to do so. If the elections division determines that it is not authorized by law to provide an appropriate remedy, the elections division shall, if possible, refer the matter to the appropriate agency or office that has jurisdiction.
(L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.221. At least once each year, each election authority shall have the voting records inspected and may investigate the qualifications of any person who has not voted or transferred his registration within the four preceding calendar years.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 7.355)Effective 1-1-78
115.225. 1. Before use by election authorities in this state, the secretary of state shall approve the marking devices and the automatic tabulating equipment used in electronic voting systems and may promulgate rules and regulations to implement the intent of sections 115.225 to 115.235.
2. No electronic voting system shall be approved unless it:
(1) Permits voting in absolute secrecy;
(2) Permits each voter to vote for as many candidates for each office as a voter is lawfully entitled to vote for;
(3) Permits each voter to vote for or against as many questions as a voter is lawfully entitled to vote on, and no more;
(4) Provides facilities for each voter to cast as many write-in votes for each office as a voter is lawfully entitled to cast;
(5) Permits each voter in a primary election to vote for the candidates of only one party announced by the voter in advance;
(6) Permits each voter at a presidential election to vote by use of a single punch or mark for the candidates of one party or group of petitioners for president, vice president and their presidential electors;
(7) Accurately counts all proper votes cast for each candidate and for and against each question;
(8) Is set to reject all votes, except write-in votes, for any office and on any question when the number of votes exceeds the number a voter is lawfully entitled to cast;
(9) Permits each voter, while voting, to clearly see the ballot label;
(10) Has been tested and is certified by an independent authority that meets the voting system standards developed by the Federal Election Commission or its successor agency. The provisions of this subdivision shall not be required for any system purchased prior to August 28, 2002.
3. The secretary of state shall promulgate rules and regulations to allow the use of a computerized voting system. The procedures shall provide for the use of a computerized voting system with the ability to provide a paper audit trail. Notwithstanding any provisions of this chapter to the contrary, such a system may allow for the storage of processed ballot materials in an electronic form.
4. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, RSMo, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and, if applicable, section 536.028, RSMo. This section and chapter 536, RSMo, are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo, to review, to delay the effective date or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2002, shall be invalid and void.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.005, A.L. 1993 S.B. 52, A.L. 1995 S.B. 3, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.227. All provisions of law not inconsistent with sections 8.001 to 8.040* shall apply with full force and effect to elections in each jurisdiction using an electronic voting system.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.010)Effective 1-1-78
*"Sections 8.001 to 8.040" appear in original rolls. Neither section 8.001 nor 8.040 appears in the text of the act. The intervening sections which do appear have been renumbered and contain sections 115.225 to 115.235.
115.229. 1. An electronic voting system may be used at any primary election if it has been approved by the secretary of state, complies with the provisions of section 115.225, and if the automatic tabulating equipment will reject each vote on which a voter has voted for candidates of more than one party.
2. An electronic voting system may be used at any other election if it has been approved by the secretary of state and complies with the provisions of section 115.225.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.015, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620)
115.231. 1. In polling places using electronic voting systems, the ballot information, whether placed on the ballot card or on the marking device, may be arranged in vertical or horizontal rows, or on a number of separate pages. In any event, the name of each candidate, the candidate's party, the office for which he or she is a candidate and each question shall be indicated clearly on the ballot card or marking device.
2. Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as prohibiting the use of a separate paper ballot for questions or for the presidential preference primary in any polling place using an electronic voting system.
3. Where electronic voting systems are used and when write-in votes are authorized by law, a write-in ballot, which may be in the form of a separate paper ballot, card or envelope shall be provided to permit each voter to write in the names of persons whose names do not appear on the ballot.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.025, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676)
115.233. Within fourteen days prior to an election at which an electronic voting system is to be used, the election authority shall have the automatic tabulating equipment tested to ascertain that the equipment is in compliance with the law and that it will correctly count the votes cast for all offices and on all questions. At least forty-eight hours prior to the test, notice of the time and place of the test shall be mailed to each independent and new party candidate and the chairman of the county committee of each established political party named on the ballot. The test shall be observed by at least two persons designated by the election authority, one from each major political party, and shall be open to representatives of the political parties, candidates, the news media and the public. The test shall be conducted by processing a preaudited group of ballots. If any error is detected, the cause shall be ascertained and corrected, and an errorless count shall be made before the tabulating equipment is approved.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.030, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.235. In jurisdictions where electronic voting systems are used, the election authority shall cause the marking devices to be put in order, set, adjusted and made ready for voting, before they are delivered to polling places on election day.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.035)Effective 1-1-78
115.237. 1. Each ballot printed or designed for use with an electronic voting system for any election pursuant to this chapter shall contain all questions and the names of all offices and candidates certified or filed pursuant to this chapter and no other. As far as practicable, all questions and the names of all offices and candidates for which each voter is entitled to vote shall be printed on one page except for the ballot for political party committee persons in polling places not utilizing an electronic voting system which may be printed separately and in conformity with the requirements contained in this section. As far as practicable, ballots containing only questions and the names of nonpartisan offices and candidates shall be printed in accordance with the provisions of this section, except that the ballot information may be listed in vertical or horizontal rows. The names of candidates for each office shall be listed in the order in which they are filed.
2. Except as provided in subsection 5 of this section, each ballot shall have:
(1) Each party name printed in capital letters not less than eighteen point in size;
(2) The name of each office printed in capital letters not less than eight point in size;
(3) The name of each candidate printed in capital letters not less than ten point in size;
(4) A small square, the sides of which shall not be less than one-fourth inch in length, printed directly to the left of each candidate's name and on the same line as the candidate's name. When write-in votes are authorized and no candidate's name is to be printed under the name of an office in a party or nonpartisan column, under the name of the office in the column shall be printed a square. Directly to the right of the square shall be printed a horizontal line on which the voter may vote for a person whose name does not appear on the ballot. When more than one position is to be filled for an office, and the number of candidates' names under the office in a column is less than the number of positions to be filled, the number of squares and write-in lines printed in the column shall equal the difference between the number of candidates' names and the number of positions to be filled;
(5) The list of candidates of each party and all nonpartisan candidates placed in separate columns with a heavy vertical line between each list;
(6) A horizontal line extending across the ballot three-eighths of an inch below the last name or write-in line under each office in such a manner that the names of all candidates and all write-in lines for the same office appear between the same horizontal lines. If write-in votes are not authorized, the horizontal line shall extend across the ballot three-eighths of an inch below the name of the last candidate under each office;
(7) In a separate column or beneath a heavy horizontal line under all names and write-in lines, all questions;
(8) At least three-eighths of an inch below all other matter on the ballot, printed in ten-point Gothic type, the words "Instructions to Voters" followed by directions to the voter on marking the ballot as provided in section 115.439;
(9) Printed at the top on the face of the ballot the words "Official Ballot" followed by the date of the election and the statement "Instruction to Voters: Place an X in the square opposite the name of the person for whom you wish to vote.".
3. As nearly as practicable, each ballot shall be in substantially the following form:
OFFICIAL BALLOT DATE ........................ REPUBLICAN DEMOCRATIC THIRD PARTY INDEPENDENT For President For President For President For President and and and and Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... For For For For United States United States United States United States Senator Senator Senator Senator [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... For Governor For Governor For Governor For Governor [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... For Lieutenant For Lieutenant For Lieutenant For Lieutenant Governor Governor Governor Governor [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... For Secretary For Secretary For Secretary For Secretary of State of State of State of State [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... For Treasurer For Treasurer For Treasurer For Treasurer [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... For Attorney For Attorney For Attorney For Attorney General General General General [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... For For For For United States United States United States United States Representative Representative Representative Representative [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... For State For State For State For State Senator Senator Senator Senator [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... For State For State For State For State Representative Representative Representative Representative [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... For Circuit For Circuit For Circuit For Circuit Judge Judge Judge Judge [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ]......... [ ].........
4. No ballot printed or designed for use with an electronic voting system for any partisan election held under this chapter shall allow a person to vote a straight political party ticket. For purposes of this subsection, a "straight political party ticket" means voting for all of the candidates for elective office who are on the ballot representing a single political party by a single selection on the ballot.
5. The secretary of state shall promulgate rules that specify uniform standards for ballot layout for each electronic or computerized ballot counting system approved under the provisions of section 115.225 so that the ballot used with any counting system is, where possible, consistent with the intent of this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the format specified in this section if it does not meet the requirements of the ballot counting system used by the election authority.
6. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, RSMo, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and, if applicable, section 536.028, RSMo. This section and chapter 536, RSMo, are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo, to review, to delay the effective date or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2002, shall be invalid and void.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.101, A.L. 1979 S.B. 275, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.239. 1. The party casting the highest number of votes for governor at the last gubernatorial election shall be placed in the first or left-hand column on the ballot. The party casting the next highest number of votes for the same office shall be placed in the next column to the right, and so on until all established parties have been placed. In order of the date their petitions were filed, new parties shall then be placed in columns to the right of the established party receiving the smallest vote for governor. If there is no more than one independent candidate for any office, all independent candidates shall be placed in one column to the right of the new party filing the latest petition. If there is more than one independent candidate for any office, the candidate filing the earliest petition shall be placed in the column to the right of the new party filing the latest petition. The independent candidate filing the next earliest petition shall be placed in the next column to the right, and so on until all independent candidates for the office have been placed.
2. The name of each candidate shall be placed in the appropriate column by the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.105)Effective 1-1-78
115.241. Each party emblem shall be printed on the ballot above the party caption.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.110)Effective 1-1-78
115.243. 1. For the purposes of sections 115.001 to 115.641 and sections 51.450 and 51.460*, RSMo, the candidates for president and vice president of the United States from any political party or group of petitioners shall be considered one candidate. The names of the candidates for president and vice president from each political party or group of petitioners shall be enclosed in a brace directly to the left of the names in the appropriate column on the official ballot. Directly to the left of each brace shall be printed one square, the sides of which are not less than one-fourth inch in length. The names of candidates for presidential electors shall not be printed on the ballot but shall be filed with the secretary of state in the manner provided in section 115.399.
2. A vote for any candidate for president and vice president shall be a vote for their electors.
3. When presidential and vice-presidential candidates are to be elected, the following instruction shall be printed on the official ballot: "A vote for candidates for President and Vice President is a vote for their electors."
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.115)Effective 1-1-78
*Section 51.450 was repealed by S.B. 65, et al., 1987.
115.245. 1. All questions printed on the official ballot shall be phrased in such a manner that the required response is a "YES" or a "NO". Immediately beside or below each question, a "YES" and a "NO" shall be printed, immediately followed by a square, the sides of which are not less than one-fourth inch in length. Beneath the question and the "YES" and "NO" the following instruction shall be printed: "If you are in favor of the question, place an X in the box opposite 'YES'. If you are opposed to the question, place an X in the box opposite 'NO'."
2. When the secretary of state certifies a question to be submitted to a vote of the people, he shall include in his certification the exact wording of the question and the instructions. The wording certified by the secretary of state shall be printed on the official ballot, and no other wording shall be used to submit the question.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.120)Effective 1-1-78
115.247. 1. Each election authority shall provide all ballots for every election within its jurisdiction. Ballots other than those printed by the election authority in accordance with sections 115.001 to 115.641 and section 51.460, RSMo, shall not be cast or counted at any election.
2. Whenever it appears that an error has occurred in any publication required by sections 115.001 to 115.641 and section 51.460, RSMo, or in the printing of any ballot, any circuit court may, upon the application of any voter, order the appropriate election authorities to correct the error or to show cause why the error should not be corrected.
3. For each election held in a county with a charter form of government and with more than two hundred fifty thousand but fewer than three hundred fifty thousand inhabitants, the election authority may provide for each polling place in its jurisdiction fifty-five ballots for each fifty and fraction of fifty voters registered in the voting district at the time of the election. For each election, except a general election, held in any county other than a county with a charter form of government and with more than two hundred fifty thousand but fewer than three hundred fifty thousand inhabitants, the election authority shall provide for each polling place in its jurisdiction a number of ballots equal to at least one and one-third times the number of ballots cast in the voting district served by such polling place at the election held two years before at that polling place or at the polling place that served the voting district in the previous election. For each general election held in any county other than a county with a charter form of government and with more than two hundred fifty thousand but fewer than three hundred fifty thousand inhabitants, the election authority shall provide for each polling place in its jurisdiction a number of ballots equal to one and one-third times the number of ballots cast in the voting district served by such polling place or at the polling place that served the voting district in the general election held four years prior. When determining the number of ballots to provide for each polling place, the election authority shall consider any factors that would affect the turnout at such polling place. The election authority shall keep a record of the exact number of ballots delivered to each polling place. For purposes of this subsection, the election authority shall not be required to count registered voters designated as inactive pursuant to section 115.193.
4. After the polls have closed on every election day, the election judges shall return all unused ballots to the election authority with the other election supplies.
5. All ballots cast in public elections shall be printed and distributed at public expense, payable as provided in sections 115.061 to 115.077.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.125, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.249. No voting machine shall be used unless it:
(1) Permits voting in absolute secrecy;
(2) Permits each voter to vote for as many candidates for each office as he is lawfully entitled to vote for, and no other;
(3) Permits each voter to vote for or against as many questions as he is lawfully entitled to vote on, and no more;
(4) Provides facilities for each voter to cast as many write-in votes for each office as he is lawfully entitled to cast;
(5) Permits each voter in a primary election to vote for the candidates of only one party announced by the voter in advance;
(6) Permits each voter at a presidential election to vote by use of a single lever for the candidates of one party or group of petitioners for president, vice president and their presidential electors;
(7) Correctly registers or records and accurately counts all votes cast for each candidate and for and against each question;
(8) Is provided with a lock or locks which prevent any movement of the voting or registering mechanism and any tampering with the mechanism;
(9) Is provided with a protective counter or other device whereby any operation of the machine before or after an election will be detected;
(10) Is provided with a counter which shows at all times during the election how many people have voted on the machine;
(11) Is provided with a proper light which enables each voter, while voting, to clearly see the ballot labels;
(12) Is provided with a mechanical model, illustrating the manner of voting on the machine, suitable for the instruction of voters.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.300, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.251. Any voting machine may be provided with a device for printing, embossing or photographing the recording counters before the polls open and after the polls close. "Recording counters" are the counters which show the total number of votes cast for each candidate and for and against each question at any particular time.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.305)Effective 1-1-78
115.253. Prior to every election at which voting machines are used, the election authority shall insert ballot labels into the voting machines. The ballot labels shall be printed in black on white material of uniform size and shall fit the ballot frames of the machines. In its discretion, the election authority may print the names of the offices in red. The part of the ballot labels pertaining only to questions may be printed in black upon material tinted red. After the ballot labels have been inserted into the machines, the face of each ballot label shall be completely covered with a protective covering of smooth, hard, transparent material so that it is impossible to alter the face of the ballot label without removing or breaking the covering.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.310)Effective 1-1-78
115.255. 1. In polling places using voting machines, the ballot information may be arranged in vertical or horizontal rows. In any event, the name of each candidate, his party, the office for which he is a candidate and each question shall be indicated clearly on the ballot label. All ballot labels shall be placed to indicate clearly to the voter which key lever or other device to operate in order to vote on questions and for the candidates of his choice.
2. Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as prohibiting the use of a separate paper ballot for questions in polling places where voting machines are used.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.315)Effective 1-1-78
115.257. 1. In jurisdictions where voting machines are used, the election authority shall cause the voting machines to be put in order, set, adjusted and made ready for voting before they are delivered to polling places. Before delivery to the polling places, the election authority shall have all recording counters, except the protective counter on each voting machine set at zero (000).
2. At least five days before preparing voting machines for any election, notice of the time and place of such preparation shall be mailed to each independent candidate and the chairman of the county committee of each established political party named on the ballot. The preparation shall be watched by two observers designated by the election authority, one from each major political party, and shall be open to representatives of the political parties, candidates, the news media and the public.
3. When a machine has been examined by such observers and shown to be in good working order, the machine shall be locked against voting and sealed in their presence with a numbered metal seal. The observers shall certify the number on each machine, the number on each protective counter, the number on each seal and that each recording counter is set at zero.
4. After a voting machine has been properly prepared, locked and sealed, its keys shall be retained by the election authority and delivered to the election judges along with the other election supplies.
5. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the on-site storage of voting machines and the preparation of the machines for voting, provided the voting machines are put in order, set, adjusted and made ready for voting as provided in subsections 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this section.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.320, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971)
115.259. At each polling place using voting machines, the exterior of the voting machines shall be in plain view of the election judges. Each voting machine shall be so placed that, unless its construction requires otherwise, the ballot labels can be plainly seen by the election judges when not in use by voters. The election judges shall not be nor permit any other person to be in any position, or near any position, that enables them to see how any voter votes or has voted. The election judges may inspect any machine as necessary to make sure the ballot label is in its proper place and that the machine has not been damaged.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.325)Effective 1-1-78
115.261. During an election, no door or other counter compartment covering shall be unlocked or opened or the counters exposed, except by direction of the election authority, and then only for good and sufficient reason. If the door or other counter compartment covering on any machine is opened by the election authority or his representative, the reason for such opening shall be stated in writing, signed by the election authority or his representative and attached to one statement of returns.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.330)Effective 1-1-78
115.263. After the opening of the polls, the election judges shall not permit any person to handle any voting machine, except voters while they are voting and others expressly authorized by the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.335)Effective 1-1-78
115.265. If any voting machine at a polling place becomes inoperative, the election judges shall immediately notify the election authority. If possible, the election authority shall repair or replace the machine. If a voting machine is replaced with another machine, the votes on both machines shall be recorded at the close of the polls and shall be added together in determining the results of the election. If the inoperative machine cannot be repaired, and no other machine is available for use, paper ballots, made as nearly as practicable to the official ballot may be used. At the close of the polls, the votes on paper ballots and the votes on the voting machines shall be recorded and shall be added together in determining the results of the election. All paper ballots used pursuant to this section shall be used in accordance with the laws affecting paper ballots and shall be returned to the election authority as paper ballots are returned with a statement describing how and why the paper ballots were voted.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.340)Effective 1-1-78
115.267. Any election authority may adopt, experiment with or abandon any voting machine meeting the requirements of this subchapter or any electronic voting system approved for use in the state, or may lease one or more voting machines or other equipment, either with or without option to purchase, and may use any authorized voting equipment at any polling place in its jurisdiction.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.345)Effective 1-1-78
115.269. For the purpose of giving instructions on their use, any election authority may designate suitable times and places for the exhibition and demonstration of its voting machines or marking devices. During such instructions, the voting machines and marking devices may contain sample ballot labels which show the names of offices and fictitious candidates. No voting machine shall be used for instruction after it has been prepared and sealed for use at an election, unless it is prepared again and resealed prior to the election. During the instructions, no counting mechanism on any voting machine shall be exposed to view.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.350)Effective 1-1-78
115.271. 1. While its voting machines or marking devices are not in use, the election authority may permit civic or educational organizations to use the machines or devices for the purpose of giving instructions on their use.
2. Any election authority may rent its voting machines or marking devices to any other group for use in its elections.
3. At the discretion of the election authority, the machines or devices may be transported at the expense of the organizations using them. The president or secretary of each organization using such machines or devices shall sign a receipt therefor and shall agree in writing that the organization assumes liability for any damage or loss occurring to the machines or devices up to the time they are returned to the election authority and will return the machines or devices by a designated time.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.355)Effective 1-1-78
115.273. All provisions of law not inconsistent with the provisions of sections 115.249 to 115.271 shall apply with full force and effect to elections in jurisdictions using voting machines.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 8.360)Effective 1-1-78
115.275. As used in sections 115.275 to 115.304, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms shall mean:
(1) "Absentee ballot", any of the ballots a person is authorized to cast away from a polling place pursuant to the provisions of sections 115.275 to 115.304;
(2) "Interstate former resident", a former resident and registered voter in this state who moves from Missouri to another state after the deadline to register to vote in any presidential election in the new state and who otherwise possesses the qualifications to register and vote in such state;
(3) "Intrastate new resident", a registered voter of this state who moves from one election authority's jurisdiction in the state to another election authority's jurisdiction in the state after the last day authorized in this chapter to register to vote in an election and otherwise possesses the qualifications to vote;
(4) "New resident", a person who moves to this state after the last date authorized in this chapter to register to vote in any presidential election;
(5) "Overseas voter" includes:
(a) An absent uniformed services voter who, by reason of active duty or service is absent from the United States on the date of the election involved;
(b) A person who resides outside the United States and is qualified to vote in the last place in which the person was domiciled before leaving the United States; or
(c) A person who resides outside the United States and (but for such residence) would be qualified to vote in the last place in which the person was domiciled before leaving the United States;
(6) "Persons in federal service" includes:
(a) Members of the armed forces of the United States, while in active service, and their spouses and dependents;
(b) Active members of the merchant marine of the United States and their spouses and dependents;
(c) Civilian employees of the United States government working outside the boundaries of the United States, and their spouses and dependents;
(d) Active members of religious or welfare organizations assisting servicemen, and their spouses and dependents;
(e) Persons who have been honorably discharged from the armed forces or who have terminated their service or employment in any group mentioned in this section within sixty days of an election, and their spouses and dependents.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.001, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.277. 1. Except as provided in subsections 3, 4 and 5 of this section, any registered voter of this state may vote by absentee ballot for all candidates and issues for which such voter would be eligible to vote at the polling place if such voter expects to be prevented from going to the polls to vote on election day due to:
(1) Absence on election day from the jurisdiction of the election authority in which such voter is registered to vote;
(2) Incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability, including a person who is primarily responsible for the physical care of a person who is incapacitated or confined due to illness or disability;
(3) Religious belief or practice;
(4) Employment as an election authority, as a member of an election authority, or by an election authority at a location other than such voter's polling place;
(5) Incarceration, provided all qualifications for voting are retained.
2. Any person in federal service, as defined in section 115.275, who is eligible to register and vote in this state but is not registered may vote only in the election of presidential and vice presidential electors, United States senator and representative in Congress even though the person is not registered. Each person in federal service may vote by absentee ballot or, upon submitting an affidavit that the person is qualified to vote in the election, may vote at the person's polling place.
3. Any interstate former resident, as defined in section 115.275, may vote by absentee ballot for presidential and vice presidential electors.
4. Any intrastate new resident, as defined in section 115.275, may vote by absentee ballot at the election for presidential and vice presidential electors, United States senator, representative in Congress, statewide elected officials and statewide questions, propositions and amendments from such resident's new jurisdiction of residence after registering to vote in such resident's new jurisdiction of residence.
5. Any new resident, as defined in section 115.275, may vote by absentee ballot for presidential and vice presidential electors after registering to vote in such resident's new jurisdiction of residence.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.005, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1995 H.B. 484, et al., A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.279. 1. Application for an absentee ballot may be made by the applicant in person, or by mail, or for the applicant, in person, by his or her guardian or a relative within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity. The election authority shall accept applications by facsimile transmission within the limits of its telecommunications capacity.
2. Each application shall be made to the election authority of the jurisdiction in which the person is or would be registered. Each application shall be in writing and shall state the applicant's name, address at which he or she is or would be registered, his or her reason for voting an absentee ballot and the address to which the ballot is to be mailed, if mailing is requested. Each application to vote in a primary election shall also state which ballot the applicant wishes to receive. If any application fails to designate a ballot, the election authority shall, within three working days after receiving the application, notify the applicant by mail that it will be unable to deliver an absentee ballot until the applicant designates which political party ballot he or she wishes to receive. If the applicant does not respond to the request for political party designation, the election authority is authorized to provide the voter with that part of the ballot for which no political party designation is required.
3. All applications for absentee ballots received prior to the sixth Tuesday before an election shall be stored at the office of the election authority until such time as the applications are processed in accordance with section 115.281. No application for an absentee ballot received in the office of the election authority by mail, by facsimile transmission or by a guardian or relative after 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday immediately prior to the election shall be accepted by any election authority. No application for an absentee ballot submitted by the applicant in person after 5:00 p.m. on the day before the election shall be accepted by any election authority, except as provided in subsections 6, 8 and 9 of this section.
4. Each application for an absentee ballot shall be signed by the applicant or, if the application is made by a guardian or relative pursuant to this section, the application shall be signed by the guardian or relative, who shall note on the application his or her relationship to the applicant. If an applicant, guardian or relative is blind, unable to read or write the English language or physically incapable of signing the application, he or she shall sign by mark, witnessed by the signature of an election official or person of his or her own choosing. Any person who knowingly makes, delivers or mails a fraudulent absentee ballot application shall be guilty of a class one election offense.
5. (1) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any resident of the state of Missouri who resides outside the boundaries of the United States or who is on active duty with the armed forces of the United States or members of their immediate family living with them may request an absentee ballot for both the primary and subsequent general election with one application. In addition, the election authority shall provide to each absent uniformed services voter and each overseas voter who submits an absentee ballot request an absentee ballot through the next two regularly scheduled general elections for federal office.
(2) The election authority shall provide each absent uniformed services voter and each overseas voter who submits a voter registration application or an absentee ballot request, if the election authority rejects the application or request, with the reasons for the rejection.
(3) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if a standard oath regarding material misstatements of fact is adopted for uniformed and overseas voters pursuant to the Help America Vote Act of 2002, the election authority shall accept such oath for voter registration, absentee ballot, or other election-related materials.
(4) Not later than sixty days after the date of each regularly scheduled general election for federal office, each election authority which administered the election shall submit to the secretary of state in a format prescribed by the secretary a report on the combined number of absentee ballots transmitted to, and returned by, absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters for the election. The secretary shall submit to the Election Assistance Commission a combined report of such information not later than ninety days after the date of each regularly scheduled general election for federal office and in a standardized format developed by the commission pursuant to the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The secretary shall make the report available to the general public.
(5) As used in this section, the terms "absent uniformed services voter" and "overseas voter" shall have the meaning prescribed in 42 U.S.C. 1973ff-6.
6. An application for an absentee ballot by a new resident, as defined in section 115.275, shall be submitted in person by the applicant in the office of the election authority in the election jurisdiction in which such applicant resides. The application shall be received by the election authority no later than 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election. Such application shall be in the form of an affidavit, executed in duplicate in the presence of the election authority or any authorized officer of the election authority, and in substantially the following form: "STATE OF.......................... COUNTY OF........................., ss.
I,......................................, do solemnly swear that:
(1) Before becoming a resident of this state, I resided at ...................................................... (residence address) in ............................ (town, township, village or city) of ................................. County in the state of .........................................;
(2) I moved to this state after the last day to register to vote in such general presidential election and I am now residing in the county of ........................................., state of Missouri;
(3) I believe I am entitled pursuant to the laws of this state to vote in the presidential election to be held November ......., .......... (year);
(4) I hereby make application for a presidential and vice presidential ballot. I have not voted and shall not vote other than by this ballot at such election.
Signed .............................
(Applicant)
.........................................
(Residence Address)
Subscribed and sworn to before me this ............ day of
................, ......
Signed .............................
(Title and name of officer authorized to administer oaths)"
7. The election authority in whose office an application is filed pursuant to subsection 6 of this section shall immediately send a duplicate of such application to the appropriate official of the state in which the new resident applicant last resided and shall file the original of such application in its office.
8. An application for an absentee ballot by an intrastate new resident, as defined in section 115.275, shall be made in person by the applicant in the office of the election authority in the election jurisdiction in which such applicant resides. The application shall be received by the election authority no later than 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election. Such application shall be in the form of an affidavit, executed in duplicate in the presence of the election authority or an authorized officer of the election authority, and in substantially the following form: "STATE OF ........................ COUNTY OF ......................, ss.
I, ......................................, do solemnly swear that:
(1) Before becoming a resident of this election jurisdiction, I resided at ...................................... ................. (residence address) in ........................ (town, township, village or city) of ............................ county in the state of ......................................;
(2) I moved to this election jurisdiction after the last day to register to vote in such election;
(3) I believe I am entitled pursuant to the laws of this state to vote in the election to be held ........................ ........... (date);
(4) I hereby make application for an absentee ballot for candidates and issues on which I am entitled to vote pursuant to the laws of this state. I have not voted and shall not vote other than by this ballot at such election.
Signed .......................
(Applicant)
...................................
(Residence Address)
Subscribed and sworn to before me this ............... day of ................, .........
Signed .......................
(Title and name of officer authorized to administer oaths)"
9. An application for an absentee ballot by an interstate former resident, as defined in section 115.275, shall be received in the office of the election authority where the applicant was formerly registered by 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday immediately prior to the election, unless the application is made in person by the applicant in the office of the election authority, in which case such application shall be made no later than 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.010, A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al., A.L. 1995 H.B. 484, et al., A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.281. 1. Not later than the sixth Tuesday prior to each election, or within fourteen days after candidates' names or questions are certified pursuant to section 115.125, the election authority shall cause to have printed and made available a sufficient quantity of absentee ballots, ballot envelopes and mailing envelopes. As soon as possible after the proper officer calls a special state or county election, the election authority shall cause to have printed and made available a sufficient quantity of absentee ballots, ballot envelopes and mailing envelopes.
2. All absentee ballots for an election shall be in the same form as the official ballots for the election, except that in lieu of the words "Official Ballot" at the top of the ballot, the words "Official Absentee Ballot" shall appear.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.015, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1984 S.B. 682)Effective 4-18-84
115.283. 1. Each ballot envelope shall bear a statement on which the voter shall state the voter's name, the voter's voting address, the voter's mailing address and the voter's reason for voting an absentee ballot. On the form, the voter shall also state under penalties of perjury that the voter is qualified to vote in the election, that the voter has not previously voted and will not vote again in the election, that the voter has personally marked the voter's ballot in secret or supervised the marking of the voter's ballot if the voter is unable to mark it, that the ballot has been placed in the ballot envelope and sealed by the voter or under the voter's supervision if the voter is unable to seal it, and that all information contained in the statement is true. In addition, any person providing assistance to the absentee voter shall include a statement on the envelope identifying the person providing assistance under penalties of perjury. Persons authorized to vote only for federal and statewide officers shall also state their former Missouri residence.
2. The statement for persons voting absentee ballots who are registered voters shall be in substantially the following form: State of Missouri County (City) of ....................... I, ............................................... (print name), a registered voter of .......................... County (City of St. Louis, Kansas City), declare under the penalties of perjury that I expect to be prevented from going to the polls on election day due to (check one): ......... absence on election day from the jurisdiction of
the election authority in which I am registered; ......... incapacity or confinement due to illness or
physical disability, including caring for a person
who is incapacitated or confined due to illness or
disability; ......... religious belief or practice; ......... employment as an election authority or by an
election authority at a location other than my
polling place; ......... incarceration, although I have retained all the
necessary qualifications for voting.
I hereby state under penalties of perjury that I am qualified to vote at this election; I have not voted and will not vote other than by this ballot at this election. I further state that I marked the enclosed ballot in secret or that I am blind, unable to read or write English, or physically incapable of marking the ballot, and the person of my choosing indicated below marked the ballot at my direction; all of the information on this statement is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true. ......................... ......................... Signature of Voter Signature of Person
Assisting Voter
(if applicable) Signed ......................... Subscribed and sworn to Signed ......................... before me this ...... day Address of Voter of ........., ........... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... Mailing addresses Signature of notary or (if different) other officer authorized
to administer oaths
3. The statement for persons voting absentee ballots pursuant to the provisions of subsection 2, 3, 4 or 5 of section 115.277 without being registered shall be in substantially the following form: State of Missouri County (City) of ...................... I, ............................ (print name), declare under the penalties of perjury that I am a citizen of the United States and eighteen years of age or older. I am not adjudged incapacitated by any court of law, and if I have been convicted of a felony or of a misdemeanor connected with the right of suffrage, I have had the voting disabilities resulting from such conviction removed pursuant to law. I hereby state under penalties of perjury that I am qualified to vote at this election.
(1) I am a resident of the state of Missouri and (check one): ...... am a member of the U.S. armed forces in active service; ...... am an active member of the U.S. merchant marine; ...... am a civilian employee of the U.S. government working
outside the United States; ...... am an active member of a religious or welfare
organization assisting servicemen; ...... have been honorably discharged or terminated my service
in one of the groups mentioned above within sixty days
of this election; ...... am a spouse or dependent of one of the above; ...... am a registered voter in .............. County and moved from that county to .................. County,
Missouri, after the last day to register to vote in
this election.
OR (check if applicable)
(2) ..................... I am an interstate former resident of Missouri and authorized to vote for presidential and vice presidential electors. I further state under penalties of perjury that I have not voted and will not vote other than by this ballot at this election; I marked the enclosed ballot in secret or am blind, unable to read or write English, or physically incapable of marking the ballot, and the person of my choosing indicated below marked the ballot at my direction; all of the information on this statement is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true. ......................... Subscribed to and sworn Signature of Voter before me this ...... day
of ............, ........ ......................... ......................... ......................... Address of Voter Signature of notary or
other officer authorized
to administer oaths ......................... ......................... Mailing Address (if different) .........................
......................... ......................... ......................... Signature of Person Address of Last Assisting Voter Missouri Residence (if applicable)
4. The statement for persons voting absentee ballots who are entitled to vote at the election pursuant to the provisions of subsection 2 of section 115.137 shall be in substantially the following form: State of Missouri County (City) of .......................... I, ....................................... (print name), declare under the penalties of perjury that I expect to be prevented from going to the polls on election day due to (check one): ....... absence on election day from the jurisdiction of the
election authority in which I am directed to vote; ....... incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical
disability, including caring for a person who is
incapacitated or confined due to illness or disability; ....... religious belief or practice; ....... employment as an election authority or by an election
authority at a location other than my polling place; ....... incarceration, although I have retained all the
necessary qualifications of voting.
I hereby state under penalties of perjury that I own property in the ...................... district and am qualified to vote at this election; I have not voted and will not vote other than by this ballot at this election. I further state that I marked the enclosed ballot in secret or that I am blind, unable to read and write English, or physically incapable of marking the ballot, and the person of my choosing indicated below marked the ballot at my direction; all of the information on this statement is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true. ......................... Subscribed and sworn to Signature of Voter before me this .........
day of ........, ........ ......................... ......................... ......................... Address Signature of notary or
other officer authorized
to administer oaths ......................... Signature of Person Assisting Voter (if applicable)
5. The statement for persons providing assistance to absentee voters shall be in substantially the following form:
The voter needed assistance in marking the ballot and signing above, because of blindness, other physical disability, or inability to read or to read English. I marked the ballot enclosed in this envelope at the voter's direction, when I was alone with the voter, and I had no other communication with the voter as to how he or she was to vote. The voter swore or affirmed the voter affidavit above and I then signed the voter's name and completed the other voter information above. Signed under the penalties of perjury. Reason why voter needed assistance: ......................... ASSISTING PERSON SIGN HERE 1. ............................................... (signature of assisting person) 2. .............................................. (assisting person's name printed) 3. .............................................. (assisting person's residence) 4. .............................................. (assisting person's home city or town).
6. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any resident of the state of Missouri who resides outside the boundaries of the United States or who is on active duty with the armed forces of the United States or members of their immediate family living with them or persons who have declared themselves to be permanently disabled pursuant to section 115.284, otherwise entitled to vote, shall not be required to obtain a notary seal or signature on his or her absentee ballot.
7. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or section 115.291 to the contrary, the subscription, signature and seal of a notary or other officer authorized to administer oaths shall not be required on any ballot, ballot envelope, or statement required by this section if the reason for the voter voting absentee is due to the reasons established pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection 1 of section 115.277.
8. No notary shall charge or collect a fee for notarizing the signature on any absentee ballot or absentee voter registration.
9. A notary public who charges more than the maximum fee specified or who charges or collects a fee for notarizing the signature on any absentee ballot or absentee voter registration is guilty of official misconduct.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.020, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1993 H.B. 551 & 552, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.284. 1. There is hereby established an absentee voting process to assist persons with permanent disabilities in the exercise of their voting rights.
2. The local election authority shall send an application to participate in the absentee voting process set out in this section to any registered voter residing within the election authority's jurisdiction upon request.
3. Upon receipt of a properly completed application, the election authority shall enter the voter's name on a list of voters qualified to participate as absentee voters pursuant to this section.
4. The application to participate in the absentee voting process shall be in substantially the following form: State of ..................................... County (City) of ............................. I,..................................... (print applicant's name), declare that I am a resident and registered voter of ............................... County, Missouri, and am permanently disabled. I hereby request that my name be placed on the election authority's list of voters qualified to participate as absentee voters pursuant to section 115.284, and that I be delivered an absentee ballot application for each election in which I am eligible to vote. ......................... Signature of Voter ......................... ......................... Voter's Address
5. Not earlier than ten weeks before an election but prior to the fourth Tuesday prior to an election, the election authority shall deliver to each voter qualified to participate as absentee voters pursuant to this section an absentee ballot application if the voter is eligible to vote in that election. If the voter returns the absentee request application to the election authority not later than 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before an election and has retained the necessary qualifications to vote, the election authority shall provide the voter with an absentee ballot pursuant to this chapter.
6. The election authority shall remove from the list of voters qualified to participate as absentee voters pursuant to this section any voter who:
(1) Asks to be removed from the list;
(2) Dies;
(3) Becomes disqualified from voting pursuant to this chapter; or
(4) No longer resides at the address of his or her voter registration.
(L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489 § 2, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.285. The secretary of state may prescribe uniform regulations with respect to the printing of ballot envelopes and mailing envelopes, which shall comply with standards established by federal law or postal regulations. Mailing envelopes for use in returning ballots shall be printed with business reply permits so that any ballot returned by mail does not require postage. All fees and costs for establishing and maintaining the business reply and postage-free mail for all ballots cast shall be paid by the secretary of state through state appropriations.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.025, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676)
115.287. 1. Upon receipt of a signed application for an absentee ballot and if satisfied the applicant is entitled to vote by absentee ballot, the election authority shall, within three working days after receiving the application, or if absentee ballots are not available at the time the application is received, within five working days after they become available, deliver to the voter an absentee ballot, ballot envelope and such instructions as are necessary for the applicant to vote. Delivery shall be made to the voter personally in the office of the election authority or by bipartisan teams appointed by the election authority, or by first class, registered, or certified mail at the discretion of the election authority. Where the election authority is a county clerk, the members of bipartisan teams representing the political party other than that of county clerk shall be selected from a list of persons submitted to the county clerk by the county chairman of that party. If no list is provided by the time that absentee ballots are to be made available, the county clerk may select a person or persons from lists provided in accordance with section 115.087. If the election authority is not satisfied that any applicant is entitled to vote by absentee ballot, it shall not deliver an absentee ballot to the applicant. Within three working days of receiving such an application, the election authority shall notify the applicant and state the reason he or she is not entitled to vote by absentee ballot. The applicant may appeal the decision of the election authority to the circuit court in the manner provided in section 115.223.
2. If, after 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before an election, any voter from the jurisdiction has become hospitalized, becomes confined due to illness or injury, or is confined in an adult boarding facility, intermediate care facility, residential care facility*, or skilled nursing facility, as defined in section 198.006, RSMo, in the county in which the jurisdiction is located or in the jurisdiction or an adjacent election authority within the same county, the election authority shall appoint a team to deliver, witness the signing of and return the voter's application and deliver, witness the voting of and return the voter's absentee ballot. In counties with a charter form of government and in cities not within a county, and in each city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants, and is situated in more than one county, if the election authority receives ten or more applications for absentee ballots from the same address it may appoint a team to deliver and witness the voting and return of absentee ballots by voters residing at that address, except when such addresses are for an apartment building or other structure wherein individual living units are located, each of which has its own separate cooking facilities. Each team appointed pursuant to this subsection shall consist of two registered voters, one from each major political party. Both members of any team appointed pursuant to this subsection shall be present during the delivery, signing or voting and return of any application or absentee ballot signed or voted pursuant to this subsection.
3. On the mailing and ballot envelopes for each applicant in federal service, the election authority shall stamp prominently in black the words "FEDERAL BALLOT, STATE OF MISSOURI" and "U.S. Postage Paid, 39 U.S.C. 3406".
4. No information which encourages a vote for or against a candidate or issue shall be provided to any voter with an absentee ballot.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.030, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620, A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al., A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)*Revisor's note: The term "residential care facility" may include "assisted living facility", see section 198.005 regarding changes to name reference.
115.289. 1. Except as provided in subsection 3 of this section, as applications for absentee ballots are received, the election authority shall list the name, voting address and mailing address, if different, of each applicant. Any person authorized under subsection 2 of this section may copy the list, and the election authority may make copies of the list available to such persons for a reasonable fee determined by the election authority.
2. Except as provided in subsection 4 of this section, all lists of applications for absentee ballots shall be kept confidential to the extent that such lists of applications shall not be posted or displayed in any area open to the general public, nor shall such lists of applications be shown to any person who is not entitled to see such lists of applications, either pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or any other provisions of law. Persons entitled to see such lists shall include a candidate or a duly authorized representative of a campaign committee as defined in section 130.011, RSMo, or any person with written authorization from a candidate, or any person that has applied for an absentee ballot.
3. In each city not within a county, in each county of the first classification having a population of more than nine hundred thousand inhabitants, in each county of the first classification containing the major portion of a city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants, and in that portion of each city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants and located in more than one county, situated in the county containing the major portion of the city, as applications for absentee ballots are received, the election authority shall list the name, voting address and mailing address, if different, of each applicant. Prior to 8:00 a.m. on the Friday before an election all absentee ballot applications, lists of absentee ballot applications, or any information contained on the absentee ballot applications shall be kept confidential. Use of the applications, lists or information contained thereon by the election authority prior to 8:00 a.m. on the Friday before an election for purposes other than processing absentee ballots shall be deemed a class one election offense. After 8:00 a.m. on the Friday before an election any person authorized under subsection 4 of this section may copy the list, and the election authority may make copies of the list available to such persons for a reasonable fee determined by the election authority.
4. In each city not within a county, in each county of the first classification having a population of more than nine hundred thousand inhabitants, in each county of the first classification containing the major portion of a city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants, and in that portion of each city which has over three hundred thousand inhabitants and located in more than one county, situated in the county containing the major portion of the city, after 8:00 a.m. on the Friday before an election, all lists of applications for absentee ballots shall be kept confidential to the extent that such lists of applications shall not be posted or displayed in any area open to the general public, nor shall such lists of applications be shown to any person who is not entitled to see such lists of applications, either pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or any other provisions of law. Persons entitled to see such lists shall include a candidate or a duly authorized representative of a campaign committee as defined in section 130.011, RSMo, or any person with written authorization from a candidate, or any person that has applied for an absentee ballot.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.035, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676)
115.290. Any person registered by mail under the provisions of section 115.159 and voting by absentee ballot shall provide an affidavit subscribed and sworn to as provided in section 115.291 regardless of the cause for requesting such ballot unless the voter is exempt from such requirement under section 115.284 or section 1973ee-3, title 42, United States Code.
(L. 1993 H.B. 551 & 552 § 1, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489)Effective 6-13-96
115.291. 1. Upon receiving an absentee ballot, the voter shall mark the ballot in secret, place the ballot in the ballot envelope, seal the envelope and fill out the statement on the ballot envelope. The affidavit of each person voting an absentee ballot shall be subscribed and sworn to before the election official receiving the ballot, a notary public or other officer authorized by law to administer oaths, unless the voter is voting absentee due to incapacity or confinement due to the provisions of section 115.284, illness or physical disability. If the voter is blind, unable to read or write the English language, or physically incapable of voting the ballot, the voter may be assisted by a person of the voter's own choosing. Any person assisting a voter who is not entitled to such assistance, and any person who assists a voter and in any manner coerces or initiates a request or a suggestion that the voter vote for or against or refrain from voting on any question, ticket or candidate, shall be guilty of a class one election offense. If, upon counting, challenge or election contest, it is ascertained that any absentee ballot was voted with unlawful assistance, the ballot shall be rejected.
2. Each absentee ballot shall be returned to the election authority in the ballot envelope and shall only be returned by the voter in person, or in person by a relative of the voter who is within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, by mail or registered carrier or by a team of deputy election authorities; except that persons in federal service, when sent from a location determined by the secretary of state to be inaccessible on election day, shall be allowed to return their absentee ballots cast by use of facsimile transmission or under a program approved by the Department of Defense for electronic transmission of election materials.
3. In cases of an emergency declared by the President of the United States or the governor of this state where the conduct of an election may be affected, the secretary of state may provide for the delivery and return of absentee ballots by use of a facsimile transmission device or system. Any rule promulgated pursuant to this subsection shall apply to a class or classes of voters as provided for by the secretary of state.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.040, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1993 H.B. 551 & 552 merged with S.B. 31, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.292. 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a qualified absentee voter, as described in subsection 3 of this section, may apply for a special write-in absentee ballot within eighty days of a special, primary, or general election for federal office. Such a ballot shall be for voting for all offices being contested at such election.
2. A qualified absentee voter applying for a special write-in absentee ballot pursuant to this section shall apply to the local election authority of the area which contains his last residence in this state for such ballot. The application for a special write-in absentee ballot may be made on the federal postcard application form, by letter, or on a form provided by the local election authority.
3. In order to qualify for a special write-in absentee ballot, the voter shall state that he is unable to vote by any other means due to requirements of military service or due to living in isolated or extremely remote areas of the world. This statement may be made by federal postcard application, by letter, or on a form prepared by the local election authority.
4. Upon receipt of the application, the election authority shall issue a special write-in absentee ballot. Such ballot shall permit the voter to cast a ballot by writing in a party preference for each office, the names of specific candidates, or the names of persons whom the voter prefers.
5. The election authority shall issue a regular absentee ballot as soon as such ballots are available. If both the regular absentee ballot and the special write-in absentee ballot are returned, the regular absentee ballot shall be counted and the special write-in absentee ballot shall be voided.
(L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al., A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511)
115.293. 1. All proper votes on each absentee ballot received by an election authority at or before the time fixed by law for the closing of the polls on election day shall be counted. No votes on any absentee ballot received by an election authority after the time fixed by law for the closing of the polls on election day shall be counted.
2. If sufficient evidence is shown to an election authority that any absentee voter has died prior to the opening of the polls on election day, the ballot of the deceased voter shall be rejected. Any ballot so rejected, still sealed in its ballot envelope, shall be sealed with the application and any other papers connected therewith in an envelope marked "Rejected ballot of .............................., an absentee voter of ........................ voting district". The reason for rejection shall be noted on the envelope, which shall be kept by the election authority with the other ballots from the election until the ballots are destroyed according to law.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.045)Effective 1-1-78
115.294. Other provisions of law to the contrary notwithstanding, no absentee ballot shall be rejected for failure of the voter to state on the ballot envelope his reason for voting an absentee ballot.
(L. 1989 H.B. 884 § 1)Effective 5-4-89
115.295. 1. As each absentee ballot is received by the election authority, the election authority shall indicate its receipt on the list.
2. If the statements on any ballot envelope have not been completed, the absentee ballot in the envelope shall be rejected.
3. All ballot envelopes received by the election authority shall be kept together in a safe place and shall not be opened except as provided in this subchapter.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.050, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234)
115.297. Before the precinct registers are delivered to the polling places for an election, the election authority shall record in the precinct registers those voters who have submitted an absentee ballot and are ineligible to vote at the polls. On election day, the election authority shall notify the appropriate election judges of any absentee ballot received by the election authority not previously recorded in a precinct register. The election authority shall record the fact in the appropriate precinct register and shall not allow any person who has voted an absentee ballot in the election to vote at the polls on election day. After the election and before convening the verification board, the election authority shall record in the precinct registers those voters whose absentee ballots were received too late to permit previous recording in the precinct registers. If it is determined that any voter submitted an absentee ballot and voted at the polls on election day, the election authority shall certify the fact and the name of the voter to the verification board. Such certificate shall be included with the abstracts drawn by the verification board.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.055, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al.)
115.299. 1. To count absentee votes on election day, the election authority shall appoint a sufficient number of teams of election judges. Each team shall consist of four judges, two from each major political party.
2. The teams so appointed shall meet on election day after the time fixed by law for the opening of the polls at a central location designated by the election authority. The election authority shall deliver the absentee ballots to the teams, and shall maintain a record of the delivery. The record shall include the number of ballots delivered to each team and shall include a signed receipt from two judges, one from each major political party. The election authority shall provide each team with a ballot box, tally sheets and statements of returns as are provided to a polling place.
3. Each team shall count votes on all absentee ballots designated by the election authority.
4. One member of each team, closely observed by another member of the team from a different political party, shall open each envelope and call the voter's name in a clear voice. Without unfolding the ballot, two team members, one from each major political party, shall initial the ballot, and an election judge shall place the ballot, still folded, in a ballot box. No ballot box shall be opened until all of the ballots a team is counting have been placed in the box. The votes shall be tallied and the returns made as provided in sections 115.447 to 115.525 for paper ballots. After the votes on all ballots assigned to a team have been counted, the ballots and ballot envelopes shall be placed on a string and enclosed in sealed containers marked "voted absentee ballots and ballot envelopes from the election held ...................., 20....". All rejected absentee ballots and envelopes shall be enclosed and sealed in a separate container marked "rejected absentee ballots and envelopes from the election held ...................., 20....". On the outside of each voted ballot and rejected ballot container, each member of the team shall write his name, and all such containers shall be returned to the election authority. Upon receipt of the returns and ballots, the election authority shall tabulate the absentee vote along with the votes certified from each polling place in its jurisdiction.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.060, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31)
115.300. In each jurisdiction, the election authority may start, not earlier than the fifth day prior to the election, the preparation of absentee ballots for tabulation on the election day. The election authority shall give notice to the county chairman of each major political party forty-eight hours prior to beginning preparation of absentee ballot envelopes. Absentee ballot preparation shall be completed by teams of election authority employees or teams of election judges, with each team consisting of one member from each major political party. Absentee ballots shall not be counted by the same persons as those who removed such ballots from their envelopes.
(L. 1978 S.B. 582, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489, A.L. 1997 H.B. 712)
115.301. If ballot cards are used as absentee ballots, the teams shall meet on election day at a time and place designated by the election authority and shall proceed to separate the ballot cards from the write-in forms and to count the write-in votes as provided in section 115.467. The returns shall be made as provided in sections 115.471 and 115.473, and the ballot cards and other designated election materials shall be delivered to the counting location and tabulated in the manner provided in section 115.475, but no ballot card shall be tabulated before the time fixed by law for the closing of the polls.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.065)Effective 1-1-78
115.303. Any absentee ballot or any vote on an absentee ballot may be challenged by the same persons and in the same manner as provided in section 115.429. Each challenge shall be decided in the manner provided in the same section.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 9.070)Effective 1-1-78
115.304. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, any violation of sections 115.275 to 115.303 shall be a class one election offense.
(L. 1983 S.B. 234)
115.305. This subchapter shall not apply to candidates for special district offices, township offices in township organization counties, or city, town and village offices; provided that, cities of the fourth class, except those in a county of the first class with a charter form of government and which adjoins a city not within a county, may elect, only by ordinance, to hold primary elections in accordance with the provisions of sections 115.305 to 115.405 or in accordance with the provisions of sections 78.470, 78.480 and 78.510, RSMo, and the ordinance shall state which of these provisions of law are being adopted.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.001, A.L. 1981 H.B. 18)CROSS REFERENCE:
Fourth class cities, primary elections, procedure, cost; exception, RSMo 79.035
115.307. Political parties and groups of voters may nominate candidates in the manner provided by this subchapter and in no other manner.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.005)Effective 1-1-78
115.309. 1. Except as provided in subsections 2 and 3 of this section, no political party hereafter organized and no persons hereafter seeking to nominate any candidate by petition shall use any portion of the name of any existing political party.
2. If a new party is formed for more than one district or county at the same time and with the same provisional party chairman, the same name may be used for the party in each such district or county.
3. Any political party established in a district or county may, by a majority vote of its committee members, authorize the use of its name in other districts and counties, and in the state as a whole.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.010)Effective 1-1-78
115.311. All provisions of law not inconsistent with this subchapter shall apply with full force and effect to primary elections.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.015)Effective 1-1-78
115.313. Any person who is a registered voter of the state of Missouri may sign a petition for the formation of a new political party or for the nomination of an independent candidate for office. Any person who signs a name other than his own to any petition or knowingly signs his name more than once to the same petition or who knows he is not a registered voter at the time of signing such petition, or any officer or person willfully violating any provision of this subchapter, shall be guilty of a class two election offense.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.025)Effective 1-1-78
115.315. 1. Sections 115.315 to 115.327 shall be known and may be cited as the "Fair Ballot Access Act".
2. Any group of persons desiring to form a new political party throughout the state, or for any congressional district, state senate district, state representative district or circuit judge district, shall file a petition with the secretary of state. Any group of persons desiring to form a new party for any county shall file a petition with the election authority of the county.
3. Each page or a sheet attached to each page of each petition for the formation of a new political party shall:
(1) Declare concisely the intention to form a new political party in the state, district or county;
(2) State in not more than five words the name of the proposed party;
(3) If presidential electors are to be nominated by petition, at least one qualified resident of each congressional district shall be named as a nominee for presidential elector. The number of candidates to be nominated shall equal the number of electors to which the state is entitled, and the name of their candidate for president and the name of their candidate for vice president shall be printed on each page or a sheet attached to each page of the petition. The names of the candidates for president and vice president may be added to the party name, but the names of the candidates for president and vice president shall not be printed on the official ballot without the written consent of such persons. Their written consent shall accompany and be deemed part of the petition;
(4) Give a complete list of the names and addresses, including the street and number, of the chairman and treasurer of the party.
4. When submitted for filing, each petition shall contain the names and addresses of two people, not candidates, to serve as provisional chairman and treasurer for the party in the event the party becomes a new political party.
5. If the new party is to be formed for the entire state, which shall include being formed for all districts and counties in which the party has nominations so listed on its certified list of candidates required pursuant to section 115.327, then this statewide petition shall be signed by at least ten thousand registered voters of the state obtained at large.
6. If the new party is to be formed for any district or county, but not by the statewide method set out in subsection 5 of this section, then the petition shall be signed by the number of registered voters in the district or county which is equal to at least two percent of the total number of voters who voted at the last election for candidates for the office being sought or is equal to ten thousand voters, whichever is less.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.030, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31)
115.317. 1. The filing of a valid statewide petition shall constitute the political group a new party for the purpose of placing its name and the names of its statewide and district and county candidates which are submitted pursuant to section 115.327 on the ballot at the next general election or the special election if the petition nominates a candidate to fill a vacancy which is to be filled at a special election. The filing of a valid countywide or district wide petition shall constitute the political party a new party for the purpose of placing its name and the names of its county and district candidates on the ballot at the next general election or the special election if the petition nominates a candidate to fill a vacancy which is to be filled at a special election. If presidential electors are nominated by the petition, the names of the candidates for elector shall not be placed on the official ballot, but the name of their candidate for president and the name of their candidate for vice president shall be placed on the official ballot at the next presidential election.
2. If, at an election in which the new party's candidates first appear, any of its candidates for a statewide office receives more than two percent of all votes cast for the office, the new party shall become an established political party for the state. If, at the election in which the new party's candidates first appear, any of its candidates for an office receives more than two percent of the votes cast for the office in any district or county, the new party shall become an established political party only for the district or county.
3. If, after becoming an established political party for the state, at any two consecutive elections a party fails to have a statewide candidate or fails to poll for a candidate for any statewide office more than two percent of the entire vote cast for the office, a party shall no longer be deemed an established political party. If, after becoming an established political party for a district or county, at any two consecutive elections a party fails to have a candidate in the district or county, as the case may be, or fails to poll more than two percent of the entire vote cast at either of the last two elections in which the district or political subdivision voted as a unit for the election of officers or representatives to serve its areas, the party shall no longer be deemed an established political party.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.035, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.319. 1. If any new party becomes an established political party, the new party candidates whose names first appeared on the ballot shall have authority to select all committeemen and committeewomen necessary for a provisional party organization in the area in which the party has become established.
2. The provisional party organization shall be subject to the same laws which apply to other established political party organizations.
3. The provisional party organization shall manage and control the affairs of the party until the next primary election at which the party shall nominate and elect party committeemen and committeewomen in the area it has become established under the laws governing other established political parties.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.040)Effective 1-1-78
115.321. 1. Any person desiring to be an independent candidate for any office to be filled by voters throughout the state, or for any congressional district, state senate district, state representative district, or circuit judge district, shall file a petition with the secretary of state. Any person desiring to be an independent candidate for any county office shall file a petition with the election authority of the county.
2. Each page or a sheet attached to each page of each petition for the nomination of an independent candidate shall:
(1) Declare concisely the intention to nominate an independent candidate;
(2) State the name and address, including street and number, of the independent candidate. If independent candidates for presidential elector are to be nominated, a number of independent candidates for presidential elector equal to the number of electors to which the state is entitled shall be nominated by one petition, and the name of their candidate for president and the name of their candidate for vice president shall be printed on each page or a sheet attached to each page of the petition. At least one qualified resident of each congressional district shall be named as a nominee for presidential elector, and the name and address of each candidate shall be printed on each page or a sheet attached to each page of the petition. The names of the candidates for president and vice president shall not be printed on the official ballot without the written consent of such persons. Their written consent shall accompany and be deemed part of the petition;
(3) State the office for which candidate is to be nominated.
3. If an independent candidate is to be nominated for a statewide office, the petition shall be signed by at least ten thousand registered voters of the state.
4. If the independent candidate is to be nominated for a district or county office, the petition shall be signed by the number of registered voters in the district or county which is equal to at least two percent of the total number of voters who voted at the last election for candidates for the office being sought or is equal to ten thousand voters, whichever is less.
5. The name of each person who files a valid petition for nomination as an independent candidate shall be placed on the official ballot as an independent candidate for the office at the next general election or the special election if the petition nominates a candidate to fill a vacancy which is to be filled at a special election. If presidential electors are nominated by the petition, the names of the candidates for elector shall not be placed on the official ballot, but the name of their candidate for president and the name of their candidate for vice president shall be placed on the official ballot at the next presidential election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.045, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31)
115.323. No voter may subscribe to more than one nomination for one office at any election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.047)Effective 1-1-78
115.325. 1. Each petition filed pursuant to sections 115.305 to 115.405 shall consist of pages of uniform size. The space for signatures on either side of a petition page shall be no larger than eight and one-half by fourteen inches, and each page shall contain signatures of registered voters from only one county. When submitted for filing, the pages of each petition shall be numbered in sequence for each county.
2. Each page of each petition for the formation of a new party shall be in substantially the following form: It is a felony for anyone to sign any petition for the formation of a new party with any name other than his or her own, or knowingly to sign his or her name more than once to the same petition, or to sign a petition when he or she knows he or she is not a registered voter. Signing this petition does not obligate you to vote for any candidate or party.
PETITION FOR PLACING A NEW PARTY ON THE BALLOT To the Honorable .................... (title of official with whom petition is to be filed) for .................... (the state of Missouri or appropriate county):
We, the undersigned, citizens and registered voters of the state of Missouri, .................... County and .............. (district if appropriate), respectfully order that the .......... (name of new political party) and its candidates be placed on the ballot, for election or rejection to such public offices at the next election, to be held on the .................... day of ...................., ....., and each for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the state of Missouri, ................. County and ................. (district if appropriate); my registered voting address and the name of the city, town or village in which I live are correctly written after my name.
CIRCULATOR'S AFFIDAVIT STATE OF MISSOURI, COUNTY OF ............... I, ...................., a resident of the state of Missouri, being first duly sworn, say (print or type names of signers)
REGISTERED VOTING NAME DATE ADDRESS
ZIP CONGR. NAME (Signature SIGNED (Street)(City, CODE DIST. (Printed
Town or Village) or Typed) (Here follow numbered lines for signers) signed this page of the foregoing petition, and each of them signed his or her name thereto in my presence; I believe that each has stated his or her name, registered voting address and city, town or village correctly, and that each signer is a registered voter of the state of Missouri and ........... County.
.............................
Signature of Affiant
(Person obtaining signatures)
.............................
Address of Affiant Subscribed and sworn to before me this .................... day of ...................., A.D. ......
.............................
Signature of Notary Notary Public (Seal) My commission expires ..................... If this form is followed substantially, it shall be sufficient, disregarding clerical and merely technical errors.
3. Each sheet of each petition for nomination of an independent candidate for public office shall be in substantially the following form: It is a felony for anyone to sign any petition for the nomination of an independent candidate with any name other than his or her own, or knowingly to sign his or her name more than once to the same petition, or to sign a petition when he or she knows he or she is not a registered voter.
PETITION FOR THE NOMINATION OF AN
INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE To the Honorable ........................................ (title of official with whom petition is to be filed) for .................... (the state of Missouri or appropriate county):
We, the undersigned, citizens and registered voters of the state of Missouri, .................... County and ............ (district if appropriate), nominate .................... (name of independent candidate), residing at ............................. (address of candidate), as an independent candidate for .................... (name of public office for which candidate is to be nominated) and respectfully order that the name of .................... (name of candidate) be placed on the ballot, for election or rejection to such office at the next election, to be held on the .................... day of ...................., ...., and each for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the state of Missouri, .................... County and .................... (district if appropriate); my registered voting address and the name of the city, town or village in which I live are correctly written after my name.
CIRCULATOR'S AFFIDAVIT STATE OF MISSOURI, COUNTY OF .................
I, ...................., a resident of the state of Missouri, being first duly sworn, say (print or type names of signers)
REGISTERED VOTING NAME DATE ADDRESS
ZIP CONGR. NAME (Signature) SIGNED (Street)(City, CODE DIST. (Printed
Town or Village) or Typed)
(Here follow numbered lines for signers) signed this page of the foregoing petition, and each of them signed his or her name thereto in my presence; I believe that each has stated his or her name, registered voting address and city, town or village correctly, and that each signer is a registered voter of the state of Missouri and ............................ County.
............................
Signature of Affiant
Person obtaining signatures)
............................
Address of Affiant Subscribed and sworn to before me this ........................ day of ...................., A.D. .....
............................
Signature of Notary Notary Public (Seal) My commission expires ............... If this form is followed substantially, it shall be sufficient, disregarding clerical and merely technical errors.
4. When any registered voter wishes to sign a petition for the formation of a new party or nomination of an independent candidate and is unable to sign his or her name, the required information shall be printed on the petition by the circulator of the petition page. The voter shall then sign the petition by making his or her mark, witnessed by the signature of the circulator. For purposes of this subchapter, all marks made and witnessed in accordance with this subsection shall be considered signatures.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.050, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676)
115.327. When submitted for filing, each petition for the nomination of an independent candidate or for the formation of a new political party shall be accompanied by a declaration of candidacy for each candidate to be nominated by the petition or by the party, respectively. The party's duly authorized chairman and treasurer shall also submit a certified complete list of the names and addresses of all their candidates and the office for which each seeks. The party shall nominate its candidates in the manner prescribed in the party's bylaws. Each declaration of candidacy for the office of presidential elector shall be in the form provided in section 115.399. Each declaration of candidacy for an office other than presidential elector shall state the candidate's full name, residence address, office for which he proposes to be a candidate, the party, if any, upon whose ticket he is to be a candidate and that if nominated and elected he will qualify. Each such declaration shall be in substantially the following form: I, ...................., a resident and registered voter of the .................... precinct of the town of .................... or the .................... precinct of the .................... ward of the city of ...................., or the .................... precinct of .................... township of the county of .................... and the state of Missouri, do announce myself a candidate for the office of ................. on the .................... ticket, to be voted for at the general (special) election to be held on the .................... day of ...................., 20...., and I further declare that if nominated and elected I will qualify. ........................... Subscribed and sworn to Signature of candidate before me this ..........
day of .........., 20.... ............................ ......................... Residence address Signature of election
official or officer
authorized to administer
oaths Each such declaration shall be subscribed and sworn to by the candidate before the election official accepting the candidate's petition, a notary public or other officer authorized by law to administer oaths.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.055, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31)
115.329. 1. The secretary of state or any election authority shall not accept for filing any petition for the formation of a new party or for the nomination of an independent candidate which is submitted prior to 8:00 a.m. on the day immediately following the general election next preceding the general election for which the petition is submitted or which is submitted after 5:00 p.m. on the fifteenth Monday immediately preceding the general election for which the petition is submitted.
2. When a special election to fill a vacancy is called, neither the secretary of state nor any election authority shall accept for filing any petition for the formation of a new party or for the nomination of an independent candidate which is submitted after 5:00 p.m. on the day which is midway between the day the election is called and the election day.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.060, A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al., A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489)Effective 6-13-96
115.331. When any petition is offered for filing with the secretary of state or an election authority under the provisions of this chapter, the officer receiving the petition shall prepare and issue to the person submitting the petition a receipt indicating the number of petition pages presented from each county. The receipt shall be evidence of the filing of the petition pages subject to the determination that the petition complies with the provisions of this chapter.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.065, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971)
115.333. 1. When any petition is filed with the secretary of state or an election authority under the provisions of this subchapter, the secretary of state or the election authority shall determine whether or not it complies with the provisions of this subchapter. When any petition is filed with the secretary of state or an election authority under the provisions of this subchapter, the secretary of state or the election authority shall, not later than the eleventh Tuesday prior to the general election, issue a statement setting forth such person's determination. When a petition for the formation of a new party or nomination of an independent candidate for a special election is filed with the secretary of state or an election authority, the secretary of state or the election authority shall issue a statement setting forth its determination as soon as possible but in no case too late to permit placement of the party or candidate on the ballot. If the secretary of state or the election authority determines that a petition does not comply with the provisions of this subchapter, such person shall state the reason for such person's determination in the statement.
2. If the secretary of state or the election authority refuses to file a petition for the formation of a new party or the nomination of an independent candidate or refuses to issue a statement setting forth such person's determination within the time prescribed, any registered voter may apply, within ten days after the refusal, to the circuit court for a writ of mandamus to compel such person to file the petition or issue the statement. Within ten days after the secretary of state or the election authority issues a statement setting forth such person's determination, any registered voter may apply to the circuit court to compel the secretary of state or the election authority to reverse such person's determination. If it is decided by the court that the petition is legally sufficient, the secretary of state or the election authority shall file it, with a certified copy of the judgment attached thereto, as of the date it was originally offered for filing in such person's office. On showing that any petition filed is not legally sufficient, the court may enjoin all election officials from certifying or printing the name of the independent candidate or new party and its candidates on the official ballot. All such suits shall be advanced on the court docket and heard and decided by the court as quickly as possible. Either party to the suit may appeal to the supreme court within ten days after a circuit court decision is rendered. The circuit court of Cole County shall have jurisdiction if the secretary of state is a party, and otherwise, the circuit court of the county in which the election authority is located shall have jurisdiction.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.070, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489)Effective 6-13-96
115.335. 1. The secretary of state or the election authority shall have specific authority to determine the validity of signatures on petitions filed with his office and shall have authority not to count those which are, in his opinion, forged or fraudulent or the signatures of persons who are not registered voters.
2. For the purpose of verifying signatures on any new party or independent candidate petition filed with his office, the secretary of state may send copies of petition pages by certified mail to the appropriate election authorities for registration verification. Each election authority receiving a copy of petition pages shall check any signature indicated by the secretary of state against the registration records and return all such copies to the secretary of state by certified mail no later than the day designated by the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall not designate any deadline for returning copies and certifications which is less than ten or more than forty days after the copies have been received by the election authority. If the secretary of state or an election authority determines the congressional district number written after the signature of any registered voter is not the congressional district in which he resides, the secretary of state or the election authority shall correct the congressional district number on the petition page. Failure of a voter to give his correct congressional district number shall not alone be sufficient reason to disqualify his signature. Only valid signatures from the county named in the circulator's affidavit shall be counted on any petition page.
3. The secretary of state or election authority shall have authority to verify the signatures on petitions filed with his office by use of random sampling. Random sampling may be used on any petition on which five hundred or more signatures are required. Petitions requiring fewer than five hundred signatures shall have each signature checked and random sampling shall not be used. The random sample of signatures to be verified shall be drawn in such a manner that every signature contained on the filed petition shall be given an equal opportunity to be included in the sample. Such a random sampling shall include an examination of not less than five percent of the signatures so filed.
4. If the random sample verification establishes that the number of valid signatures is less than ninety-five percent of the number of qualified voters needed to find the petition sufficient, the petition shall be deemed to have failed to qualify.
5. If the random sample verification establishes that the number of valid signatures total more than one hundred five percent of the number of qualified voters needed to find the petition sufficient, the petition shall be deemed to qualify in that district.
6. If the random sample verification establishes that the number of valid signatures is more than ninety-five percent but less than one hundred five percent of the number of qualified voters needed to find the petition sufficient, each signature filed shall be examined and verified.
7. The secretary of state is authorized to adopt rules to ensure uniform, complete and accurate checking of petition signatures either by actual counting or random sampling.
8. If copies of petition pages are sent to any local election authority for registration verification under the provisions of this subchapter, the secretary of state's final determination on the number of valid signatures submitted on the petition from the election authority's jurisdiction shall be based on the certification made by the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.073, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1995 S.B. 3)
115.337. 1. When an election authority for a county and an election authority for a city have jurisdiction within the same county, the county election authority may, for the purpose of verifying signatures on any new party or independent candidate petition filed with its office, deliver copies of petition pages to the city election authority for registration verification. The city election authority receiving a copy of petition pages shall check each signature indicated by the county election authority against its registration records and return all such copies to the county election authority no later than the day designated by the county election authority. At the same time the copies are returned, the city election authority shall certify to the county election authority the page number of each page it received and the total number of valid signatures from the city on the pages. The county election authority shall not designate any deadline for returning copies and certifications which is less than six or more than twelve working days after the copies have been received by the city election authority.
2. If copies of petition pages are sent to a city election authority for registration verification under the provisions of this section, the county election authority's final determination on the number of valid signatures submitted on the petition from the city shall be based on the certification made by the city election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.075)Effective 1-1-78
115.339. Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, all candidates for elective office shall be nominated at a primary election in accordance with the provisions of sections 115.339 through 115.405 of this subchapter.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.080)Effective 1-1-78
115.341. For the nomination of candidates to be elected at the next general election, a primary election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August of even-numbered years.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.085)Effective 1-1-78
115.342. 1. Any person who files as a candidate for election to a public office shall be disqualified from participation in the election for which the candidate has filed if such person is delinquent in the payment of any state income taxes, personal property taxes, real property taxes on the place of residence, as stated on the declaration of candidacy, or if the person is a past or present corporate officer of any fee office that owes any taxes to the state.
2. Each potential candidate for election to a public office shall file an affidavit with the department of revenue and include a copy of the affidavit with the declaration of candidacy required under section 115.349. Such affidavit shall be in substantially the following form:
"AFFIRMATION OF TAX PAYMENTS:
I hereby declare under penalties of perjury that I am not currently aware of any delinquency in the filing or payment of any state income taxes, personal property taxes, real property taxes on the place of residence, as stated on the declaration of candidacy, or that I am a past or present corporate officer of any fee office that owes any taxes to the state, other than those taxes which may be in dispute. .............................. Candidate's Signature .............................. Printed Name of Candidate."
3. Upon receipt of a complaint alleging a delinquency of the candidate in the filing or payment of any state income taxes, personal property taxes, real property taxes on the place of residence, as stated on the declaration of candidacy, or if the person is a past or present corporate officer of any fee office that owes any taxes to the state, the department of revenue shall investigate such potential candidate to verify the claim contained in the complaint. If the department of revenue finds a positive affirmation to be false, the department shall contact the secretary of state, or the election official who accepted such candidate's declaration of candidacy, and the potential candidate. The department shall notify the candidate of the outstanding tax owed and give the candidate thirty days to remit any such outstanding taxes owed which are not the subject of dispute between the department and the candidate. If the candidate fails to remit such amounts in full within thirty days, the candidate shall be disqualified from participating in the current election and barred from refiling for an entire election cycle even if the individual pays all of the outstanding taxes that were the subject of the complaint.
(L. 2006 H.B. 1900)Effective 1-01-07
115.343. The person receiving the greatest number of votes at a primary election as a party candidate for an office shall be the only candidate of that party for the office at the general election. The name of such candidate shall be placed on the official ballot at the general election unless he is removed or replaced as provided by law. Write-in candidates at a general election shall be considered to be independent candidates and may only be voted for if written on the ballot as an independent.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.090, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234)
115.345. 1. Not later than the third Monday in December immediately preceding the primary election, the secretary of state shall prepare and transmit to each election authority a notice, in writing, designating the offices for which candidates are to be nominated at the primary election.
2. Upon receipt of notice, the election authority shall publish the notice and the date by which candidates must file for such offices in a newspaper of general circulation in its jurisdiction.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.095, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31)
115.346. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, no person shall be certified as a candidate for a municipal office, nor shall such person's name appear on the ballot as a candidate for such office, who shall be in arrears for any unpaid city taxes or municipal user fees on the last day to file a declaration of candidacy for the office.
(L. 1999 H.B. 676 § 3)
115.347. 1. No candidate's name shall be printed on any official ballot unless his written, signed and sworn declaration of candidacy has been filed in the office of the appropriate election official as provided in this subchapter.
2. Any person filing a declaration of candidacy containing a false or forged signature or containing the name of a nonexistent or fictitious person shall be guilty of a class one election offense.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.098)Effective 1-1-78
115.348. No person shall qualify as a candidate for elective public office in the state of Missouri who has been found guilty of or pled guilty to a felony or misdemeanor under the federal laws of the United States of America.
(L. 2005 H.B. 353)*Section 115.348 was contained in both H.B. 58 and H.B. 353 during the Ninety-third General Assembly, First Regular Session (2005). H.B. 58 was ruled unconstitutional because it violated the single subject requirement of Article III, Section 23.
115.348. No person shall qualify as a candidate for elective public office in the state of Missouri who has been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony or misdemeanor under the federal laws of the United States of America.
(L. 2005 H.B. 58)*Section 115.348 was contained in both H.B. 58 and H.B. 353 during the Ninety-third General Assembly, First Regular Session (2005). H.B. 58 was ruled unconstitutional because it violated the single subject requirement of Article III, Section 23.
(2006) Section as enacted by H.B. 58 is unconstitutional because H.B. 58 violated the single subject requirement of Article III, Section 23. Rizzo v. State, 189 S.W.3d 576 (Mo.banc). Revisor's note: In 2005, H.B. 58 was merged with H.B. 353.
115.349. 1. Except as otherwise provided in sections 115.361 to 115.383 or sections 115.755 to 115.785, no candidate's name shall be printed on any official primary ballot unless the candidate has filed a written declaration of candidacy in the office of the appropriate election official by 5:00 p.m. on the last Tuesday in March immediately preceding the primary election.
2. No declaration of candidacy for nomination in a primary election shall be accepted for filing prior to 8:00 a.m. on the last Tuesday in February immediately preceding the primary election.
3. Each declaration of candidacy for nomination in a primary election shall state the candidate's full name, residence address, office for which such candidate proposes to be a candidate, the party ticket on which he or she wishes to be a candidate and that if nominated and elected he or she will qualify. The declaration shall be in substantially the following form: I, ........................., a resident and registered voter of the county of ........... and the state of Missouri, residing at ......., do announce myself a candidate for the office of ...... on the ...... party ticket, to be voted for at the primary election to be held on the .... day of ......, ..., and I further declare that if nominated and elected to such office I will qualify. ............................... Subscribed and sworn to Signature of candidate before me this ..... day
of ........., ....... ............................... ............................. Residence address Signature of election
official or other officer
authorized to administer
oaths ............................... Mailing address (if different) ............................... Telephone Number (Optional) If the declaration is to be filed in person, it shall be subscribed and sworn to by the candidate before an official authorized to accept his or her declaration of candidacy. If the declaration is to be filed by certified mail pursuant to the provisions of subsection 2 of section 115.355, it shall be subscribed and sworn to by the candidate before a notary public or other officer authorized by law to administer oaths.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.100, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1983 H.B. 713 Revision, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676)
115.350. No person shall qualify as a candidate for elective public office in the state of Missouri who has been convicted of or found guilty of or pled guilty to a felony under the laws of this state.
(L. 2006 H.B. 1900)Effective 1-01-07
115.351. No person who files as a party candidate for nomination or election to an office shall, without withdrawing, file as another party's candidate or an independent candidate for nomination or election to the office for the same term. No person who files as an independent candidate for election to an office shall, without withdrawing, file as a party candidate for nomination or election to the office for the same term. No person shall file for one office and, without withdrawing, file for another office to be filled at the same election. A person who files a request to be included on the presidential primary ballot is not prohibited by this section from filing or appearing on any ballot as a party candidate for nomination to another office. Receipt by the secretary of state of proper certification of nomination pursuant to subsection 1 of section 115.399 constitutes withdrawal by operation of law pursuant to subsection 1 of section 115.359 of any presidential or vice presidential nominee from any other office for which such nominee is a candidate at the same election. Any person violating any provision of this section shall be disqualified from running for nomination or election to any office at the primary and general election next succeeding the violation.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.105, A.L. 1998 S.B. 709, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676)
115.353. All declarations of candidacy shall be filed as follows:
(1) For presidential elector, United States senator, representative in Congress, statewide office, circuit judge not subject to the provisions of article V, section 25 of the Missouri Constitution, state senator and state representative, in the office of the secretary of state;
(2) For all county offices which for the purpose of election procedures shall include associate circuit judges not subject to the provisions of article V, section 25 of the Missouri Constitution, in the office of the county election authority;
(3) For all county offices, in the office of the county election authority. In any county in which there are two boards of election commissioners, the county clerk shall be deemed to be the election authority for purposes of this section.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.110, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634, H.B. 1694, A.L. 1984 H.B. 1611 Revision)
115.355. 1. Except as provided in subsections 2 and 5 of this section and in section 115.377, each declaration of candidacy for nomination in a primary election shall be filed by the candidate in person in the office of the appropriate election official.
2. A candidate may file his declaration of candidacy by certified mail if he is:
(1) Unable to appear in person because of physical disability, and the declaration is accompanied by a sworn statement of a licensed physician so stating; or
(2) A member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty, and the declaration is accompanied by a sworn statement of the candidate's commanding officer so stating.
3. Except as provided in section 115.377, no election official shall accept for filing any declaration of candidacy for nomination in a primary election not presented to him by the candidate in person or which, if sent by certified mail pursuant to subsection 2 of this section, is not accompanied by the statement required in the same subsection.
4. Election officials shall require proof of identity of persons when filing declarations of candidacy in person and when filing by mail as provided in subsection 2 or 5 of this section.
5. Any judge seeking retention under sections 25(a) to 25(g) of article V of the Missouri Constitution may file his declaration of candidacy for election to succeed himself by certified mail.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.115, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1985 S.B. 5, et al.)
115.357. 1. Except as provided in subsections 3 and 4 of this section, each candidate for federal, state or county office shall, before filing his declaration of candidacy, pay to the treasurer of the state or county committee of the political party upon whose ticket he seeks nomination a certain sum of money as follows:
(1) To the treasurer of the state central committee, two hundred dollars if he or she is a candidate for statewide office or for United States senator, one hundred dollars if he or she is a candidate for representative in Congress, circuit judge or state senator, and fifty dollars if he or she is a candidate for state representative;
(2) To the treasurer of the county central committee, fifty dollars if he or she is a candidate for county office.
2. The required sum may be submitted by the candidate to the official accepting his declaration of candidacy. All sums so submitted shall be forwarded promptly by the official to the treasurer of the appropriate party committee.
3. Any person who cannot pay the fee required to file as a candidate may have the fee waived by filing a declaration of inability to pay and a petition with his declaration of candidacy. Each such declaration shall be in substantially the following form:
DECLARATION OF INABILITY TO PAY FILING FEE I, ........., do hereby swear that I am financially unable to pay the fee of ...... (amount of fee) to file as a candidate for nomination to the office of ...... at the primary election to be held on the ...... day of ......, 20... . ......................... Subscribed and sworn to before me Signature of candidate this ..... day of ......, 20... .
.................................. ......................... Signature of election official or Residence address officer authorized to administer
oaths If the candidate's declaration of candidacy is to be filed in person, the declaration of inability to pay shall be subscribed and sworn to by the candidate before the election official who witnesses the candidate's declaration of candidacy. If his declaration of candidacy is to be filed by certified mail pursuant to subsection 2 of section 115.355, the declaration of inability to pay shall be subscribed and sworn to by the candidate before the notary or other officer who witnesses the candidate's declaration of candidacy. With his declaration of inability to pay, the candidate shall submit a petition endorsing his candidacy. Except for the number of signatures required, each such petition shall, insofar as practicable, be in the form provided in sections 115.321 and 115.325. If the person filing declaration of indigence is to be a candidate for statewide office, his petition shall be signed by the number of registered voters in the state equal to at least one-half of one percent of the total number of votes cast in the state for the office at the last election in which a candidate ran for the office. If the person filing a declaration of indigence is to be a candidate for any other office, the petition shall be signed by the number of registered voters in the district or political subdivision which is equal to at least one percent of the total number of votes cast for the office at the last election in which a candidate ran for the office. The candidate's declaration of inability to pay and the petition shall be filed at the same time and in the same manner as his declaration of candidacy is filed. The petition shall be checked and its sufficiency determined in the same manner as new party and independent candidate petitions.
4. No filing fee shall be required of any person who proposes to be an independent candidate, the candidate of a new party or a candidate for presidential elector.
5. Except as provided in subsections 3 and 4 of this section, no candidate's name shall be printed on any official ballot until the required fee has been paid.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.117, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234)
115.359. 1. Any person who has filed a declaration of candidacy for nomination and who wishes to withdraw as a candidate shall, not later than the eleventh Tuesday prior to the primary election, file a written, sworn statement of withdrawal in the office of the official who accepted such candidate's declaration of candidacy. Any person nominated for an office who wishes to withdraw as a candidate shall, not later than the eleventh Tuesday prior to the general election, file a written, sworn statement of withdrawal in the office of the official who accepted such candidate's declaration of candidacy. In addition, any person who has filed a declaration of candidacy for nomination or who is nominated for an office who wishes to withdraw as a candidate due to being named as the party candidate for a different office by a party nominating committee pursuant to sections 115.363 to 115.377 may withdraw as a candidate no later than 5:00 p.m. on the fifth day after being named as the party candidate for a different office by the party nominating committee.
2. Except as provided for in section 115.247, if there is no additional cost for the printing or reprinting of ballots, or if the candidate agrees to pay any printing or reprinting costs, a candidate who has filed or is nominated for an office may, at any time after the time limits set forth in subsection 1 of this section but no later than 5:00 p.m. on the sixth Tuesday before the election, withdraw as a candidate pursuant to a court order, which, except for good cause shown by the election authority in opposition thereto, shall be freely given upon application by the candidate to the circuit court in the county of such candidate's residence. No withdrawal pursuant to this subsection shall be effective until such candidate files a copy of the court's order in the office of the official who accepted such candidate's declaration of candidacy.
3. The name of a person who has properly filed a declaration of candidacy, or of a person nominated for office, who has not given notice of withdrawal as provided in subsection 1 or 2 of this section shall, except in case of death or disqualification, be printed on the official primary or general election ballot, as the case may be.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.120, A.L. 1995 H.B. 484, et al., A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676)
115.361. 1. Except as provided in subsections 2 and 3 of this section, if a candidate for nomination to an office in which the candidate is the incumbent or the only candidate dies, withdraws as provided in subsection 1 or 2 of section 115.359, or is disqualified after 5:00 p.m. on the last day in which a person may file as a candidate for nomination, and at or before 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Tuesday prior to any primary election, or if any candidate for the position of political party committeeman or committeewoman dies or withdraws as provided in subsection 1 or 2 of section 115.359, or is disqualified after 5:00 p.m. on the last day in which a person may file as a candidate for nomination, and at or before 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Tuesday prior to any primary election, leaving less candidates for the available committee positions than the number of available committee positions, filing for the office or position shall be reopened for a period of five working days, excluding holidays and weekends, following the death, withdrawal or disqualification during which period new candidates may file declarations of candidacy.
2. If a candidate for nomination to an office in which the candidate is the only candidate dies, withdraws as provided in subsection 1 or 2 of section 115.359, or is disqualified after 5:00 p.m. on the sixth Tuesday prior to the primary election, the election and canvass shall not proceed, and a vacancy shall exist on the general election ballot to be filled in the manner provided in sections 115.363 to 115.377.
3. If a candidate for the position of political party committeeman or committeewoman becomes disqualified after the eighth Tuesday prior to the primary election, the election and canvass shall proceed, and the disqualified candidate's name shall be physically eradicated from the ballot so that no vote may be cast for that candidate.
4. If after filing a declaration of candidacy, a candidate files a statement of withdrawal within two working days prior to the deadline for the close of filing set forth in section 115.349, the time of filing for that office shall be extended until 5:00 p.m. of the first Friday following the deadline for the close of filing set forth in section 115.349.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.123, A.L. 1979 S.B. 275, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1995 H.B. 484, et al., A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.363. 1. Except as provided in section 115.361, a party nominating committee of a political party may select a party candidate for nomination to an office on the primary election ballot in the following cases:
(1) If there are no candidates for nomination as the party candidate due to death of all the party's candidates after 5:00 p.m. on the last day in which a person may file as a candidate for nomination and at or before 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday prior to the primary election;
(2) If there are no candidates for nomination as the party candidate due to withdrawal after 5:00 p.m. on the last day in which a person may file as a candidate for nomination and at or before 5:00 p.m. on whatever day may be fixed by law as the final date for withdrawing as a candidate for the office;
(3) If there are no candidates for nomination as the party candidate due to death or disqualification of all candidates within seven days prior to the filing deadline and if no person has filed for the party nomination within that time;
(4) If there are no candidates for nomination as the party candidate due to disqualification of all party candidates after 5:00 p.m. on the last day on which a person may file as a candidate for nomination, and at or before 5:00 p.m. on the sixth Tuesday prior to the primary election; or
(5) If a candidate for the position of political party committeeman or committeewoman dies or withdraws as provided in subsection 1 or 2 of section 115.359 after the eighth Tuesday prior to the primary election, leaving no candidate.
2. Any established political party may select a candidate for nomination, if a candidate who is the incumbent or only candidate dies, is disqualified or withdraws pursuant to subsection 1 or 2 of section 115.359 after 5:00 p.m. on the eighth Tuesday prior to the primary election, and at or before 5:00 p.m. on whatever day is fixed by law as the final date for withdrawing as a candidate for the office.
3. A party nominating committee may select a party candidate for election to an office on the general election ballot in the following cases:
(1) If the person nominated as the party candidate shall die at or before 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday prior to the general election;
(2) If the person nominated as the party candidate is disqualified at or before 5:00 p.m. on the sixth Tuesday prior to the general election;
(3) If the person nominated as the party candidate shall withdraw at or before 5:00 p.m. on whatever day may be fixed by law as the final date for withdrawing as a candidate for the office;
(4) If a candidate for nomination to an office in which the person is the party's only candidate dies after 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday prior to any primary election, withdraws as provided in subsection 1 of section 115.359 after 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday prior to any primary election, or is disqualified after 5:00 p.m. on the sixth Tuesday before any primary election.
4. If a person nominated as a party's candidate who is unopposed shall die at or before 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday prior to the general election, is disqualified at or before 5:00 p.m. on the sixth Tuesday prior to the general election, or shall withdraw at or before 5:00 p.m. on whatever day may be fixed by law as the final date for withdrawing as a candidate for the office, the party nominating committee for any established political party may select a party candidate.
5. A party nominating committee may select a party candidate for election to an office in the following cases:
(1) For an election called to fill a vacancy in an office;
(2) For an election held pursuant to the provisions of section 105.030, RSMo, to fill an unexpired term resulting from a vacancy in an office that occurs within fourteen days prior to the filing deadline for the primary election and not later than the eighth Tuesday prior to the general election. If such vacancy occurs prior to the fourteenth day before the filing deadline for a primary election, filing for the office shall be as provided for in sections 115.305 to 115.359.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.125, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1995 H.B. 484, et al., A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.365. 1. The nominating committee authorized to select a candidate for nomination or election to office pursuant to section 115.363 shall be one of the following:
(1) To select a candidate for county office, the nominating committee shall be the county committee of the party;
(2) To select a candidate for state representative, the nominating committee shall be the legislative district committee of the party;
(3) To select a candidate for state senator, the nominating committee shall be the senatorial district committee of the party;
(4) To select a candidate for circuit court judge not subject to the provisions of article V, section 25 of the state constitution, the nominating committee shall be the judicial district committee of the party;
(5) To select a candidate for representative in Congress, the nominating committee shall be the congressional district committee of the party;
(6) To select a candidate for statewide office, the nominating committee shall be the state committee of the party.
2. After any decennial redistricting, the nominating committee shall be composed from the new districts, and the new district lines shall be used in the selection of a candidate; provided, however, that members of nominating committees for candidates for special elections to fill vacancies conducted pursuant to section 21.130, RSMo, shall be from the old districts.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.126, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.367. 1. In the event that the boundaries of a district have been altered, or a new district established for a candidate to be selected by a party committee since the last election in which a party candidate ran for such office, the members of the nominating committee shall be the members of the various nominating committees for that office, as provided in section 115.365 who reside within the altered or new district; provided, however, that members of nominating committees for candidates for special elections to fill vacancies conducted pursuant to section 21.130, RSMo, shall be from the old districts. The chairman of the nominating committee shall be the committee chairman of the county which polled the highest vote for the party candidate for governor within the area to be represented at the last gubernatorial election.
2. In the event that a candidate is to be selected by a party committee of a new political party which has not yet elected committeemen and committeewomen in the manner provided by law, the chairman of the nominating committee shall be the provisional chairman of the party for the state, or if the political party is formed for a district or political subdivision less than the state, the chairman of the nominating committee shall be the provisional chairman of the party for such district or political subdivision. The chairman of the nominating committee shall appoint additional members of the nominating committee, not less than four in number.
3. In the event that a candidate is to be selected for nomination or election to an office by a new political party which has elected committeemen and committeewomen in the manner provided for established political parties, the members of the nominating committee shall be the same as provided in section 115.365.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.127, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.369. Upon notification of a vacancy authorized to be filled by a nominating committee pursuant to section 115.363, the secretary of state or the election authority shall, not later than twenty-four hours after receiving such notification, notify the chair of the appropriate nominating committee. If it is impossible to notify the chair of the nominating committee, the secretary of state or the election authority shall notify the vice chair of the appropriate nominating committee. If it is impossible to notify the vice chair, the secretary of state or the election authority shall notify any member of the nominating committee or the chair of the county committee. The chair of the nominating committee shall, as soon as possible, but in no case later than two weeks after being notified of the vacancy, call a meeting of the nominating committee for the purpose of selecting a candidate to fill the vacancy. The meeting shall be called at a place located in the area the candidate is to represent. If the chair does not call a meeting within the time specified, any member of the nominating committee may do so. The person calling the meeting shall notify each member of the nominating committee of the time and place of the meeting.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.128, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676)
115.371. 1. To select a candidate under the provisions of section 115.363, a majority of the members of the nominating committee must be present. Except as provided in subsection 2 of this section, a member must be present in person to vote, and a majority vote of the members present shall be sufficient to nominate a candidate. In accordance with section 115.627, a party state committee may provide for weighted or fractional voting. The committee shall have no power to delegate its authority to any other person or group.
2. If a member of one nominating committee is a member of one or more additional nominating committees meeting on the same day, the member may, if he or she attends one of the meetings, select a person to participate and vote at each additional meeting in his or her stead.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.129, A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al.)
115.373. 1. The name of a candidate selected by a party nominating committee for a primary or general election to fill a vacancy created by death, withdrawal or disqualification shall be filed with the secretary of state or proper election authority no later than 5:00 p.m. on the twenty-eighth day after the vacancy occurs or no later than 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Friday prior to the election, whichever occurs sooner. The name of a person selected by a party nominating committee as a candidate to fill an unexpired term shall be filed with the secretary of state or proper election authority no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day which is midway between the day the election is called and election day.
2. If the candidate selected by a party nominating committee for a primary, general or special election ballot dies prior to the election, the vacancy created by such death may be filled in the manner provided for filling vacancies created by death on the primary and general election ballots.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.130, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.377. 1. Each selection of a candidate made by a party nominating committee pursuant to section 115.363 shall be certified by the chair or acting chair of the nominating committee and filed with the election official authorized to receive declarations of candidacy for the office, provided that no committee member may act as chair for purposes of certifying his or her own selection as candidate. Each such certification shall be subscribed and sworn to by the chair or acting chair before the election official accepting the certification or a notary public and shall be in substantially the following form: I, ........., Chair (Acting Chair) of the ..... party nominating committee duly authorized to nominate a candidate to fill the vacancy created by the death (withdrawal, disqualification, resignation) of ........., do hereby certify that on the ..... day of ....., ..., the nominating committee met and duly selected ......... as the ......... party candidate for nomination (election) to (fill the unexpired term in) the office of ......., district ........., at the primary (general, special) election to be held on the ..... day of ....., .... I further certify that before the meeting, each member of the nominating committee was properly notified of the time and place of the meeting, a majority vote of the members of the nominating committee were present at the meeting, and ......... was duly selected by a majority of the members present at the meeting. ................................... Subscribed and sworn to Signature of chair before me this ..... day or acting chair of ......., ........
..........................
Signature of election
official or notary public
2. Each selection of a candidate made by the chair of a party nominating committee pursuant to section 115.375 shall be certified by the chair of the nominating committee and filed in the office of the election official authorized to receive declarations of candidacy for the office. Each such certification shall be subscribed and sworn to by the chair before the election official accepting the certification or a notary public and shall be as far as practicable in the form provided in subsection 1 of this section.
3. When submitted for filing, each certification made by the chair or acting chair of a party nominating committee pursuant to this section shall be accompanied by a declaration of candidacy and any filing fee required for the candidate selected by the nominating committee or its chair. The declaration candidacy shall state the candidate's full name, residence address, office for which such candidate proposes to be a candidate, the party upon whose ticket he or she is to be a candidate and that if nominated and elected he or she will qualify. Each such declaration shall be in substantially the form set forth in section 115.349. Each such declaration shall be subscribed and sworn to by the candidate before the election official accepting the certification, a notary public or other officer authorized by law to administer oaths.
4. Neither the secretary of state nor any election authority shall accept any certification, declaration of candidacy or filing fee submitted by the chair or acting chair of a party nominating committee after the deadline provided for submitting such certification in section 115.373 or 115.375. Any selection made by a party nominating committee or by the chair of a party committee which is not made in accordance with the provisions of sections 115.363 to 115.377 shall be null and void.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.140, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676)
115.379. 1. Whenever the only candidate of a party for nomination or election to an office at a primary election, general election or special election to fill a vacancy dies after the filing deadline and before the election, his name shall be printed on the primary, general or special election ballot, as the case may be, unless another candidate has filed for the office pursuant to the provisions of section 115.361 or a new candidate has been selected pursuant to the provisions of sections 115.363 to 115.377. Whenever any other candidate for nomination or election to an office at a primary election, general election or special election to fill a vacancy dies after 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday prior to the election, his name shall be printed on the primary, general or special election ballot, as the case may be. The election and canvass shall proceed, and, if a sufficient number of votes are cast for the deceased candidate to entitle the candidate to nomination or election had the candidate not died, a vacancy shall exist on the general election ballot or in the office to be filled in the manner provided by law.
2. Whenever a candidate for nomination or election to an office is disqualified after 5:00 p.m. on the sixth Tuesday prior to a primary election, general election or special election to fill a vacancy, his name shall be printed on the primary, general or special election ballot, as the case may be. The election and canvass shall proceed, and, if a sufficient number of votes are cast for the disqualified candidate to entitle him to nomination or election had the candidate not become disqualified, a vacancy shall exist on the general election ballot or in the office to be filled in the manner provided by law.
3. Except as provided in subsection 3 of section 115.359, subsection 2 of section 115.361 and subsections 1 and 2 of this section, whenever a candidate for nomination or election to an office dies, withdraws or is disqualified prior to a primary election, general election or special election to fill a vacancy, all appropriate election authorities shall see that such candidate's name is removed from the primary, general or special election ballot, as the case may be.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.145, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.381. Whenever the selections are properly certified to the secretary of state by the chair or acting chair of the party nominating committees for a special election or after the secretary of state has certified the names of candidates pursuant to section 115.387 or 115.401, the secretary of state shall notify all appropriate election authorities of the selections in a timely fashion.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.150, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676)
115.383. Any election authority duly notified that a name is to be removed from the ballot or that a new candidate has been selected shall have the proper corrections made on the ballot before the ballot is delivered to or while it is in the hands of the printer. If time does not permit correction of the printed ballot, the election authority shall have prepared small pasters, suitable for covering the name to be removed on the ballots, ballot labels or on the protective covering of each voting machine. If a candidate is replaced by a candidate pursuant to the provisions of sections 115.361 to 115.377, the paster shall contain the name to be substituted in letters of the same size and type as all other names on the ballot. The appropriate election authorities shall see that such pasters are properly applied to the ballots, ballot labels or voting machines before they are used for voting.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.155)Effective 1-1-78
115.385. 1. Not later than the twelfth Tuesday before an election at which the party's name will appear on the ballot, the state committee of each established statewide political party, the chairman of the county or district committee of each political party established for a county or district, and the provisional party chairman of each new party and group of petitioners shall select a party emblem and submit it in writing to the secretary of state. No party shall submit the American flag as an emblem. Except as provided in subsections 2 and 3 of this section, no party shall submit any emblem deceptively similar to an emblem which has been used by any other party in the past five years or is the subject of a pending certification.
2. If a new party is formed for more than one district or county at the same time, with the same name and the same provisional party chairman, the same party emblem may be submitted for the party in each such district or county.
3. Any political party established in a district or county may, by a majority vote of its committee members, authorize the use of its emblem in other districts and counties, and in the state as a whole.
4. When a party emblem is properly submitted to the secretary of state, the secretary of state shall certify the emblem to the appropriate election authorities when the secretary of state certifies the names of candidates pursuant to sections 115.387 and 115.401.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.157, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489)Effective 6-13-96
115.387. Not later than the tenth Tuesday before each primary election, the secretary of state shall transmit to each election authority a certified list containing the name and address of each person who has filed a declaration of candidacy in the secretary's office and is entitled to be voted for at the primary election, together with a designation of the office for which the person is a candidate and the party the person represents. In the person's certification, the secretary of state shall also include the order in which the candidates for each office are to be listed on the official ballot.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.160, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.389. Upon receipt of the certified list from the secretary of state, each election authority shall publish, under the proper party designations, the title of each office, the name and address of each candidate for each office to be voted on within its jurisdiction, the date of the primary election and the hours the polls will be open. The notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the jurisdiction of the election authority. The election authority shall include in the notice the names and addresses of all candidates for political party committees who will be elected pursuant to the provisions of subsection 4 of section 115.613.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.165, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.391. Not later than the fourth Tuesday prior to the primary election, each election authority shall prepare sample official ballots. The sample ballots shall contain, under the appropriate offices and party designations, the names of all candidates to be voted on in its jurisdiction in the order they will appear on the ballot. Each sample ballot shall be printed upon tinted or colored paper, of a different tint or color from the official primary ballot, and shall contain no endorsements. Immediately after having the sample ballots prepared, each election authority shall mail to the chairman of each county committee in its jurisdiction and to each candidate named on the ballot, a copy of the sample ballot for his party. The election authority shall also post a copy of each sample ballot in a conspicuous place in its office.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.170)Effective 1-1-78
115.393. Prior to the primary election, each election authority shall correct any errors or omissions on the sample ballots and cause official ballots to be printed. For each party having a ballot at the primary election, the election authority shall deliver to each polling place a number of ballots equal to at least one and a half times the number of ballots cast in the voting district for the party at the next to last primary election. If no ballots were cast for a party in a voting district at the last primary election, the election authority shall deliver to the polling place a number of ballots estimated to be sufficient for the party.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.175)Effective 1-1-78
115.395. 1. At each primary election, there shall be as many separate ballots as there are parties entitled to participate in the election.
2. The names of the candidates for each office on each party ballot shall be listed in the order in which they are filed, except that, in the case of candidates who file a declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state prior to 5:00 p.m. on the first day for filing, the secretary of state shall determine by random drawing the order in which such candidates' names shall appear on the ballot. The drawing shall be conducted so that each candidate may draw a number at random at the time of filing. The secretary of state shall record the number drawn with the candidate's declaration of candidacy. The names of candidates filing on the first day for filing for each office on each party ballot shall be listed in ascending order of the numbers so drawn. For the purposes of this subsection, the election authority responsible for oversight of the filing of candidates, other than candidates that file with the secretary of state, shall clearly designate where candidates shall form a line to effectuate such filings and determine the order of such filings; except that, in the case of candidates who file a declaration of candidacy with the election authority prior to 5:00 p.m. on the first day for filing, the election authority may determine by random drawing the order in which such candidates' names shall appear on the ballot. If a drawing is conducted pursuant to this subsection, it shall be conducted so that each candidate may draw a number at random at the time of filing. If such drawing is conducted, the election authority shall record the number drawn with the candidate's declaration of candidacy. If such drawing is conducted, the names of candidates filing on the first day for filing for each office on each party ballot shall be listed in ascending order of the numbers so drawn.
3. Insofar as applicable, the provisions of sections 115.237, 115.241 and 115.245 shall apply to each ballot prepared for a primary election, except that the ballot information may be placed in vertical or horizontal rows, no circle shall appear under any party name and no write-in lines shall appear under the name of any office for which a candidate is to be nominated at the primary. At a primary election, write-in votes shall be counted only for persons who can be elected to an office at the primary.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.180, A.L. 1995 H.B. 484, et al., A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.397. In each primary election, each voter shall be entitled to receive the ballot of one and only one political party, designated by the voter before receiving his ballot. Each voter who participates in a party primary shall be entitled to vote on all questions and for any nonpartisan candidates submitted by political subdivisions and special districts at the primary election. Each voter who does not wish to participate in a party primary may vote on all questions and for any nonpartisan candidates submitted by a political subdivision or special district at the primary election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.185)Effective 1-1-78
115.399. 1. Not later than the twelfth Tuesday prior to each presidential election, or notwithstanding any prior laws to the contrary, in the year 1996 and thereafter, within seven working days after choosing its nominees for president and vice president of the United States, whichever is later, the state committee of each established political party shall certify in writing to the secretary of state the names of its nominees for president and vice president of the United States.
2. Not later than the third Tuesday prior to each presidential election, the state committee of each established political party shall certify in writing to the secretary of state the names of its nominees for presidential elector. At least one qualified resident of each congressional district shall be named as a nominee for presidential elector by each state committee, and the number of nominees for presidential elector named by each state committee shall equal the number to which the state is entitled.
3. When submitted for filing, each certification made by a state committee pursuant to the provisions of subsection 2 of this section shall be accompanied by a declaration of candidacy for each candidate for presidential elector. Each declaration of candidacy shall state the candidate's full name, residence address, office for which such person proposes to be a candidate and that if elected the person will qualify. Each such declaration shall be in substantially the following form: I, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , a resident of the . . . . . . . congressional district and the state of Missouri do announce myself a candidate for the office of presidential elector from the . . . . . . congressional district (state at large) on the . . . . . . . ticket, to be voted for at the presidential election to be held on the . . . . . . . . day of . . . . . . , 20. ., and I further declare that if nominated and elected to such office I will qualify. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subscribed and sworn to Signature of candidate before me this . . . .
day of . . . . . , 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Residence address Signature of election official
or officer authorized to
administer oaths Each such declaration shall be subscribed and sworn to by the candidate before the election official receiving the certification, a notary public or other officer authorized by law to administer oaths.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.190, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489)Effective 6-13-96
115.401. Not later than the tenth Tuesday prior to each general election, the secretary of state shall send to each election authority a certified list containing the name and address of each person who has filed a declaration of candidacy in the secretary of state's office and is entitled to be voted for at the general election, together with a statement of the office for which such person is a candidate and the party such person represents or that such person is an independent candidate.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.195, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489)Effective 6-13-96
115.403. Not later than May first prior to each primary election, the secretary of state shall prepare all forms necessary to carry out the provisions of this subchapter. The forms shall be substantially followed in all primary elections.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.200)Effective 1-1-78
115.405. Any person making a sworn statement, affidavit or declaration of candidacy required by this subchapter who swears falsely or signs such document knowing the statements therein are untrue shall be deemed guilty of a class one election offense.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.205)Effective 1-1-78
115.407. The election judges shall open the polls at six o'clock in the morning and keep them open until seven o'clock in the evening. At seven o'clock in the evening, all voters at the polls, including any in line to vote, shall be permitted to vote.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.001)Effective 1-1-78
(2000) Circuit judge lacked jurisdiction to extend voting hours. State ex rel. Bush-Cheney 2000, Inc. v. Baker, 34 S.W.3d 410 (Mo.App.E.D.).
115.409. Except election authority personnel, election judges, watchers and challengers appointed pursuant to section 115.105 or 115.107, law enforcement officials at the request of election officials or in the line of duty, minor children under the age of eighteen accompanying an adult who is in the process of voting, international observers who have registered as such with the election authority, persons designated by the election authority to administer a simulated youth election for persons ineligible to vote because of their age, members of the news media who present identification satisfactory to the election judges and who are present only for the purpose of bona fide news coverage except as provided in subdivision (18) of section 115.637, provided that such coverage does not disclose how any voter cast the voter's ballot on any question or candidate or in the case of a primary election on which party ballot they voted or does not interfere with the general conduct of the election as determined by the election judges or election authority, and registered voters who are eligible to vote at the polling place, no person shall be admitted to a polling place.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.005, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1471, et al., A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.411. For each polling place in its jurisdiction, the election authority shall provide a sufficient number of voting booths, equipped and supplied so voters can vote conveniently and in secret.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.010)Effective 1-1-78
115.413. 1. Not later than the tenth day prior to each presidential election, and more often if necessary, the secretary of state shall furnish to each election authority a sufficient number of printed pamphlets containing the provisions of the constitution and laws of the state relating to elections. Each election authority shall carefully preserve the pamphlets in its office. At least one copy shall be provided by each election authority to each polling place in its jurisdiction at each election. After each election, all such pamphlets shall be returned to the office of the election authority with the election supplies.
2. The secretary of state may also publish instructions to election judges for distribution by election authorities to election judges.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.013)Effective 1-1-78
115.415. Before the time fixed by law for the opening of the polls, the election authority shall deliver to the authorized election officials or to the polling place the appropriate ballots, ballot boxes, precinct registers, voting booths, voting machines and all other supplies, material and equipment necessary and appropriate for the polling place. The election authority shall make and preserve a record of each delivery.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.015, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526)Effective 5-20-82
115.417. 1. Before the time fixed by law for the opening of the polls, the election authority shall deliver to each polling place a sufficient number of voter instruction cards which include the following information:
(1) If paper ballots or an electronic voting system is used, the instructions shall inform the voter on how to obtain a ballot for voting, how to vote and prepare the ballot for deposit in the ballot box and how to obtain a new ballot to replace one accidentally spoiled;
(2) If voting machines are used, the instructions shall inform the voter how to operate the machine in such a manner that the voter may vote as the voter wishes.
2. The election authority at each polling place shall post in a conspicuous place voting instructions on a poster no smaller than twenty-four inches by thirty inches. Such instructions shall also inform the voter that the voting equipment can be demonstrated upon request of the voter. The election authority shall also publicly post during the period of time in which a person may cast an absentee ballot and on election day a sample version of the ballot that will be used for that election, the date of the election, the hours during which the polling place will be open, instructions for mail-in registrants and first-time voters, general information on voting rights in accordance with the state plan filed by the secretary of state pursuant to the Help America Vote Act of 2002, general information on the right to cast a provisional ballot and instructions for provisional ballots, how to contact appropriate authorities if voting rights have been violated, and general information on federal and Missouri law regarding prohibitions on acts of fraud and misrepresentation. The secretary of state may promulgate rules to execute this section. No rule or portion of a rule promulgated pursuant to the authority of this section shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo.
3. If marking devices or voting machines are used, the election authority shall also provide to each polling place a model of a marking device or portion of the face of a voting machine. If requested to do so by a voter, the election judges shall give instructions on operation of the marking device or voting machine by use of the model.
4. The secretary of state may develop multilingual voting instructions to be made available to election authorities.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.020, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2003, H.B. 511)
115.419. Before the time fixed by law for the opening of the polls, the election authority shall deliver to each polling place a sufficient number of sample ballots, ballot cards or ballot labels which shall be a different color but otherwise exact copies of the official ballot. The samples shall be printed in the form of a diagram, showing the form of the ballot or the front of the marking device or voting machine as it will appear on election day. The secretary of state may develop multilingual sample ballots to be made available to election authorities.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.025, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.420. 1. An election authority operating a voting system that uses ballot cards shall not use a butterfly ballot unless the secretary of state provides written approval to the election authority for the use of a butterfly ballot in the particular election.
2. For purposes of this section, "butterfly ballot" means a ballot where two ballot pages are used side by side and where voters must vote on candidates or issues on both sides of the pages.
3. The secretary of state may approve the use of a butterfly ballot in a particular election when a large number of candidates and issues are to be decided, no alternative ballot is reasonable under the circumstances, and the election authority submits to the secretary of state a written explanation of the need for using a butterfly ballot. The secretary of state shall respond to such written request within two business days.
(L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.421. Before the time fixed by law for the opening of the polls, the election judges shall:
(1) Set up the voting equipment, arrange the furniture, supplies and records and make all other arrangements necessary to open the polls at the time fixed by law;
(2) Post a voter instruction card in each voting booth or machine and in at least one other conspicuous place within the polling place and post a sample ballot in a conspicuous place near the voting booths;
(3) Certify the number of ballots received at each polling place. In each polling place using voting machines, the election judges shall, in lieu of certifying the number of ballots received, certify the number on each voting machine received at the polling place, the number on the seal of each voting machine, the number on the protective counter of each voting machine and that all recording counters on all voting machines at the polling place are set at zero. If a recording counter on any voting machine is not set at zero, the election judges shall immediately notify the election authority and proceed as it directs;
(4) Compare the ballot, ballot label or ballot card and ballot label with the sample ballots, see that the names, numbers and letters agree and certify thereto in the tally book. If the names, numbers or letters do not agree, the election judges shall immediately notify the election authority and proceed as it directs;
(5) Sign the tally book in the manner provided in the form for tally books in section 115.461, 115.473 or 115.487. If any election judge, challenger or watcher has not been previously sworn as the law directs, he shall take and subscribe the oath of his office as provided in section 115.091 or 115.109, and the oath shall be returned to the election authority with the tally book.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.030)Effective 1-1-78
115.423. After the time fixed by law for the opening of the polls but before the voting begins, the election judges shall open the ballot box and show to all present that it is empty. The ballot box shall then be locked and the key kept by one of the election judges. The ballot box shall not be opened or removed from public view from the time it is shown to be empty until the polls close or until the ballot box is delivered for counting pursuant to section 115.451. If voting machines are used, the election judges shall call attention to the counter on the face of each voting machine and show to all present that it is set at zero.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.035)Effective 1-1-78
115.425. Except as provided in subsection 2 of section 115.277, the election judges shall allow no person to vote whose name does not appear in the precinct register without the express sanction of the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.040)Effective 1-1-78
115.427. *1. Before receiving a ballot, voters shall establish their identity and eligibility to vote at the polling place by presenting a form of personal identification. "Personal identification" shall mean only one of the following:
(1) Nonexpired Missouri driver's license showing the name and a photograph or digital image of the individual; or
(2) Nonexpired or nonexpiring Missouri nondriver's license showing the name and a photographic or digital image of the individual; or
(3) A document that satisfies all of the following requirements:
(a) The document contains the name of the individual to whom the document was issued, and the name substantially conforms to the most recent signature in the individual's voter registration record;
(b) The document shows a photographic or digital image of the individual;
(c) The document includes an expiration date, and the document is not expired, or if expired, expired not before the date of the most recent general election; and
(d) The document was issued by the United States or the state of Missouri; or
(4) Any identification containing a photographic or digital image of the individual which is issued by the Missouri National Guard, the United States armed forces, or the United States Department of Veteran Affairs to a member or former member of the Missouri National Guard or the United States armed forces and that does not have an expiration date.
*2. The election authority shall post a clear and conspicuous notice at each polling place informing each voter who appears at the polling place without a form of personal identification that satisfies the requirements of subsection 1 of this section that the voter may return to the polling place with a proper form of personal identification and vote a regular ballot after election judges have verified the voter's identity and eligibility under subsection 1 of this section. In addition to such posting, the election judges may also inform such voters by written or oral communication of such information posted in the notice. Voters who return to the polling place during the uniform polling hours established by section 115.407 with a current and valid form of personal identification shall be given priority in any voting lines.
*3. An individual who appears at a polling place without identification in the form described in subsection 1 of this section and who is otherwise qualified to vote at that polling place may execute an affidavit averring that the voter is the person listed in the precinct register and that the voter does not possess a form of identification specified in this section and is unable to obtain a current and valid form of personal identification because of:
(1) A physical or mental disability or handicap of the voter, if the voter is otherwise competent to vote under Missouri law; or
(2) A sincerely held religious belief against the forms of personal identification described in subsection 1 of this section; or
(3) The voter being born on or before January 1, 1941.
Upon executing such affidavit, the individual may cast a provisional ballot. Such provisional ballot shall be counted, provided the election authority verifies the identity of the individual by comparing that individual's signature to the signature on file with the election authority and determines that the individual was eligible to cast a ballot at the polling place where the ballot was cast.
*4. The affidavit to be used for voting under subsection 3 of this section shall be substantially in the following form: "State of ................................... County of ................................. I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that my name is .....................................; that I reside at ..........................................; and that I am the person listed in the precinct register under this name and at this address. I further swear (or affirm) that I am unable to obtain a current and valid form of personal identification because of: [ ] A physical or mental disability or handicap; or [ ] A sincerely held religious belief; or [ ] My being born on or before January 1, 1941. I understand that knowingly providing false information is a violation of law and subjects me to possible criminal prosecution. ............................................... Signature of voter Subscribed and affirmed before me this ......... day of ..................., 20.... ............................................... Signature of election official"
*5. A voter shall be allowed to cast a provisional ballot under section 115.430 even if the election judges cannot establish the voter's identity under subsection 1 of this section. The election judges shall make a notation on the provisional ballot envelope to indicate that the voter's identity was not verified. The provisional ballot cast by such voter shall not be counted unless:
(1) The voter returns to the polling place during the uniform polling hours established by section 115.407 and provides a form of personal identification that allows the election judges to verify the voter's identity as provided in subsection 1 of this section; and
(2) The provisional ballot otherwise qualifies to be counted under section 115.430.
6. The secretary of state shall provide advance notice of the personal identification requirements of subsection 1 of this section in a manner calculated to inform the public generally of the requirement for photographic personal identification as provided in this section. Such advance notice shall include, at a minimum, the use of advertisements and public service announcements in print, broadcast television, radio, and cable television media, as well as the posting of information on the opening pages of the official state Internet web sites of the secretary of state and governor.
7. The provisions of section 136.055, RSMo, and section 302.181, RSMo, notwithstanding, any applicant who requests a nondriver's license with a photograph or digital image for the purpose of voting shall not be required to pay a fee if the applicant executes an affidavit averring that the applicant does not have any other form of photographic personal identification that meets the requirements of subsection 1 of this section. The state of Missouri shall pay the legally required fees for any such applicant. The director shall design an affidavit to be used for this purpose. However, any disabled or elderly person otherwise competent to vote shall be issued a nondriver's license photo identification through a mobile processing system operated by the Missouri department of revenue upon request if the individual is physically unable to otherwise obtain a nondriver's license photo identification. The department of revenue shall make nondriver's license photo identifications available through its mobile processing system only at facilities licensed under chapter 198, RSMo, and other public places accessible to and frequented by disabled and elderly persons. The department shall provide advance notice of the times and places when the mobile processing system will be available. At least nine mobile units housed under the office of administration shall remain available for dispatch upon the request of the department of revenue to fulfill the requirements of this section. The total cost associated with nondriver's license photo identification under this subsection shall be borne by the state of Missouri from funds appropriated to the department of revenue for that specific purpose. The department of revenue and a local election authority may enter into a contract that allows the local election authority to assist the department in issuing nondriver's license photo identifications.
*8. The director of the department of revenue shall, by January first of each year, prepare and deliver to each member of the general assembly a report documenting the number of individuals who have requested and received a nondriver's license photo identification for the purposes of voting under this section. The report shall also include the number of persons requesting a nondriver's license for purposes of voting under this section, but not receiving such license, and the reason for the denial of the nondriver's license.
*9. The precinct register shall serve as the voter identification certificate. The following form shall be printed at the top of each page of the precinct register:
VOTER'S IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATE Warning: It is against the law for anyone to vote, or attempt to vote, without having a lawful right to vote. PRECINCT WARD OR TOWNSHIP ....................................... GENERAL (SPECIAL, PRIMARY) ELECTION
Held ........................., 20....
Date I hereby certify that I am qualified to vote at this election by signing my name and verifying my address by signing my initials next to my address.
*10. The secretary of state shall promulgate rules to effectuate the provisions of this section.
*11. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, RSMo, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and, if applicable, section 536.028, RSMo. This section and chapter 536, RSMo, are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo, to review, to delay the effective date or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2002, shall be invalid and void.
*12. If any voter is unable to sign his name at the appropriate place on the certificate or computer printout, an election judge shall print the name and address of the voter in the appropriate place on the precinct register, the voter shall make his mark in lieu of signature, and the voter's mark shall be witnessed by the signature of an election judge.
*13. For any election held on or before November 1, 2008, an individual who appears at a polling place without identification in the form described in subsection 1 of this section, and who is otherwise qualified to vote at that polling place, may cast a provisional ballot after:
(1) Executing an affidavit which is also signed by two supervising election judges, one from each major political party, who attest that they have personal knowledge of the identity of the voter, provided that the two supervising election judges who sign an affidavit under this subdivision shall not be involved or participate in the verification of the voter's eligibility by the election authority after the provisional ballot is cast; or
(2) (a) Executing an affidavit affirming his or her identity; and
(b) Presenting a form of identification from the following list:
a. Identification issued by the state of Missouri, an agency of the state, or a local election authority of the state;
b. Identification issued by the United States government or agency thereof;
c. Identification issued by an institution of higher education, including a university, college, vocational and technical school, located within the state of Missouri;
d. A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that contains the name and address of the voter; or
e. Driver's license or state identification card issued by another state.
Such provisional ballot shall be entitled to be counted, provided the election authority verifies the identity of the individual by comparing that individual's signature to the current signature on file with the election authority and determines that the individual was otherwise eligible to cast a ballot at the polling place where the ballot was cast.
*14. The affidavit to be used for voting under subsection 13 of this section shall be substantially in the following form: "State of ................................................ County of ............................................. I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that my name is ......................................; that I reside at .......................................; and that I am the person listed in the precinct register under this name and at this address. I understand that knowingly providing false information is a violation of law and subjects me to possible criminal prosecution. ....................................................... Signature of voter Subscribed and affirmed before me this ........ day of ....................., 20.... ....................................................... Signature of Election Official".
**15. The provisions of subsections 1 to 5 and 8 to 14 of this section shall become effective August 28, 2006, and this subsection shall expire September 1, 2006.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.045, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)Effective 6-14-06
*Subsections 1 to 5 and 8 to 14 effective 8-28-06
**Subsection 15 expires 9-01-06
(2006) Photo ID requirement violates state equal protection clause and the guarantee of right of qualified and registered citizens to vote; requirement is not narrowly tailored to further compelling state interest in preventing voter fraud. Weinschenk v. State, 203 S.W.3d 201 (Mo.banc).
115.429. 1. The election judges shall not permit any person to vote unless satisfied that such person is the person whose name appears on the precinct register.
2. The identity or qualifications of any person offering to vote may be challenged by any election authority personnel, any registered voter, or any duly authorized challenger at the polling place. No person whose right to vote is challenged shall receive a ballot until his identity and qualifications have been established.
3. Any question of doubt concerning the identity or qualifications of a voter shall be decided by a majority of the judges from the major political parties. If such election judges decide not to permit a person to vote because of doubt as to his identity or qualifications, the person may apply to the election authority or to the circuit court as provided in sections 115.193 and 115.223.
4. If the election judges cannot reach a decision on the identity or qualifications of any person, the question shall be decided by the election authority, subject to appeal to the circuit court as provided in section 115.223.
5. The election judges or the election authority may require any person whose right to vote is challenged to execute an affidavit affirming his qualifications. The election authority shall furnish to the election judges a sufficient number of blank affidavits of qualification, and the election judges shall enter any appropriate information or comments under the title "Remarks" which shall appear at the bottom of the affidavit. All executed affidavits of qualification shall be returned to the election authority with the other election supplies. Any person who makes a false affidavit of qualification shall be guilty of a class one election offense.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.050, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.430. 1. This section shall apply to primary and general elections where candidates for federal or statewide offices are nominated or elected and any election where statewide issue or issues are submitted to the voters.
2. (1) A voter claiming to be properly registered in the jurisdiction of the election authority and eligible to vote in an election, but whose eligibility at that precinct cannot be immediately established upon examination of the precinct register, shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot after providing a form of personal identification required pursuant to section 115.427 or upon executing an affidavit under section 115.427, or may vote at a central polling place as established in section 115.115 where the voter may vote his or her appropriate ballot for his or her precinct of residence upon verification of eligibility or vote a provisional ballot if eligibility cannot be determined. The provisional ballot provided to a voter under this section shall be the ballot provided to a resident of the voter's precinct determined by reference to the affidavit provided for in this section. If the voter declares that the voter is eligible to vote and the election authority determines that the voter is eligible to vote at another polling place, the voter shall be directed to the correct polling place or a central polling place as established by the election authority pursuant to subsection 5 of section 115.115. If the voter refuses to go to the correct polling place or a central polling place, the voter shall be permitted to vote a provisional ballot at the incorrect polling place, but such ballot shall not be counted if the voter was not eligible to vote at that polling place.
(2) The following steps shall be taken to establish a voter's eligibility to vote at a polling place:
(a) The election judge shall examine the precinct register as provided in section 115.425. If the voter is registered and eligible to vote at the polling place, the voter shall receive a regular ballot;
(b) If the voter's eligibility cannot be immediately established by examining the precinct register, the election judge shall contact the election authority. If the election authority cannot immediately establish that the voter is registered and eligible to vote at the polling place upon examination of the Missouri voter registration system, or if the election judge is unable to make contact with the election authority immediately, the voter shall be notified that the voter is entitled to a provisional ballot.
(3) The voter shall have the duty to appear and vote at the correct polling place. If an election judge determines that the voter is not eligible to vote at the polling place at which a voter presents himself or herself, and if the voter appears to be eligible to vote at another polling place, the voter shall be informed that he or she may cast a provisional ballot at the current polling place or may travel to the correct polling place or a central polling place, as established by the election authority under subsection 5 of section 115.115, where the voter may cast a regular ballot or provisional ballot if the voter's eligibility still cannot be determined. Provisional ballots cast at a polling place shall be counted only if the voter was eligible to vote at such polling place as provided in subsection 5 of this section.
(4) For a voter requesting an absentee ballot in person, such voter shall be entitled to cast a provisional ballot when the voter's eligibility cannot be immediately established upon examination of the precinct registers or the Missouri voter registration system.
(5) Prior to accepting any provisional ballot at the polling place, the election judges shall determine that the information provided on the provisional ballot envelope by the provisional voter is consistent with the identification provided by such person under section 115.427.
3. (1) No person shall be entitled to receive a provisional ballot until such person has completed a provisional ballot affidavit on the provisional ballot envelope.
(2) The secretary of state shall produce appropriate sizes of provisional ballot envelopes and distribute them to each election authority according to their tabulating system. All provisional ballot envelopes shall be printed on a distinguishable color of paper that is different from the color of the regular ballot. The provisional ballot envelope shall be in the form required by subsection 4 of this section. All provisional ballots shall be marked with a conspicuous stamp or other distinguishing mark that makes them readily distinguishable from the regular ballots.
(3) Once voted, the provisional ballot shall be placed and sealed in a provisional ballot envelope.
4. The provisional ballot in its envelope shall be deposited in the ballot box. The provisional ballot envelope shall be completed by the voter for use in determining eligibility. The provisional ballot envelope specified in this section shall contain a voter's certificate which shall be in substantially the following form: STATE OF ......................................... COUNTY OF .....................................
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that my name is ......................................; that my date of birth is ......................; that the last four digits of my Social Security Number are ................................; that I am registered to vote in ............................ County or City (if a City not within a County), Missouri; that I am a qualified voter of said County (or City not within a County); that I am eligible to vote at this polling place; and that I have not voted in this election.
I understand that if the above-provided information is not correct and the election authority determines that I am not registered and eligible to vote, my vote will not be counted. I further understand that knowingly providing false information is a violation of law and subjects me to possible criminal prosecution. ......................................... (Signature of Voter) ......................................... (Current Address) Subscribed and affirmed before me this ............... day of ..................., 20.......... ......................................... (Signature of Election Official)
The voter may provide additional information to further assist the election authority in determining eligibility, including the place and date the voter registered to vote, if known.
5. (1) Prior to counting any provisional ballot, the election authority shall determine if the voter is registered and eligible to vote and if the vote was properly cast. The eligibility of provisional votes shall be determined according to the requirements for a voter to cast a ballot in the election as set forth in sections 115.133 and 115.135. A provisional voter ballot shall not be eligible to be counted until the election authority has determined that:
(a) The voter cast such provisional ballot at a polling place established for the voter or the central polling place established by the election authority under subsection 5 of section 115.115;
(b) The individual who cast the provisional ballot is an individual registered to vote in the respective election at the polling place where the ballot was cast;
(c) The voter did not otherwise vote in the same election by regular ballot, absentee ballot, or otherwise; and
(d) The information on the provisional ballot envelope is found to be correct, complete, and accurate.
(2) When the ballot boxes are delivered to the election authority from the polling places, the receiving teams shall separate the provisional ballots from the rest of the ballots and place the sealed provisional ballot envelopes in a separate container. Teams of election authority employees or teams of election judges with each team consisting of one member of each major political party shall photocopy each provisional ballot envelope, such photocopy to be used by the election authority to determine provisional voter eligibility. The sealed provisional ballot envelopes shall be placed by the team in a sealed container and shall remain therein until tabulation.
(3) To determine whether a provisional ballot is valid and entitled to be counted, the election authority shall examine its records and verify that the provisional voter is properly registered and eligible to vote in the election. If the provisional voter has provided information regarding the registration agency where the provisional voter registered to vote, the election authority shall make an inquiry of the registration agency to determine whether the provisional voter is properly registered and eligible to vote in the election.
(4) If the election authority determines that the provisional voter is registered and eligible to vote in the election, the election authority shall provide documentation verifying the voter's eligibility. Such documentation shall be noted on the copy of the provisional ballot envelope and shall contain substantially the following information:
(a) The name of the provisional voter;
(b) The name of the reviewer;
(c) The date and time; and
(d) A description of evidence found that supports the voter's eligibility.
(5) The local election authority shall record on a provisional ballot acceptance/rejection list the provisional ballot identification number and a notation marking it as accepted.
(6) If the election authority determines that the provisional voter is not registered or eligible to vote in the election, the election authority shall provide documentation verifying the voter's ineligibility. Such documentation shall be noted on the copy of the provisional ballot envelope and shall contain substantially the following information:
(a) The name of the provisional voter;
(b) The name of the reviewer;
(c) The date and time;
(d) A description of why the voter is ineligible.
(7) The local election authority shall record on a provisional ballot acceptance/rejection list the provisional ballot identification number and notation marking it as rejected.
(8) If rejected, a photocopy of the envelope shall be made and used by the election authority as a mail-in voter registration. The actual provisional ballot envelope shall be kept as ballot material, and the copy of the envelope shall be used by the election authority for registration record keeping.
6. All provisional ballots cast by voters whose eligibility has been verified as provided in this section shall be counted in accordance with the rules governing ballot tabulation. Provisional ballots shall not be counted until all provisional ballots are determined either eligible or ineligible and all provisional ballots must be processed before the election is certified. The provisional ballot shall be counted only if the election authority determines that the voter is registered and eligible to vote. Provisional ballots voted in the wrong polling place shall not be counted. If the voter is not registered but is qualified to register for future elections, the affidavit shall be considered a mail-in application to register to vote pursuant to this chapter.
7. (1) After the election authority completes its review of the provisional voter's eligibility under subsection 5 of this section, the election authority shall deliver the provisional ballots and copies of the provisional ballot envelopes that include eligibility information to bipartisan counting teams, which may be the board of verification, for review and tabulation. The election authority shall maintain a record of such delivery. The record shall include the number of ballots delivered to each team and shall include a signed receipt from two judges, one from each major political party. The election authority shall provide each team with a ballot box and material necessary for tabulation.
(2) If the person named on the provisional ballot affidavit is found to have been properly qualified and registered to cast a ballot in the election and the provisional ballot otherwise qualifies to be counted under the provisions of this section, the envelope shall be opened, and the ballot shall be placed in a ballot box to be counted.
(3) If the person named on the provisional ballot affidavit is found not to have been properly qualified and registered to cast a ballot in the election or if the election authority is unable to determine such person's right to vote, the envelope containing the provisional ballot shall not be opened, and the person's vote shall not be counted. The members of the team shall follow the procedures set forth in subsection 5 of this section for rejected provisional ballots.
(4) The votes shall be tallied and the returns made as provided in sections 115.447 to 115.525 for paper ballots. After the vote on all ballots assigned to a team have been counted, the ballots, ballot envelopes, and copies of ballot envelopes with the eligibility information provided by the election authority shall be enclosed in sealed containers marked "Voted provisional ballots and ballot envelopes from the election held ......., 20...". All rejected provisional ballots, ballot envelopes, and copies of ballot envelopes with the eligibility information provided by the election authority shall be enclosed in sealed containers marked "Rejected provisional ballots and ballot envelopes from the election held ..........................., 20...". On the outside of each voted ballot and rejected ballot container, each member of the team shall write their name and all such containers shall be returned to the election authority. Upon receipt of the returns and ballots, the election authority shall tabulate the provisional votes.
8. Challengers and watchers, as provided by sections 115.105 and 115.107, may be present during all times that the bipartisan counting teams are reviewing or counting the provisional ballots, the provisional ballot envelopes, or copies of the provisional ballot envelopes that include eligibility information provided by the election authority. Challengers and watchers shall be permitted to observe the determination of the eligibility of all provisional ballots. The election authority shall notify the county chair of each major political party of the time and location when bipartisan counting teams will be reviewing or counting the provisional ballots, the provisional ballot envelopes, or the copies of the provisional ballot envelopes that include the eligibility information provided by the election authority.
9. The certificate of ballot cards shall:
(1) Reflect the number of provisional envelopes delivered; and
(2) Reflect the number of sealed provisional envelopes with voted ballots deposited in the ballot box.
10. In counties where the voting system does not utilize a paper ballot, the election authority shall provide the appropriate provisional ballots to each polling place.
11. The secretary of state may promulgate rules for purposes of ensuring the uniform application of this section. No rule or portion of a rule promulgated pursuant to the authority of this section shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo.
12. The secretary of state shall design and provide to the election authorities the envelopes and forms necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
13. Pursuant to the Help America Vote Act of 2002, the secretary of state shall ensure a free access system is established, such as a toll-free number or an Internet web site, that any individual who casts a provisional ballot may access to discover whether the vote of that individual was counted, and, if the vote was not counted, the reason that the vote was not counted. At the time an individual casts a provisional ballot, the election authority shall give the voter written information that states that any individual who casts a provisional ballot will be able to ascertain under such free access system whether the vote was counted, and if the vote was not counted, the reason that the vote was not counted.
14. In accordance with the Help America Vote Act of 2002, any individual who votes in an election as a result of a court order or any other order extending the time established for closing the polls in section 115.407 may vote only by using a provisional ballot, and such provisional ballot shall be separated and held apart from other provisional ballots cast by those not affected by the order. Such ballots shall not be counted until such time as the ballots are determined to be valid. No state court shall have jurisdiction to extend the polling hours established by law, including section 115.407.
(L. 2002 S.B. 675 § 1, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.431. Upon satisfactory identification of the voter, two judges of different political parties shall place their initials on the line where the voter signed the precinct register. All voters' names on the precinct register shall be numbered consecutively in the order in which they have signed, starting with the number "1". The computer precinct register shall then constitute the poll list.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.055, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.433. After the voter's identification certificate has been initialed, two judges of different political parties, or one judge from a major political party and one judge with no political affiliation, shall, where paper ballots or ballot cards are used, initial the voter's ballot or ballot card.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.060, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.435. After initialing the voter's identification certificate and after completing any procedures required by section 115.433, the election judges shall allow the voter to proceed to the voting booth and vote.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.070)Effective 1-1-78
115.436. 1. In jurisdictions using paper ballots and electronic voting systems, when any physically disabled voter within two hundred feet of a polling place is unable to enter the polling place, two election judges, one of each major political party, shall take a ballot, equipment and materials necessary for voting to the voter. The voter shall mark the ballot, and the election judges shall place the ballot in an envelope, seal it and place it in the ballot box.
2. In jurisdictions using voting machines, when any physically disabled voter within two hundred feet of a polling place is unable to enter the polling place, two election judges, one of each major political party, shall take an absentee ballot to the voter. The voter shall mark the ballot, and the election judges shall place the ballot in an envelope, seal it and place it in the ballot box.
3. Upon request to the election authority, the election authority in any jurisdiction shall designate a polling place accessible to any physically disabled voter other than the polling place to which that voter would normally be assigned to vote, provided that the candidates and issues voted on are consistent for both the designated location and the voting location for the voter's precinct. Upon request, the election authority may also assign members of the physically disabled voter's household and such voter's caregiver to the same voting location as the physically disabled voter. In no event shall a voter be assigned under this section to a designated location apart from the established voting location for the voter's precinct if the voter objects to the assignment to another location.
(L. 1979 S.B. 275, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 2003 H.B. 511, A.L. 2005 H.B. 280)
115.439. 1. If paper ballots or ballot cards are used, the voter shall, immediately upon receiving his ballot, go alone to a voting booth and vote his ballot in the following manner:
(1) When a voter desires to vote for a candidate, the voter shall place a cross (X) mark in the square directly to the left of the name of the candidate for which the voter intends to vote;
(2) If the voter desires to vote for a person whose name does not appear on the ballot, the voter may cross out a name which appears on the ballot for the office and write the name of the person for whom he wishes to vote above or below the crossed-out name and place a cross (X) mark in the square directly to the left of the crossed-out name. If a write-in line appears on the ballot, the voter may write the name of the person for whom he or she wishes to vote on the line and place a cross (X) mark in the square directly to the left of the name;
(3) If the ballot is one which contains no candidates, the voter shall place a cross (X) mark in the square directly to the left of each "yes" or "no" he desires to vote.
No voter shall vote for the same person more than once for the same office at the same election.
2. For purposes of this section, a punch or sensor mark or any other mark clearly indicating that the voter intends to mark that particular square shall be equivalent to a cross (X) mark.
3. If voting machines are used, the voter shall, immediately upon direction by the judges, go alone to a voting machine, close the curtain and vote in substantially the same manner provided in subsection 1 of this section. Rather than placing cross (X) marks on the ballot, however, the voter shall cause the designations to appear on the face of the voting machine, cast any write-in votes and register his votes as directed in the instructions for use of the machine.
4. If the voter accidentally spoils his ballot or ballot card or makes an error, he may return it to an election judge and receive another. The election judge shall mark "SPOILED" across the ballot or ballot card and place it in an envelope marked "SPOILED BALLOTS". After another ballot has been prepared in the manner provided in section 115.433, the ballot shall be given to the voter for voting.
5. The election authority may authorize the use of a sticker or other item containing a write-in candidate's name, in lieu of a handwritten name. All such stickers and items used by election authorities shall conform to rules and regulations promulgated by the secretary of state regarding the form of such stickers and items. The secretary of state shall promulgate rules and regulations to prescribe uniform specifications for the form of such stickers and items. If authorized, such sticker or item shall contain a cross (X) mark, or other mark as described in subsection 2 of this section, in the square directly left of the candidate's name and the office for which the candidate is a write-in candidate. A write-in vote that does not meet the requirements of this subsection which appears on a ballot shall not be counted pursuant to sections 115.447 to 115.525. In those jurisdictions using an electronic voting system which utilizes mark sense or optical scan technology and if the election authority authorizes the use of stickers for write-ins, such system shall be programmed to identify and separate those ballots which contain an office in which write-in candidates are eligible to receive votes, and which contain less votes than a voter is entitled to cast. In addition, such sticker shall be considered "printed matter" as defined in subsection 8 of section 130.031, RSMo, and as such shall contain the designation required by subsection 8 of section 130.031, RSMo.
6. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, RSMo, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and, if applicable, section 536.028, RSMo. This section and chapter 536, RSMo, are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo, to review, to delay the effective date or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2002, shall be invalid and void.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.080, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.441. Each voter shall vote without undue delay.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.085)Effective 1-1-78
115.443. 1. Where paper ballots are used, the voter shall, before leaving the voting booth, fold his ballot so that the cross (X) marks are concealed. The voter shall place his ballot in the ballot box and leave the polling place immediately.
2. Where ballot cards with envelopes are used, the voter shall, immediately before leaving the voting booth, place his ballot card in the ballot envelope. Where ballot cards with stubs are used, the voter shall, immediately after leaving the voting booth, hand his ballot card or envelope containing his ballot card to an election judge. The election judge shall remove the stub from the ballot card and, where ballot envelopes are used, replace the ballot card in the envelope and return the ballot card or envelope containing the ballot card to the voter. The voter shall place the ballot card or envelope containing the ballot card in the ballot box and leave the polling place immediately. Where ballot cards without stubs are used, the voter shall, immediately after leaving the voting booth, place the ballot card or ballot envelope containing the ballot card in the ballot box and leave the polling place immediately.
3. Where voting machines are used, the voter shall register his vote as directed in the instructions for use of the machine and leave the polling place immediately.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.090)Effective 1-1-78
115.445. 1. Except as provided in subsections 2 and 3 of this section, no one other than the voter shall be permitted in any voting booth or permitted to be in any position where he may see how a voter is voting.
2. If any voter, after entering a voting booth, asks for further instructions concerning the manner of voting, two election judges of different political parties shall give such instructions. Such judges shall not enter the voting booth unless it is impossible to give the instructions otherwise. After giving the instructions, the judges shall leave the area and take all necessary measures to insure that the voter casts his vote in secret.
3. If any voter declares under oath to the election judges that he cannot read or write, is blind or has any other physical disability and cannot vote his ballot, he may be assisted by the election judges or by any person of his own choice other than a judge. If the voter asks for the assistance of election judges, two judges of different political parties shall go to the voting booth and cast his vote as he directs. If the voter asks for the assistance of someone other than election judges, the assistant shall go to the voting booth with the voter and cast his vote as he directs. No person, other than election judges and members of such voters' immediate families, shall assist more than one voter at one election.
4. A child under the age of eighteen shall be allowed to accompany his or her parent, grandparent, or guardian into a voting booth.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 11.095, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.447. 1. As used in this subchapter, unless the context clearly implies otherwise, the following terms shall mean:
(1) "Counting judges" are the two judges, one from each major political party, who read each vote received by all candidates and each vote for and against all questions at a polling place;
(2) "Receiving judges" are the two judges, one from each major political party, who initial each voter's ballot at a polling place;
(3) "Recording judges" are the two judges, one from each major political party, who tally the votes received by each candidate and for and against each question at a polling place. These terms describe functions rather than individuals, and any election judge may perform more than one function at a polling place on election day.
2. As used in this subchapter, unless the context clearly implies otherwise, the following terms shall mean:
(1) "Defective ballot" is any ballot card on which the number of write-in votes and votes cast on the ballot card for any office exceed the number allowed by law, and any ballot card which is bent or damaged so that it cannot be properly counted by automatic tabulating equipment;
(2) "Rejected ballot" is any ballot on which no votes are counted because the ballot fails to have the initials of the proper election judges, because the number of votes for all offices and on all questions exceeds the number authorized by law, because the voter is deemed by the election judges to be unqualified, because it is an absentee ballot not accompanied by a completed and signed affidavit, or because the ballot was voted with unlawful assistance;
(3) "Spoiled ballot" is any ballot accidentally spoiled by a voter and replaced by election judges in the manner provided in subsection 4 of section 115.439.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.001)Effective 1-1-78
115.449. 1. As soon as the polls close in each polling place using paper ballots, the election judges shall begin to count the votes. If earlier counting is begun pursuant to section 115.451, the election judges shall complete the count in the manner provided by this section. Once begun, no count shall be adjourned or postponed until all proper votes have been counted.
2. One counting judge, closely observed by the other counting judge, shall take the ballots out of the ballot box one at a time and, holding each ballot in such a way that the other counting judge may read it, shall read the name of each candidate properly voted for and the office sought by each. As each vote is called out, the recording judges shall each record the vote on a tally sheet. The votes for and against all questions shall likewise be read and recorded. If more than one political subdivision or special district is holding an election on the same day at the same polling place and using separate ballots, the counting judges may separate the ballots of each political subdivision and special district and first read one set, then the next and so on until all proper votes have been counted.
3. After all of the proper votes on a ballot have been counted, the ballot shall be strung on a wire or string in the order read. After all the ballots have been read and strung and after the recording judges agree on the count, the wire or string shall be tied in a firm knot, and the knot shall be sealed so that it cannot be untied without breaking the seal. Rejected and spoiled ballots shall not be strung but shall be placed in separate containers marked "REJECTED" and "SPOILED".
4. After the recording of all proper votes, the recording judges shall compare their tallies. When the recording judges agree on the count, they shall sign both of the tally sheets, and one of the recording judges shall announce in a loud voice the total number of votes for each candidate and for and against each question.
5. After the announcement of the vote, the election judges shall record the vote totals in the appropriate places on each statement of returns. If any tally sheet or statement of returns contains no heading for any question, the election judges shall write the necessary headings on the tally sheet or statement of returns.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.005, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.451. If authorized by the election authority, the election judges may read and record votes before the close of the polls. If so authorized, the election judges shall use one ballot box for the deposit of ballots during the first hour of voting. At the end of the hour, the receiving judges shall deliver the ballot box to the counting and recording judges, who shall give the receiving judges a second empty ballot box. The second ballot box shall be shown to be empty and locked in the manner provided in section 115.423. The second ballot box shall not be opened or removed from public view from the time it is shown to be empty until the time the polls close or it is removed for counting pursuant to this section. The ballot box containing the voted ballots shall be taken to a private area within the polling place, and the ballots shall be read and recorded in the manner provided by section 115.449. In no case shall ballot boxes be switched at less than one hour intervals and then only if twenty-five or more ballots have been voted during the hour.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.010)Effective 1-1-78
115.453. Election judges shall count votes for all candidates in the following manner:
(1) No candidate shall be counted as voted for, except a candidate before whose name a cross (X) mark appears in the square preceding the name and a cross (X) mark does not appear in the square preceding the name of any candidate for the same office in another column. Except as provided in this subdivision and subdivision (2) of this section, each candidate with a cross (X) mark in the square preceding his or her name shall be counted as voted for;
(2) If cross (X) marks appear next to the names of more candidates for an office than are entitled to fill the office, no candidate for the office shall be counted as voted for. If more than one candidate is to be nominated or elected to an office, and any voter has voted for the same candidate more than once for the same office at the same election, no votes cast by the voter for the candidate shall be counted;
(3) No vote shall be counted for any candidate that is not marked substantially in accordance with the provisions of this section. The judges shall count votes marked substantially in accordance with this section and section 115.456 when the intent of the voter seems clear. Regulations promulgated by the secretary of state shall be used by the judges to determine voter intent. No ballot containing any proper votes shall be rejected for containing fewer marks than are authorized by law;
(4) Write-in votes shall be counted only for candidates for election to office who have filed a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate for election to office with the proper election authority, who shall then notify the proper filing officer of the write-in candidate prior to 5:00 p.m. on the second Friday immediately preceding the election day; except that, write-in votes shall be counted only for candidates for election to state or federal office who have filed a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate for election to state or federal office with the secretary of state pursuant to section 115.353 prior to 5:00 p.m. on the second Friday immediately preceding the election day. No person who filed as a party or independent candidate for nomination or election to an office may, without withdrawing as provided by law, file as a write-in candidate for election to the same office for the same term. No candidate who files for nomination to an office and is not nominated at a primary election may file a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate for the same office at the general election. When declarations are properly filed with the secretary of state, the secretary of state shall promptly transmit copies of all such declarations to the proper election authorities for further action pursuant to this section. The election authority shall furnish a list to the election judges and counting teams prior to election day of all write-in candidates who have filed such declaration. This subdivision shall not apply to elections wherein candidates are being elected to an office for which no candidate has filed. No person shall file a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate for election to any municipal office unless such person is qualified to be certified as a candidate under section 115.346;
(5) Write-in votes shall be cast and counted for a candidate without party designation. Write-in votes for a person cast with a party designation shall not be counted. Except for candidates for political party committees, no candidate shall be elected as a write-in candidate unless such candidate receives a separate plurality of the votes without party designation regardless of whether or not the total write-in votes for such candidate under all party and without party designations totals a majority of the votes cast;
(6) When submitted to the election authority, each declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate for the office of United States president shall include the name of a candidate for vice president and the name of nominees for presidential elector equal to the number to which the state is entitled. At least one qualified resident of each congressional district shall be nominated as presidential elector. Each such declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate shall be accompanied by a declaration of candidacy for each presidential elector in substantially the form set forth in subsection 3 of section 115.399. Each declaration of candidacy for the office of presidential elector shall be subscribed and sworn to by the candidate before the election official receiving the declaration of intent to be a write-in, notary public or other officer authorized by law to administer oaths.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.015, A.L. 1979 S.B. 275, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675, A.L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730, A.L. 2008 H.B. 1311)
115.455. Election judges shall count votes on each question in the following manner:
(1) If a cross (X) mark appears in the square immediately beside or below the "YES", the question shall be counted as voted for. If a cross (X) mark appears in the square immediately beside or below the "NO", the question shall be counted as voted against;
(2) If a cross (X) mark appears in the square immediately beside or below the "YES" and in the square immediately beside or below the "NO", the question shall neither be counted as voted for nor as voted against.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.020)Effective 1-1-78
115.456. 1. The election authority shall be responsible for ensuring that the standards provided for in this subsection are followed when counting ballots cast using punch card voting systems.
(1) Prior to tabulating ballots, all ballot cards shall be inspected by the election authority for hanging chad and damaged ballots. Inspection of ballot cards shall be conducted using the following guidelines:
(a) The election authority shall appoint a bipartisan team to inspect all ballots where a question exists about the condition of a ballot or existence of a hanging chad;
(b) All ballot card inspections conducted under this section shall be conducted by examining the ballot card from the back of the card;
(c) If a ballot is determined to be damaged, the bipartisan team shall spoil the original ballot and duplicate the voter's intent on the new ballot, provided that there is an undisputed method of matching the duplicate card with its original after it has been placed with the remainder of the ballot cards from the precinct; and
(d) If a chad is determined to be hanging by two or less corners, it shall be removed prior to being tabulated.
(2) In jurisdictions using punch card systems, a valid vote for a write-in candidate shall include the following:
(a) A distinguishing mark in the square immediately preceding the name of the candidate;
(b) The name of the candidate. If the name of the candidate as written by the voter is substantially as declared by the candidate it shall be counted, or in those circumstances where the names of candidates are similar, the names of candidates as shown on voter registration records shall be counted; and
(c) The name of the office for which the candidate is to be elected.
(3) Whenever a hand recount of votes is ordered of punch card ballots, the provisions of this subsection shall be used to determine voter intent.
2. The election authority shall be responsible for ensuring that the standards provided for in this subsection are followed when counting ballots cast using optical scan voting systems.
(1) Prior to tabulating ballots, all machines shall be programmed to reject blank ballots where no votes are recorded or where an overvote is registered in any race.
(2) In jurisdictions using precinct-based tabulators, the voter who cast the ballot shall review the ballot if rejected, if the voter wishes to make any changes to the ballot, or if the voter would like to spoil the ballot and receive another ballot.
(3) In jurisdictions using centrally based tabulators, if a ballot is so rejected it shall be reviewed by a bipartisan team using the following criteria:
(a) If a ballot is determined to be damaged, the bipartisan team shall spoil the original ballot and duplicate the voter's intent on the new ballot, provided that there is an undisputed method of matching the duplicate card with its original after it has been placed with the remainder of the ballot cards from such precinct; and
(b) Voter intent shall be determined using the following criteria:
a. There is a distinguishing mark in the printed oval or divided arrow adjacent to the name of the candidate or issue preference;
b. There is a distinguishing mark adjacent to the name of the candidate or issue preference; or
c. The name of the candidate or issue preference is circled.
(4) In jurisdictions using optical scan systems, a valid vote for a write-in candidate shall include the following:
(a) A distinguishing mark in the designated location preceding the name of the candidate;
(b) The name of the candidate. If the name of the candidate as written by the voter is substantially as declared by the candidate it shall be counted, or in those circumstances where the names of candidates are similar, the names of candidates as shown on voter registration records shall be counted; and
(c) The name of the office for which the candidate is to be elected.
(5) Whenever a hand recount of votes of optical scan ballots is ordered, the provisions of this subsection shall be used to determine voter intent.
3. The election authority shall be responsible for ensuring that the standards provided for in this subsection are followed when counting ballots cast using paper ballots.
(1) Voter intent shall be determined using the following criteria:
(a) There is a distinguishing mark in the square adjacent to the name of the candidate or issue preference;
(b) There is a distinguishing mark adjacent to the name of the candidate or issue preference; or
(c) The name of the candidate or issue preference is circled.
(2) In jurisdictions using paper ballots, a valid vote for a write-in candidate shall include the following:
(a) A distinguishing mark in the square immediately preceding the name of the candidate;
(b) The name of the candidate. If the name of the candidate as written by the voter is substantially as declared by the candidate it shall be counted, or in those circumstances where the names of candidates are similar, the names of candidates as shown on voter registration records shall be counted; and
(c) The name of the office for which the candidate is to be elected.
(3) Whenever a hand recount of votes of paper ballots is ordered, the provisions of this subsection shall be used to determine voter intent.
4. When write-in stickers are used, the sticker shall contain the name of a candidate, the office sought, and a distinguishing mark in the square immediately preceding the name of the candidate and shall be approximately one inch by three inches in size with black print on a white background. The sticker shall be placed by the voter on the write-in line designating the office sought or the sticker shall be placed by the voter on the write-in line on the secrecy envelope.
5. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a distinguishing mark indicating a general preference for or against the candidates of one political party shall not be considered a vote for or against any specific candidate.
(L. 2006 S.B. 1014 & 730)
115.457. If a ballot appears without the initials of two election judges, the ballot shall be rejected, except when it appears the absence of initials is due to a mistake of the election judges and that the ballot is otherwise legal and proper.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.025)Effective 1-1-78
115.459. At each polling place using paper ballots, after the polling place is closed, the election judges shall
(1) Certify in the tally book the number of ballots cast, the number of identification certificates signed, the number of rejected and spoiled ballots and the number of ballots received at the polling place which were not cast at the election. If the number of signed identification certificates is not the same as the number of ballots cast, the judges shall make a signed statement of the fact and the reasons therefor if known and shall return the statement with the statements of returns;
(2) Certify on two statements of returns the number of votes received by each candidate and for and against each question. No returns shall be signed in blank or before the polls have closed and all proper votes cast at the polling place have been counted;
(3) Certify that each statement made in the tally book and on each statement of returns is correct. If any judge declines to certify that all such statements are correct, he shall state his reasons in writing, which shall be attached to each statement of returns and returned with the statement to the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.030)Effective 1-1-78
115.461. 1. The tally book for each polling place using paper ballots shall be in substantially the following form: Tally book for ......... precincts, at the general (special, primary) election held on the ... day of ........, 20.... AB, CD, EF, and XP judges, and ZR and LT, watchers and BH and SP challengers at this polling place, were sworn as the law directs before beginning their duties. We hereby certify:
The number of ballots received at this polling place is .....;
The information on the official ballots received at this polling place is the same as the information on the sample ballots received at this polling place.
AB
CD Election Judges
EF
XP We hereby certify:
The number of ballots cast at this polling place is ...;
The number of identification certificates signed at this polling place is ....;
The number of rejected ballots at this polling place is ....;
The number of spoiled ballots at this polling place is ...;
The number of ballots received at this polling place which were not cast at this election is ....;
AB
CD
EF
XP
2. At each polling place using paper ballots, two tally sheets shall be included in each tally book. The tally sheets shall be in substantially the following form:
NAMES OF PERSONS VOTED FOR AND FOR WHAT OFFICE
AND THE NUMBER OF VOTES CAST FOR EACH PERSON Office Candidates Tally of Votes Total Votes
MC
HK Governor EH Representative SS in RK Congress CB
VOTES FOR AND AGAINST EACH QUESTION Question Tally of Tally of Total of Total of
votes votes votes votes
FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST 1. To 2. To .......................... ........................... Signature of Recording Signature of Recording Judge Judge
(of different political
party)
3. At each polling place using paper ballots, two statements of returns shall be provided to the election judges. The statements of returns shall be in substantially the following form:
We hereby certify that MC had ... votes for governor, and HK had ... votes for governor and EH had ... votes for governor; that SS had ... votes for representative in Congress, etc.
We hereby certify that proposition number 1 received ... votes for and ... votes against; constitutional amendment number 1 received ... votes for and ... votes against, etc.
We, the duly qualified and acting Judges of the polling place for ... precincts, at the general (special, primary) election held on the ... of ......, 20..., in ...... county (City of St. Louis, Kansas City), Missouri do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full and accurate return of all votes cast at this polling place for all candidates and for and against all questions. AB CD Election Judges EF XP
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.035)Effective 1-1-78
115.463. Immediately after signing the statements of returns, the election judges shall enclose the voted ballots, tally books, tally sheets, statements of returns and other election supplies in containers designated by the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.040)Effective 1-1-78
115.465. 1. If the election authority directs the voted ballots to be returned in a ballot box, the box shall be locked and the key removed. Each election judge shall write his name on a strip of paper which shall be pasted over the keyhole of the ballot box and extended over the upper lid of the box and over the top for some distance. The strip shall be pasted in such a manner that the signatures extend across the keyhole and place of opening so that if the box is opened or the key inserted in the keyhole, the paper will be torn and the signatures destroyed. The paper shall be fastened with an adhesive material which will not permit removal of the strip without defacing it.
2. If the election authority directs the voted ballots to be returned in an envelope or other container, the container shall be sealed. Each election judge shall write his name on a strip of paper which shall be pasted over the opening of the container. The strip shall be pasted in such a manner that the signatures extend across the place of opening so that if the container is opened, the paper will be torn and the signatures destroyed. The paper shall be fastened with an adhesive material which will not permit removal of the strip without defacing it.
3. On the outside of the ballot box or other container in which the ballots are returned, the location of the polling place and the date of the election shall be printed.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.045)Effective 1-1-78
115.467. 1. As soon as the polls close in each polling place using an electronic voting system, the election judges shall secure the marking devices against further voting and begin to count the write-in votes. If earlier counting of write-in votes is begun pursuant to section 115.469, the election judges shall complete the count in the manner provided in this section. Once begun, the count shall not be adjourned or postponed until all proper write-in votes in the ballot box have been counted.
2. The election judges shall remove the ballot cards from the ballot box and separate the ballots with write-in votes from those without write-in votes. If there is a separate form for write-in votes, all forms on which write-in votes have been recorded shall be consecutively numbered, starting with the number one, and the same number shall be placed on the ballot card of the voter. Where tallying of write-in votes is to be done at the polling place, the election judges shall compare the write-in votes with the votes cast on the ballot card. If the total number of votes including write-in votes for any office exceeds the number allowed by law, or if a voter has voted more than once for the same person for the same office at the same election, a notation of the fact shall be noted on the back of the ballot card, and it shall be returned with the write-in form, if any, to the counting location in an envelope marked "DEFECTIVE BALLOTS".
3. All proper write-in votes shall be read, recorded and counted as provided in sections 115.449 and 115.453. No write-in vote shall be counted for any candidate for any office whose name appears on the ballot label as a candidate for the office, except when more than one person is to be nominated or elected to an office. When more than one person is to be nominated or elected to an office, the voter may write in the names of one or more persons whose names do not appear on the ballot label with or without the names of one or more persons whose names do appear.
4. If any ballot card is damaged so that it cannot properly be counted by the automatic tabulating equipment, the fact shall be noted on the back of the ballot card and it shall be returned to the counting location in the envelope marked "DEFECTIVE BALLOTS".
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.050, A.L. 1978 S.B. 582)
115.468. At the discretion of the election authority, the verification and tallying of write-in votes may be done at the counting center by teams of election authority employees in lieu of at the polling place.
(L. 1978 S.B. 582)
115.469. 1. If authorized by the election authority, the election judges at any polling place using an electronic voting system may read and record write-in votes before the close of the polls and may send other voted ballots to the counting place. If so authorized, the election judges shall use one ballot box for the deposit of ballots during the first five hours of voting. Between eleven o'clock in the morning and twelve noon, the receiving judges shall deliver the ballot box to the counting and recording judges, who shall give the receiving judges a second empty ballot box. The second ballot box shall be shown to be empty and locked in the manner provided in section 115.423. The second ballot box shall not be opened or removed from public view from the time it is shown to be empty until the time the polls close. The ballot box containing the voted ballots shall be taken to a private area within the polling place, and the write-in votes shall be read and recorded in the manner provided in section 115.467.
2. If early counting of write-in votes is begun pursuant to this section, the election judges shall, after counting and recording all proper write-in votes, separate all ballot cards, except defective ballot cards, from the write-in forms if any. The ballots which do not have write-in votes shall then be sent to the counting place in the same manner as ballots are sent upon the close of the polls. The election judges shall enclose the ballot cards, the envelope marked "DEFECTIVE BALLOTS", and all write-in forms containing proper votes, in a container designated by the election authority. The container shall be securely sealed in such a manner that if the container is opened, the seal will be broken beyond repair. On the outside of the container, the location of the polling place and the date of the election shall be printed. After sealing, the container shall be closely watched by the election judges until it is delivered to the counting location.
3. If early counting of write-in votes is begun pursuant to this section, the election authority shall appoint a team of employees or election judges who shall, between the hours of eleven o'clock in the morning and three o'clock in the afternoon, receive the ballot container from the election judges at the polling place and immediately deliver it to the counting location. Each team appointed pursuant to this subsection shall consist of two members, one from each major political party. If any ballot container is not sealed when it is delivered to the counting location, the election official receiving the container shall make a statement of the fact which includes the location of the polling place and the date of the election printed on the container and the reason the container is not sealed, if known.
4. After delivery to the counting location, any ballot which is damaged and cannot be properly counted by the automatic tabulating equipment may be handcounted or duplicated in the manner provided in subsection 3 of section 115.477.
5. After delivery to the counting location, the proper votes on each ballot card may be transferred to magnetic tapes. Under no circumstances shall any such tape be read or interpreted until after the time fixed by law for the close of the polls and then only in the manner provided in section 115.477.
6. Write-in ballots may also be counted as provided in section 115.45l.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.053, A.L. 1979 S.B. 275, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526)Effective 5-20-82
115.471. At each polling place using an electronic voting system, after the polling place is closed, the election judges shall
(1) Certify in the tally book: the number of ballots cast by reconciling the ballot stubs against the number of identification certificates signed; the number of defective and spoiled ballots; the number of ballots with write-in votes; and the number of ballots received at the polling place which were not cast at the election. If the number of signed identification certificates is not the same as the number of ballots cast, the judges shall make a signed statement of the fact and the reasons therefor, if known, and shall return the statement with the statements of returns;
(2) Where tallying of write-in votes is to be done at the polling place, certify on two statements of returns the number of write-in votes received by each candidate. No returns shall be signed in blank or before the polls have closed and all proper write-in votes cast at the polling place have been counted;
(3) Certify that each statement made in the tally book and on each statement of returns is correct. If any judge declines to certify that all such statements are correct, he shall state his reasons in writing, which shall be attached to each statement of returns and returned with the statement to the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.055, A.L. 1978 S.B. 582, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234)
115.473. 1. The tally book for each polling place using an electronic voting system shall be in substantially the following form:
Tally book for ......... precincts, at the general (special, primary) election held on the .... day of ............, 20..... AB, CD, EF, and XP judges; and ZR and LT, watchers; and BH and SP, challengers, at this polling place, were sworn as the law directs before beginning their duties. We hereby certify:
The number of ballots received at this polling place is ....;
The information on the ballot cards and ballot labels received at this polling place is the same as the information on the sample ballots received at this polling place.
AB
CD Election Judges
EF
XP We hereby certify:
The number of ballots cast at this polling place is .......;
The number of identification certificates signed at this polling place is ....;
The number of defective ballots at this polling place is ....;
The number of spoiled ballots at this polling place is ....;
The number of voters casting proper write-in votes at this polling place is ......;
The number of ballots received at this polling place which were not cast at this election is ........;
AB
CD Election Judges
EF
XP
2. Where tallying of write-in votes is to be done at the polling place, at each polling place using an electronic voting system, two tally sheets shall be included in each tally book. The tally sheets shall be used to record the proper write-in votes and shall be in substantially the same form provided in subsection 2 of section 115.461.
3. Where tallying of write-in votes is to be done at the polling place, at each polling place using an electronic voting system, two statements of returns shall be provided to the election judges. The statements of returns shall be in substantially the following form:
We hereby certify that BK had ........ write-in votes for governor, and SF had ...... write-in votes for governor, that JH had ........ write-in votes for representative in Congress, etc. We, the duly qualified and acting judges of the polling place for ........ precincts, at the general (special, primary) election held on the ........ day of ........., 20..., in ............ County (City of St. Louis, Kansas City), Missouri, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full and accurate return of all write-in votes cast at this polling place for all candidates. AB CD Election Judges EF XP
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.060, A.L. 1978 S.B. 582)
115.475. 1. Immediately after signing the statements of returns, or earlier if convenient, the election judges shall separate all ballot cards, except defective ballot cards, from the write-in forms if any. As soon as possible after signing the statements of returns, the election judges shall enclose the ballot cards, the envelope marked "DEFECTIVE BALLOTS", all write-in forms containing proper votes, and the tally book, tally sheets and statements of returns in a container designated by the election authority. The container shall be securely sealed in such a manner that if the container is opened, the seal will be broken beyond repair. On the outside of the container, the location of the polling place and date of the election shall be printed.
2. As soon as possible after signing the statements of returns, the election judges shall enclose the write-in forms containing no votes, the unused ballots and other election supplies in containers designated by the election authority.
3. Immediately after the ballot cards and other election materials have been placed in the proper containers, the two supervisory judges shall together deliver the containers to the counting location or other place designated by the election authority. If any ballot card container is not sealed when it is delivered to the counting location or other place designated by the election authority, the election official receiving the container shall make a statement of the fact which includes the location of the polling place and the date of the election printed on the container and the reason the container is not sealed, if known.
4. If the election authority has directed the supervisory judges to deliver election materials to a place other than the counting location, the election authority shall appoint at least one team of election judges who shall receive the ballot containers from the supervisory judges and immediately deliver them to the counting location. Each team appointed pursuant to this subsection shall consist of two election judges or employees of the election authority, one from each major political party.
5. The election authority may authorize the delivery of ballots voted prior to 11:00 a.m. to the counting location prior to the closing of the polls.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.065, A.L. 1983 S.B. 234)
115.477. 1. In each jurisdiction using an electronic voting system, all proceedings at the counting location shall be under the direction of the election authority. The election authority shall appoint two judges, one from each major political party, to be present and observe the count. The counting shall be open to the public, but no persons, except those employed and authorized for the purpose, shall touch any ballot, ballot container or return.
2. All ballot cards shall be counted in order by polling place. The automatic tabulating equipment shall produce a return showing the total number of votes cast for each candidate and on each question at each polling place and in the jurisdiction as a whole.
3. If any ballot is damaged and cannot be properly counted by the automatic tabulating equipment, it may be handcounted in the manner provided for absentee ballots, or a true duplicate copy may be made of the defective ballot. If any ballot contains a number of votes and write-in votes for any office which exceeds the number allowed by law, it may be handcounted in the manner provided for absentee ballots, a true duplicate copy be made which does not include the invalid votes or, at the discretion of the election judges, a self-adhesive removable label, sensitized, may be placed over any mark to allow the ballot to be processed through the automatic tabulating equipment. The duplication of each ballot shall be closely observed by two election judges or employees of the election authority, one from each major political party. Each duplicate ballot shall be clearly labeled "duplicate", shall bear a serial number which shall be recorded on the defective ballot, and shall be counted in lieu of the defective ballot.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.070, A.L. 1979 S.B. 275)
115.479. In each jurisdiction using an electronic voting system, the election authority shall, after the count has been completed and the results received, have the automatic tabulating equipment tested to ascertain that the equipment has correctly counted the votes for all offices and on all questions. The test shall be observed by at least two persons designated by the election authority, one from each major political party, and shall be open to the public. The test shall be conducted by processing the same preaudited group of ballot cards used in the preelection test provided for in section 115.233. If any error is detected, the cause shall be ascertained and corrected, and an errorless count shall be made before the final results are announced. After the completion of an errorless count, the programs and the ballot cards shall be sealed, retained and disposed of as provided for paper ballots.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.075, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.481. The final and correct return printed by the automatic tabulating equipment added to the write-in, absentee and handcounted votes shall be the official return of each polling place and the jurisdiction.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.080)Effective 1-1-78
115.483. 1. As soon as the polls close in each polling place using voting machines, the election judges shall lock and seal each voting machine against further voting and proceed to count the votes. Once begun, the count shall not be adjourned or postponed until all proper votes have been counted.
2. The election judges shall open the counting compartment on each voting machine or, if a machine is equipped with a device for printing, embossing or photographing the registering counters, the judges shall operate the machine to produce a record of the counters. One counting judge shall read the total vote cast for each candidate and for and against each question on each machine. The other counting judge shall watch and verify each total as it is being read from the recording counters or from the record of the counters. The two recording judges shall each record the votes cast for each candidate and for and against each question as they are called out and verified by the counting judges.
3. All proper write-in votes shall be read, recorded and counted as provided in sections 115.449 and 115.453. No write-in vote shall be counted for any candidate for any office whose name appears on the ballot label as a candidate for the office, except when more than one person is to be nominated or elected to an office. When more than one person is to be nominated or elected to an office, the voter may write in the names of one or more persons whose names do not appear on the ballot label with or without the names of one or more persons whose names do appear. No write-in vote shall be counted unless it is cast in the appropriate place on the machine.
4. If more than one voting machine is used in a polling place, the election judges shall read, verify and record all the totals from the first machine before proceeding to the second, and so on, until all of the totals on each machine in the polling place have been read, verified and recorded. The total number of votes from each machine shall be added to the write-in votes to determine the total vote for each candidate and for and against each question.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.085)Effective 1-1-78
115.485. At each polling place using voting machines, after the polling place is closed, the judges shall
(1) Certify in the tally book the number on the protective counter of each machine, the number of identification certificates signed and the number of proper write-in votes cast at the polling place. If the number of signed identification certificates is not the same as the number of votes cast as registered on the protective counters, the judges shall make a signed statement of the fact and the reasons therefor if known and shall return the statement with the statements of returns;
(2) Certify on two statements of returns the total number of votes cast for each candidate and for and against each question at the polling place;
(3) Certify that each statement made in the tally book and on each statement of returns is correct. If any judge declines to certify that all such statements are correct, he shall state his reasons in writing, which shall be attached to each statement of returns and returned to the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.090)Effective 1-1-78
115.487. 1. The tally book for each polling place using voting machines shall be in substantially the following form: Tally book for ...... precincts, at the general (special, primary) election held on the ...... day of ....., 20.... AB, CD, EF, and XP judges, and ZR and LT, watchers and BH and SP challengers at this polling place, were sworn as the law directs before beginning their duties. We hereby certify: This polling place received voting machines numbered ...... and ......; The number on the seal of voting machine number ..... is .....; the number on its protective counter is .....; The number on the seal of voting machine number ..... is .....; the number on its protective counter is .....; All recording counters on all voting machines received at this polling place are set at zero; The information on the ballot labels on all voting machines received at this polling place is the same as the information on the sample ballots received at this polling place.
AB
CD
EF Election Judges
XP We hereby certify: The number on the protective counter of voting machine number ..... is .....; The number on the protective counter of voting machine number ..... is .....; The number of identification certificates signed at this polling place is .....; The number of proper write-in votes cast at this polling place is ......
AB
CD
EF
XP
2. At each polling place using voting machines, two tally sheets shall be included in each tally book. The tally sheets shall be used to record the votes cast for each candidate and for and against each question as they are called out and verified by the counting judges. The tally sheets shall be in substantially the following form:
NAMES OF PERSONS VOTED FOR AND FOR WHAT OFFICE
AND THE NUMBER OF VOTES CAST FOR EACH PERSON
Voting Voting
Machine Machine Write-in Total Office Candidates Number Number Votes Votes
MC Governor HK
EH
SS Representative
RK in Congress
CB
VOTES FOR AND AGAINST EACH QUESTION
Voting Machine Voting Machine Question Number Number
Total Total
Number of Number of
Votes Votes Votes Votes Votes Votes
FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST 1. To 2. To
3. At each polling place using voting machines, two statements of returns shall be provided to the election judges. The statements of returns shall be in substantially the form provided in subsection 3 of section 115.461.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.095)Effective 1-1-78
115.489. 1. Immediately after signing the statements of returns, the election judges shall enclose the write-in votes, tally books, statements of returns and other election supplies in containers designated by the election authority.
2. In each jurisdiction using voting machines, the election authority may direct the supervisory judges to place the precinct registers, identification certificates and other election supplies inside the voting machines and lock them for return to the election authority.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.100)Effective 1-1-78
115.491. 1. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this subchapter, the two supervisory judges, one from each major political party, shall return the voted ballots, the ballots marked "REJECTED", "SPOILED", and "DEFECTIVE", the tally sheets, tally books and statements of returns, the registration records and other election supplies from each polling place to the election authority as soon as possible, but in no case later than two hours after the signing of the returns at the polling place. The election authority shall keep its office open until all ballots, returns and other election materials have been received. If any voted ballot container is not sealed, the election authority shall make a written statement of the facts which includes the location of the polling place and date of the election printed on the container and the reason the container is not sealed, if known.
2. If the election authority directs the voted ballots to be returned in a ballot box, one supervisory judge shall return the ballot box, one set of tally sheets and one statement of returns. The other supervisory judge shall return the keys to the ballot box, the tally book, the other set of tally sheets and the other statement of returns. If the election authority directs the voted ballots or write-in votes to be returned in sacks or other containers, one supervisory judge shall return the containers of voted ballots, one set of tally sheets and one statement of returns. The other supervisory judge shall return the other set of tally sheets and the other statement of returns.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.105)Effective 1-1-78
115.493. The election authority shall keep all voted ballots, ballot cards, processed ballot materials in electronic form and write-in forms, and all applications, statements, certificates, affidavits and computer programs relating to each election for twelve months after the date of the election. During the time that voted ballots, ballot cards, processed ballot materials in electronic form and write-in forms are kept by the election authority, it shall not open or inspect them or allow anyone else to do so, except upon order of a legislative body trying an election contest, a court or a grand jury. After twelve months, the ballots, ballot cards, processed ballot materials in electronic form, write-in forms, applications, statements, certificates, affidavits and computer programs relating to each election may be destroyed. If an election contest, grand jury investigation or civil or criminal case relating to the election is pending at the time, however, the materials shall not be destroyed until the contest, investigation or case is finally determined.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.110, A.L. 2002 S.B. 675)
115.495. After being locked and sealed against further voting by the election judges, voting machines shall remain locked for the period provided by law for filing an election contest and as much longer as may be necessary or advisable because of any threatened or pending contest, grand jury investigation, or civil or criminal case relating to the election. During this time, the voting machines shall not be unlocked, except upon order of a court, grand jury or legislative body trying an election contest.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.115, A.L. 1988 H.B. 1216, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.497. As soon as practicable after each election, the election authority shall convene a verification board to verify the count and certify the results of the election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.130)Effective 1-1-78
115.499. 1. Where the election authority is a board of election commissioners, the board of election commissioners shall be the verification board.
2. Where the election authority is a county clerk, the county clerk and two verification judges, one from each major political party, shall be the verification board. The county clerk may, as he deems necessary, designate an even number of additional verification judges, one-half from one major political party and one-half from the other major political party. The verification judges shall possess the same qualifications as election judges. Not later than the second Tuesday preceding an election, the county clerk shall request and the county committee of each major political party in the jurisdiction of the election authority shall submit to the election authority a list containing the names of at least six persons qualified to serve on the verification board. Not later than the first Tuesday preceding the election, the election authority shall appoint not less than one person from each of the lists to serve on the verification board. If either county committee fails to present the prescribed number of names of qualified persons by the time prescribed, the election authority shall select and appoint a member or members of the verification board from the party.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.305, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31)
115.501. As soon as possible after an election in which paper ballots or ballot cards are used, the verification board shall meet and check the addition and figures on all tally sheets and statements of returns and shall compare its record with the returns made by the election judges and the election authority on the day of the election. Before meeting, the verification board shall give notice of the time and place of the meeting to each independent and new party candidate and the chairman of the county committee of each political party named on the ballot at the election. The meeting and proceedings of the verification board shall be open to a representative of each independent candidate and political party named on the ballot. If there is a discrepancy between the returns of the election judges and the election authority and the record of the verification board, the verification board shall correct the returns made by the judges and election authority to conform to its record. The corrected returns shall supersede the returns made by the election judges and the election authority on election day. Both the record and the returns shall be retained by the election authority as provided in section 115.493.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.310)Effective 1-1-78
115.503. 1. As soon as possible after an election in which voting machines are used, the verification board, or a bipartisan committee appointed by the verification board, shall inspect each voting machine not equipped with printed election return mechanisms used at the election and shall make a record of the number on the seal and protective counter of each machine, open the counter compartment of the machine and, without unlocking the machine against voting, record the votes cast on the machine. In precincts where voting machines equipped with printed election returns mechanisms are used, the counter compartment shall not be opened and the original and duplicate originals of the printed return sheets of the votes cast on questions and for candidates regularly nominated, or who have duly filed, together with the tabulation and inclusion of any votes written in on the paper roll for those not regularly nominated, or who have not filed, shall constitute the official return sheet for the votes cast on that machine, when properly certified by the precinct election officers. One copy of such printed return sheet shall be posted on the outside of the polling place for the information of the public. One copy shall be returned to the election authority and retained by it for not less than one year. Any bipartisan committee appointed pursuant to this subsection shall consist of at least two people, one from each major political party, who shall be appointed in the same manner and possess the same qualifications as election judges.
2. After the verification board or committee has completed its inspection and record, it shall compare the record with the returns made by the election judges on election day. If there is a discrepancy between the returns of the election judges and the record of the verification board or committee, the verification board shall correct the returns made by the judges to conform to its record. The corrected returns shall supersede the returns made by the election judges on election day. Both the record and the returns shall be retained by the election authority as provided in section 115.493.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.315, A.L. 1978 S.B. 774)Effective 4-28-78
115.505. In case of an election contest, the corrected returns of the verification board shall be prima facie evidence of the vote at the election to the same extent and in the same manner as are the returns of the election judges and election authority on election day.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.320)Effective 1-1-78
115.507. 1. Not later than the second Tuesday after the election, the verification board shall issue a statement announcing the results of each election held within its jurisdiction and shall certify the returns to each political subdivision and special district submitting a candidate or question at the election. The statement shall include a categorization of the number of regular and absentee votes cast in the election, and how those votes were cast; provided however, that absentee votes shall not be reported separately where such reporting would disclose how any single voter cast his or her vote. When absentee votes are not reported separately the statement shall include the reason why such reporting did not occur. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the election authority to tabulate absentee ballots by precinct on election night.
2. The verification board shall prepare the returns by drawing an abstract of the votes cast for each candidate and on each question submitted to a vote of people in its jurisdiction by the state and by each political subdivision and special district at the election. The abstract of votes drawn by the verification board shall be the official returns of the election.
3. Any home rule city with more than four hundred thousand inhabitants and located in more than one county may by ordinance designate one of the election authorities situated partially or wholly within that home rule city to be the verification board that shall certify the returns of such city submitting a candidate or question at any election and shall notify each verification board within the city of that designation by providing each with a copy of such duly adopted ordinance. Not later than the second Tuesday after any election in any city making such a designation, each verification board within the city shall certify the returns of such city submitting a candidate or question at the election to the election authority so designated by the city to be its verification board, and such election authority shall announce the results of the election and certify the cumulative returns to the city in conformance with subsections 1 and 2 of this section not later than ten days thereafter.
4. Not later than the second Tuesday after each election at which the name of a candidate for nomination or election to the office of president of the United States, United States senator, representative in Congress, governor, lieutenant governor, state senator, state representative, judge of the circuit court, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer, or state auditor, or at which an initiative, referendum, constitutional amendment or question of retaining a judge subject to the provisions of article V, section 29* of the state constitution, appears on the ballot in a jurisdiction, the election authority of the jurisdiction shall mail or deliver to the secretary of state the abstract of the votes given in its jurisdiction, by polling place or precinct, for each such office and on each such question. If mailed, the abstract shall be enclosed in a strong, sealed envelope or envelopes. On the outside of each envelope shall be printed: "Returns of election held in the county of ...................... (City of St. Louis, Kansas City) on the ................ day of ...................., ............, ", etc.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.325, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1694, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 1999 H.B. 676, A.L. 2002 H.B. 1636 merged with S.B. 675 merged with S.B. 962)*Article V, section 29 of the Missouri Constitution was repealed in 1976 by SJR 24.
115.509. If the secretary of state fails to receive any abstract for one mail after it is due, he shall dispatch a messenger to the county not returned, with the direction to deliver the abstract, unless circumstances clearly justify a longer delay, which in no case shall exceed thirty days.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.330)Effective 1-1-78
115.511. 1. The secretary of state shall convene the board of state canvassers to total the abstracts of each primary election and the board shall, not later than two weeks after receiving all required abstracts from the primary election, issue a statement announcing the results of the primary election for federal officers, governor, lieutenant governor, state senators and representatives, circuit judges, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer and state auditor.
2. The secretary of state shall convene the board of state canvassers to total the abstracts of each general election and the board shall, not later than the second Tuesday in December following the general election, issue a statement announcing the results of the general election for federal officers, governor, lieutenant governor, state senators and representatives, circuit judges, appellate and circuit judges subject to the provisions of article V, section 25 of the state constitution, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer and state auditor.
3. The secretary of state shall convene the board of state canvassers to total the abstracts of each special election at which the name of a candidate for nomination or election to the office of United States senator, representative in Congress, governor, lieutenant governor, state senator, state representative, circuit judge not subject to the provisions of article V, section 25 of the state constitution, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer or state auditor, or at which an initiative, referendum or constitutional amendment appears on the ballot, and the board shall, not later than two weeks after receiving all required abstracts from the election, issue a statement announcing the results of the election for such office or on such question.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.335, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.512. Each election authority shall report the vote for each candidate for governor by committee district for each congressional district, senatorial district, and legislative district wholly or partially contained within the jurisdiction of the election authority to the chairman of the county committee of each established political party and to the secretary of state.
(L. 1982 S.B. 526)Effective 5-20-82
115.513. If any verification board, bipartisan committee, election authority or the secretary of state obtains evidence of fraud or any violation of law during a verification, it shall present such evidence immediately to the proper authorities.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.340)Effective 1-1-78
115.515. 1. If two or more persons receive an equal number of votes for nomination as a party's candidate for any federal office, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer, state auditor, circuit judge not subject to the provisions of article V, section 29* of the state constitution, state senator or state representative, and a higher number of votes than any other candidate for the same office on the same party ballot, the governor shall, immediately after the results of the election have been announced, issue a proclamation stating the fact and ordering a special primary election to determine the party's nominee for the office. The proclamation shall set the date of the election, which shall be not less than fourteen or more than thirty days after the proclamation is issued, and shall be sent by the governor to each election authority responsible for conducting the special primary election. In his proclamation, the governor shall specify the name of each candidate for the office to be voted on at the election, and the special primary election shall be conducted and the votes counted as in other primary elections.
2. If two or more persons receive an equal number of votes for nomination as a party's candidate for any other office, except party committeeman or committeewoman, and a higher number of votes than any other candidate for the same office on the same party ballot, the officer with whom such candidates filed their declarations of candidacy shall, immediately after the results of the election have been certified, issue a proclamation stating the fact and ordering a special primary election to determine the party's nominee for the office. The proclamation shall set the date of the election, which shall be not less than fourteen or more than thirty days after the proclamation is issued, and shall be sent by the officer to each election authority responsible for conducting the special primary election. In his proclamation, the officer shall specify the name of each candidate for the office to be voted on at the election, and the special primary election shall be conducted and the votes counted as in other primary elections.
3. As an alternative to the procedure prescribed in subsections 1 and 2 of this section, if the candidates who received an equal number of votes in such election agree to the procedure prescribed in this subsection, the officer with whom such candidates filed their declarations of candidacy may, after notification of the time and place of such drawing given to each such candidate at least five days before such drawing, determine the winner of such election by lot. Any candidate who received an equal number of votes may decline to have his name put into such drawing.