HB 1161 -- Elections

Sponsor:  Deeken

This bill changes the laws regarding elections and establishes
the Election Consolidation Act of 2009.  In its main provisions,
the bill:

(1)  Requires election costs to be paid by the political
subdivision, municipality, county, or special district incurring
the cost in elections where no other entity has an issue on the
ballot;

(2)  Requires entities to share election costs proportionally
using the State Election Subsidy Fund in elections where more
than one entity has an issue on the ballot.  The fund's proceeds
will not revert to the General Revenue Fund;

(3)  Changes, beginning January 1, 2011, the primary election day
from the first Monday in August of even-numbered years to the
first Tuesday after the first Monday in June of even-numbered
years;

(4)  Changes, beginning April 2010, the general municipal and
special district election day from the first Tuesday after the
first Monday in April to the first Tuesday after the first Monday
in April of odd-numbered years.  Primary elections must be held
on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in February of the
year of the general municipal election.  A primary election may
be held in March if allowed by a city or county with a charter
form of government prior to August 28, 1999.  A statewide
presidential preference primary must be held on the first Tuesday
after the first Monday in June instead of February of each
presidential election year;

(5)  Removes other primary election days for the purpose of
approving bond issues; and

(6)  Establishes the Election Consolidation Act of 2009 which,
beginning after the April 2009 municipal election, repeals the
provisions allowing candidates in nonpartisan elections to take
office without an election when the number of candidates is the
same as the number of offices.  The procedures for electing
successors to these positions using the new standardized general
municipal election day are specified in the bill.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:26 am