HB 2153 -- Elections

Sponsor:  Deeken

This bill changes the laws regarding elections and establishes
the Election Consolidation Act of 2010.  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 2010 which
establishes new terms of office for public officials elected at
the general municipal election held in April 2011.  The terms for
those currently holding public office are specified in the bill.
Municipalities, special districts, and political subdivisions are
allowed to abolish primary elections held prior to a general
municipal election by order or ordinance adopted no later than
September 1 of any even-numbered year.  These provisions will not
prohibit any home rule city or county with a charter form of
government from conducting a primary election in March if it was
provided for in the city's or county's charter before August 28,
2010.  These provisions will not apply to any special election
called by the Governor and held in conjunction with a general
municipal election.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:13 pm