Date: 8/6/2010
Just doing a little homework ..... ya know, in case I might need to know something about Missouri election law, especially those sections pertaining to election contests. You might want to "bone up" on the law too. The following is taken from the Missouri Secretary of State's website:
ELECTION CONTESTS
115.526. Qualifications of candidates may be challenged, by whom, procedure—disqualification,when.—
1. Any candidate for nomination to an office at a primary election may
challenge the declaration of candidacy or qualifications of any other candidate for nomination to
the same office to seek or hold such office, or to have his name printed on the ballot, and any candidate for election to an office at a general or special election may challenge the declaration of candidacy or qualifications of any other candidate for election to the same office to seek or hold such office or to have his name printed on the ballot. Except as provided in sections 115.563 to 115.573, challenges shall be made by filing a verified petition with the appropriate court as is provided for in case of a contest of election for such office in sections 115.527 to 115.601. The petition shall set forth the points on which the challenger wishes to challenge the declaration of candidacy or qualifications of the candidate and the facts he will prove in support of such points, and shall pray leave to produce his proof.
2. In the case of challenge to a candidate for nomination in a primary election, the petition shall be filed not later than thirty days after the final date for filing for such election. Except as otherwise provided by law, in the case of challenge to a candidate for election to an office in a general or special election, the petition shall be filed not later than five days after the latest date for certification of a candidate by the officer responsible for issuing such certification. In the case of a disability occurring after said respective deadlines, the petition shall be filed not later than five days after the disability occurs or is discovered. Answers to the petition may be filed at the time and as provided in sections 115.527 to 115.601, specifying the qualifications of the candidate for holding the office for which he is a candidate for election or for nomination.
3. The procedure in such matters shall be the same as that provided in sections 115.527 to 115.601, to the extent that it is applicable and not in conflict with the provisions of this section. For the purposes of this section, as used in sections 115.527 to 115.601 the word “contestant” shall mean the challenger and the word “contestee” shall mean the candidate whose declaration of candidacy or qualifications are challenged. If the court determines that the candidate challenged is not qualified to seek or hold the office for which he is a candidate for nomination or for election or to have his name printed on the ballot, it shall so rule. The right of appeal exists, and may be taken, as provided in sections 115.527 to 115.601.
4. Any candidate finally determined to be not qualified to seek or hold the office for which he is a candidate for nomination or for election shall be disqualified as a candidate for nomination for such office at the primary election or as a candidate for election to such office at the general or special election, as the case may be. Except as otherwise provided by law, whenever a candidate for nomination or election to an office dies, withdraws or is disqualified prior to the election, such candidate’s name shall not be printed on the official ballot.
(L. 1982 S.B. 526, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31)
115.527. Challenge of nomination at primary, who may make.—Any candidate for nomination to an office at a primary election may challenge the correctness of the returns for the nomination charging that irregularities occurred in the election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.001)
115.529. Circuit court to hear primary election contests.—Circuit courts shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all primary election contests.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.005)
115.531. Petition to contest primary election, contents of—filing in incorrect circuit, procedure.—
1. Not later than five days after the official announcement of the results of a primary election is issued by the election authority or the secretary of state, as the case may be, any candidate desiring to contest the primary election shall file a verified petition in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of any circuit in which part of the election was held and in which any alleged irregularity occurred, unless the office involved in the contest is that of a circuit or associate circuit judge not subject to section 25, article V, Constitution of Missouri, in which case the verified petition shall be filed, heard, and determined by an adjoining circuit court selected by the contestant as specified in section 115.575. The contestant shall only be required to file one petition with the circuit court for each election contest regardless of the number of counties within the court’s jurisdiction. The petition shall set forth the points on which the contestant wishes to contest the election and the facts the contestant will prove in support of such points, and shall pray leave to produce such proof. The judge of the court shall immediately note on the petition the date it was filed and shall immediately set a date, not later than five days after the
petition is filed, for a preliminary hearing. If the petition is filed in vacation, the judge of the circuit court shall immediately convene the court in special session for the purpose of hearing the contest. If no regular judge of the court is available the supreme court shall immediately assign another judge. The circuit court in which the petition is filed shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all matters relating to the contest and may issue appropriate orders to all election authorities in the area in which the contested election was held.
2. If a petition contesting a primary election is filed in an incorrect circuit, the court in which it is filed shall have jurisdiction and shall promptly transfer the suit to the correct circuit court.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.010, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132, A.L. 2003 H.B. 133)
(1980) “Official announcement” of results of primary election for state office is announcement of Secretary of State pursuant to final determination of primary election results by board of state canvassers, and not announcement by county clerk. Black v. Bockenkamp (A.), 607 S.W.2d 176.
115.533. Procedure after petition filed.—
1. Immediately after a petition is filed, the clerk of the circuit court shall issue a summons upon the petition to the contestee, returnable by the day designated by the circuit court to the circuit court. The summons shall be served in any county of the state in the same manner provided for service of process in civil actions. If the contestee cannot be found within two days, the summons shall be served by leaving the summons and a copy of the petition at the residence address shown on the contestee’s declaration of candidacy and by posting the summons in a conspicuous place in the office of the clerk of the circuit court.
2. Immediately after the petition is filed, the clerk of the circuit court shall send by certified or registered mail a certified copy of the petition to the officer responsible for issuing the statement
announcing the results of the contested election and to each election authority responsible for conducting the election in any area where an alleged irregularity occurred. All officers and election authorities so notified shall immediately suspend all action on the office until the contest has been determined.
3. Not later than four days after the petition is filed, the contestee may file an answer to the petition, specifying reasons why his nomination should not be contested. If the contestee wishes to contest the validity of any votes given to the contestant, he shall set forth in his answer the votes he wishes to contest, and the facts he will prove in support of such contest and shall pray leave to produce his proof.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.015)
115.535. Election contest to have preference in order of hearing.—The contested election shall have preference in the order of hearing to all other cases and shall be commenced at the date set and heard day to day, including evenings and weekends if necessary, until determined. There shall be no continuances except by consent, so that the case may be concluded not later than the tenth Tuesday prior to the general election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.020, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489)
115.537. Hearing on necessity for recount, when.—Not later than five days after the petition is filed, a preliminary hearing shall be held to determine whether there shall be a recount and not to determine what the recount would show. The court shall hear all evidence by the contestant and contestee bearing on the alleged irregularities.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.025)
115.539. Circuit court to order recount of votes, when.—If the court finds there is a prima facie showing of irregularities which place the result of the primary election in doubt, the court shall order a recount of all votes brought in question by the petition or its answer. Where the issue is drawn over the validity of certain votes cast, a prima facie case is made if the validity of a number of votes equal to or greater than the margin of defeat is placed in doubt. The court may order a recount of all votes brought in question by the petition or its answer at any time if it finds that the primary election result is placed in doubt. All materials and records relating to the contested election may be subpoenaed and all information contained therein shall be subject to the rules of discovery in civil cases. During a recount, the court may hear additional evidence offered by any party bearing on any issue relating to the contested election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.030)
115.541. Recount, primary election, irregularities in election—how conducted.—
1. When ever a recount is ordered pursuant to section 115.539, the court shall order all materials and records relating to the contest brought before it, so that the court has the same materials and records as the election judges had while making the count and statements of returns. The court shall have authority to pass upon the form and determine the legality of the votes brought into question and to determine the qualifications of any voter whose vote is brought into question, provided that the name of a voter upon a
precinct register for the polling place shall be prima facie evidence of the proper qualifications of the
voter. A comparison may be made between the signatures on the identification certificates and those
which appear in the precinct registers, and no votes shall be counted except the votes of registered
voters and those entitled to vote as provided in section 115.277 without being registered. No votes of
any person found by the court to be unqualified to vote at the primary election shall be counted.
2. Whenever a recount of votes cast on paper ballots is ordered pursuant to section 115.539 or 115.601, the court shall proceed to open and count the votes and, after the count has been completed, shall tabulate by voting district the votes cast for the contestant and the contestee.
3. Whenever a recount of votes cast on any voting machine is ordered pursuant to section 115.539 or 115.601, the court shall make visible the registering counters of the machine and, without unlocking the machine against voting, shall record the votes cast on the machine.
4. Whenever a recount of votes cast on ballot cards is ordered pursuant to section 115.539 or 115.601, the court shall supervise a test of the automatic tabulating equipment conducted in the manner provided in section 115.233 and shall cause the votes to be recounted automatically or may order a hand count of the votes. In its discretion, the court may order a new computer program to be made, which shall be tested in the manner provided in section 115.233 before the votes in question are recounted automatically.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.035, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31)
115.543. Court to appoint persons making recount—persons authorized to be present during recount.—Whenever a recount is ordered pursuant to section 115.539 or 115.601, the court shall determine the number of persons necessary to assist with the recount and shall appoint such persons equally from lists submitted to the court by the contestant and the contestee. Each person appointed pursuant to this section shall be a disinterested person and a registered voter of the area in which the contested election was held. Each person so appointed shall take the oath prescribed for and receive the same pay as an election judge in the jurisdiction where he is registered. After being sworn not to disclose any facts uncovered by the recount, except those which are contained in the court report, the contestant and the contestee shall be permitted to be present in person or represented by an attorney at the recount to observe the recount. Each recount shall be completed under the supervision of the court, and the persons
appointed to assist with the recount shall perform such duties as the court shall direct. Upon completion
of any duties prescribed by the court, the persons appointed to assist with the recount shall make a written and signed report of their findings to the court. The findings of the persons appointed to assist with the recount shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein, but any person present at the examination of the votes may be a witness to contradict the findings. No one other than the election authority, representatives of the court, the contestant and contestee, their attorneys, and those specifically appointed by the court to assist with the recount shall be present during any recount ordered pursuant to the provisions of section 115.539.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.040, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31)
115.545. Court to render judgment, when—effect of judgment.—Upon completion of the procedures provided for in this subchapter, the court shall render its judgment based upon the issues of law and fact and cause a certified copy of its judgment to be transmitted to each affected election authority and to the secretary of state. Each election authority to which a copy of the judgment is sent and the secretary of state shall correct their records to conform to the judgment.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.045)
115.547. Contestant to post bond, when.—In each case of a contested primary election, the court may require the contestant to post bond for the costs and expenses of the election contest. The costs and expenses of any election contest, including the cost and expense of a recount, may be adjudged against the unsuccessful party with the payment of the costs and expenses enforceable as in civil cases.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.050, A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al.)
115.549. New primary election may be ordered, when.—If any court trying a contested primary election determines there were irregularities of sufficient magnitude to cast doubt on the validity of the initial election, it may order a new primary election for the contested office. The order shall set the date of the election, which shall not be less than fourteen or more than thirty days after the order is issued, and shall be sent by the clerk of the court to each election authority responsible for conducting the special election. In its order, the court shall specify the name of each candidate for the office to be voted on at the special election, and the election shall be conducted and the votes counted as in other primary elections. Notice of the election shall be given in such manner as the court directs. The person receiving the highest number of votes at a special party primary election shall be his party’s nominee for the contested office. The requisite number of persons receiving the highest number of votes at any other special primary election shall be the nominees for the office.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.055)
(1980) Legislative intent in Election Act was that primary election contests be fully decided prior to general election. Black v. Bockenkamp (A.), 607 S.W.2d 176.
115.551. Appeal, how taken.—Either party to the contest may appeal the judgment of the circuit court to the court of appeals of the appropriate jurisdiction, who shall give the case preference in the order of hearing to all other cases, modify its rules to the extent necessary in order to conclude the appeal as many days prior to the general election as possible and hear the case in the manner of appeals of cases in equity. The practice and procedure prescribed in civil action shall be followed in all respects not inconsistent with the provisions of sections 115.527 to 115.551. In every case of such appeal, a bond with sufficient sureties conditioned for the payment of the costs accrued and to accrue in the cause may be required by any court in which the case is pending.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.060)
(1979) There is no doubt the legislature in the comprehensive Election Act intended primary election contests to be fully decided prior to the general election. Edwards v. Kelly (A.), 578 S.W.2d 357.
(1980) Legislative intent in Election Act was that primary election contests be fully decided prior to general election. Black v. Bockenkamp (A.), 607 S.W.2d 176.
115.553. Candidate may challenge returns—registered voter of area may contest result.—
1. Any candidate for election to any office may challenge the correctness of the returns for the office, charging that irregularities occurred in the election.
2. The result of any election on any question may be contested by one or more registered voters from the area in which the election was held. The petitioning voter or voters shall be considered the contestant and the officer or election authority responsible for issuing the statement setting forth the result of the election shall be considered the contestee. In any such contest, the proponents and opponents of the ballot question shall have the right to engage counsel to represent and act for them in all matters involved in and pertaining to the contest.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.100)
115.555. Contest of state office election to be heard by supreme court.—All contested elections for the office of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer and state auditor shall be heard and determined by the supreme court. Likewise, all contests to the results of elections on constitutional amendments, on state statutes submitted or referred to the voters, and on questions relating to the retention of appellate and circuit judges subject to article V, section 25 of the state constitution shall be heard and determined by the supreme court.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.105, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634)
115.557. Election contest to be filed, when.—Not later than thirty days after the official announcement of the election result by the secretary of state, any person authorized by section 115.553 who wishes to contest the election for any office or on any question provided in section 115.555, shall file a verified petition in the office of the clerk of the supreme court. The petition shall set forth the points on which the contestant wishes to contest the election and the facts he will prove in support of such points, and shall pray leave to produce his proof. The supreme court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all matters relating to the contest and may issue appropriate orders to all election authorities in the area in which the contested election was held.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.110)
115.559. Procedure after filing of petition.—
1. Immediately after a petition is filed, the clerk of the supreme court shall issue a summons upon the petition to the contestee, returnable by the day designated by the supreme court to the supreme court. The summons shall be served in any county of the state in the same manner provided for service of process in civil actions. If the contestee cannot be found within two days, the summons shall be served by leaving the summons and a copy of the petition at the residence address shown on the contestee’s declaration of candidacy and by posting the summons in a conspicuous place in the office of the clerk of the supreme court.
2. Immediately after the petition is filed, the clerk of the supreme court shall send by certified or registered mail a certified copy of the petition to the secretary of state and to each election authority responsible for conducting the election in any area where an alleged irregularity occurred.
3. Not later than fifteen days after the petition is filed, the contestee may file an answer to the petition, specifying reasons why his nomination should not be contested. If the contestee wishes to contest the validity of any votes given to the contestant, he shall set forth in his answer the votes he wishes to contest and the facts he will prove in support of such contest and shall pray leave to produce his proof.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.115)
115.561. Commissioner to take testimony, appointed, when—powers of commissioner.—
1. Immediately upon the filing of a petition and answer, if there is any, the supreme court shall appoint a commissioner of the court to take the testimony of witnesses at such times and places as the court shall order. The order shall specify the points and facts in regard to which testimony is to be taken and the time when the commissioner shall make his report to the court.
2. Upon appointment by the court, the commissioner shall proceed to procure the attendance of witnesses, and to take and certify testimony as directed. The contestant and contestee shall have the right to attend the examination of all witnesses and to cross-examine, but no testimony shall be taken except on the points and facts specified in the court order. The commissioner shall have authority to administer oaths, take depositions, compel the attendance of witnesses by summons and attachment, require such witnesses to testify and to compel discovery in accordance with the rules of discovery in civil cases.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.120)
115.563. Contests for office of senator or representative to be heard by respective body.—
1. All contested elections for the office of state senator shall be heard and determined by the state senate. All contested elections for the office of state representative shall be heard and determined by the state house of representatives.
2. Any contest based on the qualifications of a candidate for the office of state senator or state
representative which have not been adjudicated prior to the general election shall be determined
by the state senate or the state house of representatives, as the case may be.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.201, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526)
115.565. Contests for house or senate seats, where and how filed.—Not later than thirty days after the official announcement of the election result is issued by the secretary of state, any candidate who wishes to contest the election for an office provided in section 115.563 shall file a verified petition with the president of the senate or the speaker of the house, as the case may be. In the case of contests based on the qualifications of a candidate for an office provided in section 115.563, not later than thirty days after the results of the general election have been certified by the secretary of state, any candidate who wishes to contest the qualifications of another candidate shall file a verified petition with the president of the senate or the speaker of the house, as the case may be. The petition shall set forth the points on which the contestant wishes to contest the election and the facts he will prove in support of such points. The state senate or the state house of representatives, as the case may be, shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all matters relating to the contest and may issue appropriate orders, under the hand of the president of the senate or the speaker of the house, to all election authorities in the area in which the contested election was held.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.205, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526)
115.567. Contestee, service on, how made—notice to secretary of state— time for filing answer.—
1. At the time of filing, the contestee shall be served with a copy of the petition by the contestant or his representative. With the copy of the petition shall be included a written notice of the time and place of the petition’s filing, the grounds on which the election is contested, the time and place for the taking of depositions and the names of all witnesses to be examined. If the contestee is not found within two days after the petition is filed, the copy of the petition and notice shall be left at the residence address shown on contestee’s declaration of candidacy and by posting the petition in a conspicuous place in the office of the secretary of the senate or the chief clerk of the house, as the case may be.
2. At the time of filing, a copy of the petition and notice shall also be transmitted to the secretary of state and each election authority responsible for conducting the election in any area where an alleged irregularity occurred.
3. Not later than fifteen days after the petition is filed, the contestee may file an answer to the petition, specifying reasons why his election should not be contested. At the time of filing, a copy of the answer shall be transmitted to the contestant. If the contestee wishes to contest the validity of any votes given to the contestant, he shall include in his answer a notice of the time and place for the taking of depositions, the grounds on which the votes will be contested, and the names of all witnesses to be examined.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.210)
115.569. Depositions, when taken—civil discovery rules to apply.—Immediately upon the filing of a petition and answer, the taking of depositions may commence at the option of the contestant, and the persons selected by the contestant and contestee to take depositions shall immediately issue subpoenas to the witnesses, commanding them to appear and give testimony at the time and place specified. The taking of depositions and all related matters shall be subject to the rules of discovery in civil cases. Either the contestant or the contestee may, without notice, take rebutting testimony at the time and place specified for the taking of depositions.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.215, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526)
115.571. Evidence to be received, form, contents.—
1. Evidence received by the senate or house may be either by depositions taken pursuant to section 115.569 or by witnesses subpoenaed for personal appearance before the senate or house.
2. No testimony shall be received in the taking of depositions which does not relate to the points specified in the notices.
3. All testimony taken shall be certified by the persons appointed to take the depositions to the president of the senate or to the speaker of the house, as the case may be.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.220, A.L. 1982 S.B. 526)
115.573. No appeal from decision of house or senate.—The determination made by the state senate or the state house of representatives on a contested election shall be final and not subject to court review.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.225)
115.575. Contests for office of circuit judge, where heard—other contests, where heard—filing in incorrect circuit, procedure.—
1. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, all contested elections for the office of circuit or associate circuit judge not subject to the provisions of article V, section 25 of the state constitution, whether contested on the basis of qualification, irregularity, or other cause, or for recount other than the automatic recount provided for in section 115.601, and whether in a primary or general election, shall be filed in and heard and determined by an adjoining circuit court selected by the contestant.
2. All contested elections on any office or question other than those provided for in sections 115.555, 115.563 and subsection 1 of this section shall be heard and determined by the circuit court of any circuit, selected by the contestant, in which all or any part of the election was held and in which any alleged irregularity occurred. The contestant shall only be required to file one petition with the circuit court for each election contest regardless of the number of counties within the court’s jurisdiction.
3. If a petition contesting any election is filed in an incorrect circuit, the court in which it is filed shall have jurisdiction and shall promptly transfer the suit to the correct circuit court.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.301, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132 merged with S.B. 248, A.L. 2003 H.B. 133)
115.577. Time in which election contest may be filed.—Not later than thirty days after the official announcement of the election result by the election authority, any person authorized by section 115.553 who wishes to contest the election for any office or on any question provided in section 115.575 shall file a verified petition in the office of the clerk of the appropriate circuit court. The contestant shall only be required to file one petition with the circuit court for each election contest regardless of the number of counties within the court’s jurisdiction. The petition shall set forth the points on which the contestant wishes to contest the election and the facts he will prove in support of such points, and shall pray leave to produce his proof. The circuit court in which the petition is filed shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all matters relating to the contest and may issue appropriate orders to all election authorities in the area in which the contested election was held.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.305, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
115.579. Duty of circuit clerk upon filing of petition—answer, when due.—
1. Immediately after a petition is filed, the clerk of the circuit court shall issue a summons upon the
petition to the contestee, returnable by the day designated by the circuit court to the circuit court. The summons shall be served in any county of the state in the same manner provided for service of process in civil actions. If the contestee cannot be found within two days, the summons shall be served by leaving the summons and a copy of the petition at the residence address shown on the contestee’s declaration of candidacy and by posting the summons in a conspicuous place in the office of the clerk of the circuit court.
2. Immediately after the petition is filed, the clerk of the circuit court shall send by certified or registered mail a certified copy of the petition to the election authority responsible for issuing a statement announcing the results of the contested election and to each election authority responsible for conducting the election in any area where an alleged irregularity occurred.
3. Not later than fifteen days after the petition is filed, the contestee may file an answer to the petition, specifying reasons why his nomination should not be contested. If the contestee wishes to contest the validity of any votes given to the contestant, he shall set forth in his answer the votes he wishes to contest and the facts he will prove in support of such contest and shall pray leave to produce his proof.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.310)
115.581. Case to be tried, when.—Immediately upon the filing of a petition and answer, if there is any, the court shall proceed to try the case and may at once appoint a commissioner to take testimony in the same way and manner as provided for the contest of state offices in section 115.561.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.315)
115.583. Recount of votes ordered, when.—If the court or legislative body hearing a contest
finds there is a prima facie showing of irregularities which place the result of any contested election in doubt, the court or legislative body shall order a recount of all votes brought in question by the petition or its answer. Where the issue is drawn over the validity of certain votes cast, a prima facie case is made if the validity of a number of votes equal to or greater than the margin of defeat is placed in doubt. The court or legislative body may order a recount of all votes brought in question by the petition or its answer at any time if it finds that the election result is placed in doubt. All materials and records relating to the contested election may be subpoenaed, and all information contained therein shall be subject to the rules of discovery in civil cases. During a recount, the court may hear additional evidence offered by any party bearing on any issue relating to the contested election.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.400)
115.585. Recounts, how conducted.—1. Whenever a recount is ordered pursuant to section 115.583 or 115.601, the court or legislative body trying the contest shall issue a writ to each election authority responsible for conducting the election in any area in which an alleged irregularity occurred, commanding the election authority to prepare its office and all records and materials relating to the contested election for the recount. Such writ shall be served immediately on the election authority by the sheriff of the county. Upon receipt of a writ, each election authority shall set a day, not more than twenty days after receiving the writ, on which it will have its office and all records and materials relating to the contested election prepared. Immediately upon setting the day, the election authority shall send by certified or registered mail a notice to the court or legislative body issuing the writ. The notice shall set forth the day selected by the election authority for the recount.
2. Whenever a recount is ordered pursuant to section 115.583, the court or legislative body shall have authority to pass upon the form and determine the legality of the votes brought into question and to determine the qualifications of any voter whose vote is brought into question, provided that the name of a voter upon a precinct register for the polling place shall be prima facie evidence of the proper qualifications of the voter. A comparison may be made between the signatures on the identification certificates and those which appear in the precinct registers, and no votes shall be counted except the votes of registered voters and those entitled to vote as provided in subsection 2 of section 115.137 and section 115.277 without being registered. No votes of any person found by the court to be unqualified to vote at the election shall be counted.
3. Whenever a recount of votes cast on paper ballots is ordered pursuant to section 115.583 or 115.601, the court or legislative body shall proceed to open and count the votes and, after the count has been completed, shall tabulate by voting district the votes cast for the contestant and the contestee.
4. Whenever a recount of votes cast on any voting machine is ordered pursuant to section 115.583 or 115.601, the court or legislative body shall make visible the registering counters of the machine and, without unlocking the machine against voting, shall record the votes cast on the machine.
5. Whenever a recount of votes cast on ballot cards is ordered pursuant to section 115.583 or 115.601, the court or legislative body shall supervise a test of the automatic tabulating equipment conducted in the manner provided in section 115.233 and shall cause the votes to be recounted automatically, or may order a hand count of the votes. In its discretion, the court or legislative body may order a new computer program to be made, which shall be tested in the manner provided in section 115.233 before the votes in question are recounted automatically.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.410, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31)
115.587. Persons conducting recount, how selected.—Whenever a recount is ordered pursuant to section 115.583 or 115.601, the court or legislative body shall determine the number of persons necessary to assist with the recount and shall appoint such persons equally from lists submitted to the court or legislative body by the contestant and the contestee. Each person appointed pursuant to this section shall be a disinterested person and a registered voter of the area in which the contested election was held. Each person so appointed shall take the oath prescribed for and receive the same pay as an election judge in the jurisdiction where he is registered. After being sworn not to disclose any facts uncovered by the recount, except those which are contained in the court or legislative report, the contestant and the contestee shall be permitted to be present in person or represented by an attorney at the recount and to observe the recount. Each recount shall be completed under the supervision of the court or legislative body, and the persons appointed to assist with the recount shall perform such duties as the court or legislative body shall direct. Upon completion of any duties prescribed by the court or legislative body, the persons appointed to assist with the recount shall make a written and signed report of their findings to the court or legislative body. The findings of the persons appointed to assist with the recount shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein, but any person present at the examination of the votes may be heard as a witness to contradict the findings. No one other than the election authority, representatives of the court or legislative body, the contestant and contestee, their attorneys, and those specifically appointed by the court or legislative body to assist with the recount shall be present during any recount ordered pursuant to the provisions of section 115.583 or 115.601.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.415)
115.589. Records to be corrected to reflect judgment.—Each court or legislative body authorized to determine contested elections shall hear and determine each contest at the earliest opportunity after the official announcement of the results of the election has been made. Upon completion of the procedures provided for in this subchapter, the court or legislative body shall render its judgment based upon the issues of law and fact and cause a certified copy of its judgment to be transmitted to each affected election authority and to the secretary of state. Each election authority to which a copy of the judgment is sent and the secretary of state shall correct their records to conform to the judgment.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.420)
115.591. Contestant to post bond, when.—In each case of a contested election, the court or legislative body may require the contestant to post bond for the costs and expenses of the election contest. The costs and expenses of any election contest, including the cost and expense of a recount, may be adjudged against the unsuccessful party with payment of the costs and expenses enforceable as in civil cases.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.425, A.L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al.)
115.593. New election ordered, when.—If the court or legislative body trying a contested election determines there were irregularities of sufficient magnitude to cast doubt on the validity of the initial election, it may order a new election for the contested office or on the contested question. The order shall set the date of the election and shall be sent by the clerk of the court or the secretary of the senate or the chief clerk of the house of representatives, as the case may be, to each election authority responsible for conducting the special election. In its order, the court or legislative body shall specify the name of each candidate for the office to be voted on at the special election, or the ballot title of the question to be voted on at the special election, and the election shall be conducted and the votes counted as in other elections. Notice of the election shall be given in such manner as the court or legislative body directs. The person receiving the highest number of votes at the special election shall be deemed elected and entitled to assume office, or the question submitted at the special election shall be deemed approved if a majority of the votes at the special election are cast in favor of the question.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.430)
(1989) Because voting by unqualified voters is an irregularity examined by the court in conducting a recount, it follows that such an irregularity may be considered in determining whether a new election should be ordered. When a number of voters are found to be disqualified and that number equals or exceeds the margin of the apparent victor, there are “irregularities of sufficient magnitude to cast doubt on the validity of the initial election.” (Mo. banc) Marre v. Reed, 775 S.W.2d 951.
115.595. Person holding certificate of election to hold office pending outcome—question shall be deemed decided as shown by returns pending outcome.—1. In each case of a pending election contest for an office, the person holding the certificate of election may qualify and take the office at the time specified by law and exercise the duties of the office until the contest has been decided. If the contest is decided against the contestee, the court or legislative body trying the contest shall make an order for him to give up the office to the person determined to be entitled to the office and to deliver to such person all books, records, papers, property and effects pertaining to the office. The court or legislative body trying the contest may enforce the order by attachment or other proper process. If for any reason the person determined to be entitled to the office does not or cannot take office, a vacancy shall exist to be filled in the manner provided by law.
2. In each case of a pending election contest on a question, the question shall be deemed approved or disapproved as shown by the official returns of the election until the contest is decided. When the contest is decided, the question shall be deemed approved or disapproved in accordance with the decision as of the day the contest is decided, or as of the day it would otherwise have been deemed approved or disapproved, whichever is later.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.435)
115.597. Appeal from circuit court decisions allowed, procedure for.—In all cases of contested elections, except contested elections heard by the supreme court or the state senate or house of representatives, the right of appeal shall exist, and appeals may be taken in the same time or manner and to the same courts as is provided by law for appeals in cases in equity. The practice and procedure prescribed in civil actions shall be followed in all respects not inconsistent with the provisions of sections 115.553 to 115.583. Upon the filing of any such appeal, the court shall give the case preference in the order of hearing to all other cases and modify its rules to the extent necessary to conclude the appeal as quickly as possible. In every case of such appeal, a bond with sufficient sureties conditioned for the payment of the costs accrued and to accrue in the cause may be required by any court in which the case is pending.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.440)
115.599. Parties may subpoena witnesses and take depositions.—In all cases of contested elections, primary and other, the contestant and the contestee shall be allowed process for witnesses, and either party may take depositions, as in civil cases, to be read as evidence at the trial, as is authorized in civil cases. All such depositions shall be filed before the trial is commenced, and may be read in evidence no matter where the witnesses reside.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.445)
115.600. Recount or new election, procedure—petition by election authority.—The election authority, if convinced that errors of omission or commission have occurred on the part of the election authority, election judges, or any election personnel in the conduct of an election, may petition the circuit court for a recount or a new election and the court is authorized to order a new election if the evidence provided demonstrates that the irregularities were sufficient to cast doubt on the outcome of the election.
(L. 1983 S.B. 234, A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
(1990) Remedies available to the Board are limited to filing a petition for a recount. Circuit court was without jurisdiction to order a new election. (Mo. banc) Board of Election Commissioners of St. Louis County v. Knipp, 784 S.W.2d 797.
115.601. Recount authorized when less than one percent difference in vote—recount, defined.—
1. Any contestant in a primary or other election contest who was defeated by less than one percent of the votes cast for the office and any contestant who received the second highest number of votes cast for that office if two or more are to be elected and who was defeated by less than one percent of the votes cast, or any person whose position on a question was defeated by less than one percent of the votes cast on the question, shall have the right to a recount of the votes cast for the office or on the question.
2. In cases where the candidate filed or the ballot question was originally filed with an electio authority as defined in section 115.015, such recount shall be requested in accordance with the provisions of section 115.531 or 115.577 and conducted under the direction of the court or the commissioner representing the court trying the contest according to the provisions of this subchapter.
3. In cases where the candidate filed or the ballot question was originally filed with the secretary of state, the defeated candidate or the person whose position on a question was defeated by less than one percent of the votes cast on the question shall be allowed a recount pursuant to this section by filing with the secretary of state a request for a recount stating that the person or the person’s position on a question was defeated by less than one percent of the votes cast. Such request shall be filed not later than seven days after certification of the election. The secretary of state shall notify all concerned parties of the filing of the request for a recount. The secretary of state shall authorize the election authorities to conduct a recount pursuant to this section if the requesting party or his position on a question was defeated by less than one percent of the votes cast. The secretary of state shall conduct and certify the results of the recount as the official results in the election within twenty days of receipt of the aforementioned notice of recount.
4. Whenever a recount is requested pursuant to subsection 3 of this section, the secretary of state shall determine the number of persons necessary to assist with the recount and shall appoint such persons equally from lists submitted by the contestant and the opponent who received more votes or a person whose position on a question received more votes than the contestant’s position on that question. Each person appointed pursuant to this section shall be a disinterested person and a registered voter of the area in which the contested election was held. Each person so appointed shall take the oath prescribed for and receive the same pay as an election judge in the jurisdiction where the person is registered. After being sworn not to disclose any facts uncovered by the recount, except those which are contained in the report, the contestant and the opponent who received more votes or a person whose position on a question received more votes than the contestant’s position on that question shall be permitted to be present in person or represented by an attorney at the recount and to observe the recount. Each recount shall be completed under the supervision of the secretary of state with the assistance of the election authorities involved, and the persons appointed to assist with the recount shall perform such duties as the secretary of state directs. Upon completion of any duties prescribed by the secretary of state the
persons appointed to assist with the recount shall make a written and signed report of their findings. The findings of the persons appointed to assist with the recount shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein, but any person present at the examination of the votes may be a witness to contradict the findings. No one other than the secretary of state, the election authorities involved, the contestant and the other witnesses described in this subsection, their attorneys, and those specifically appointed by the secretary of state to assist with the recount shall be present during any recount conducted pursuant to this section.
5. For purposes of this section, “recount” means one additional counting of all votes counted for the office or on the question with respect to which the recount is requested.
(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 13.450, A.L. 1985 H.B. 620, A.L. 1993 S.B. 31, A.L. 1995 H.B. 484, et al., A.L. 1997 S.B. 132)
