Candidate filing for the General Municipal Election is conducted in accordance with State Law [Code Ch. 105, Art. II]

Any person who desires to become a candidate for an elective City office at the general City election shall file with the City Clerk a written declaration of his/her intent to become a candidate at said election.  All forms must be witnessed by the City Clerk or her designee.

For the April 2, 2024, General Municipal Election, candidate filing begins at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 5, 2023, and ends at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 26, 2023.  (Note: Dates of candidate filing changed with the passage of HB271, effective August 28, 2021.)

All candidates for office shall pay a fee at the time of filing in the amount set as follows [Section 105.100]:

• Mayor                  $50.00
• Council Member  $25.00

Qualifications for Mayor [Section 110.010]

No person shall be Mayor unless he/she is be at least thirty (30) years of age, a citizen of the United States and a resident of such City at the time of and for two (2) years next preceding his/her election. When two (2) or more persons shall have an equal number of votes for the office of Mayor, the matter shall be determined by the Council.

Qualifications for Council Members [Section 110.130]

No person shall be a Councilman unless he/she is at least twenty-one (21) years of age prior to taking office, a citizen of the United States, and an inhabitant of the City for one (1) year next preceding his/her election, and a resident of the ward from which he/she is elected six (6) months next preceding his/her election. Whenever there is a tie in the election of a Councilman, the matter shall be determined by the Council.

Additional Requirements by State Law

• Candidate must file an Affidavit of Tax Payments with the Missouri Department of Revenue, and submit a copy of the completed form to the City Clerk with the Declaration of Candidacy [§115.306 RSMo]
• Candidate must file a Personal Financial Disclosure with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
• Candidates are subject to Campaign Finance Requirements and should consult the Missouri Ethics Commission to ensure compliance.