Missouri § 78.080 - Election of mayor and councilmen.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 78.080 — Election of mayor and councilmen., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 78.080. Election of mayor and councilmen.
In every city having a population of over three thousand and under eight thousand there shall be elected at the first municipal election held after the taking effect of this section, and every four years thereafter, a mayor and two councilmen, except in any city with a population of at least five thousand within a third class county which adjoins three other third class counties and one second class county and the state of Arkansas, wherein the law applicable before August 28, 1991, shall continue to apply; and in cities having a population of over eight thousand and less than thirty thousand, a mayor and four councilmen. For cities with a population of at least eight thousand and under thirty thousand, the council shall be elected for the following terms: The mayor shall be elected for a four-year term. The councilmen shall be elected for four-year terms except that at the first election the candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall serve a four-year term, the candidate receiving the second highest number of votes shall serve a three-year term, the candidate receiving the third highest number of votes shall serve a two-year term and the candidate receiving the fourth highest number of votes shall serve a one-year term. If any vacancy occurs in such office, the remaining members of the council shall appoint a person to fill such vacancy during the balance of the unexpired term. Such officers shall qualify and their terms shall begin on the first Monday after their appointment. The terms of office of the mayor and councilmen or aldermen in such city in office at the beginning of the terms of office of the mayor and councilmen first elected under the provisions of this section shall then cease and the terms of office of all other city officers, whether elective or appointive, in force in each such city, except as otherwise provided, shall cease as soon as the council shall by resolution declare.
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(RSMo 1939 § 7059, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971, A.L. 1980 H.B. 1819, A.L. 1983 H.B. 696, A.L. 1991 H.B. 532)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 6909; 1919 § 8376
---- end of effective 28 Aug 1991 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 78.080
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 78.080 cover?
Section 78.080 ("Election of mayor and councilmen.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 78.080?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 78.080" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 78.080 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.