Missouri § 115.451 - Judges may read and record votes before polls close, when — procedure to be followed.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 115.451 — Judges may read and record votes before polls close, when — procedure to be followed., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 115.451. Judges may read and record votes before polls close, when — procedure to be followed.
If authorized by the election authority, the election judges may read and record votes before the close of the polls. If so authorized, the election judges shall use one ballot box for the deposit of ballots during the first hour of voting. At the end of the hour, the receiving judges shall deliver the ballot box to the counting and recording judges, who shall give the receiving judges a second empty ballot box. The second ballot box shall be shown to be empty and locked in the manner provided in section 115.423. The second ballot box shall not be opened or removed from public view from the time it is shown to be empty until the time the polls close or it is removed for counting pursuant to this section. The ballot box containing the voted ballots shall be taken to a private area within the polling place, and the ballots shall be read and recorded in the manner provided by section 115.449. In no case shall ballot boxes be switched at less than one hour intervals and then only if twenty-five or more ballots have been voted during the hour.
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(L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 12.010)
Effective 1-01-78
---- end of effective 01 Jan 1978 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 115.451
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 115.451 cover?
Section 115.451 ("Judges may read and record votes before polls close, when — procedure to be followed.") 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 § 115.451?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 115.451" (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 § 115.451 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.