JEFFERSON CITY, MO. (AP) -- Missouri House members want to require special elections to fill vacancies in most statewide offices.
Under current law, the governor appoints replacements when there are vacancies for lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor or U.S. senator.
A bill given initial approval Wednesday by the House would fill vacancies in those offices through special elections. Until that vote could occur, the governor would appoint an acting attorney general, auditor or U.S. senator. If there is a vacancy for secretary of state or treasurer, the governor would simply run the office until a special election.
Republican House member Jason Smith, of Salem, says his bill would make sure the people can choose their representatives. Some Democrats questioned the cost of special elections.
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