Partisan Elections
In many areas of Missouri judges run for their seat on the bench as Republicans,
Democrats or Independents. Most of Missouri's state trial judges are elected in
partisan races.
Most elections are between a Democrat and a Republican; some judges run unopposed. Appellate judges and trial judges in St. Louis and the counties of St. Louis, Jackson, Clay and Platte are selected under Missouri's Non-Partisan Court Plan.
Vacancies during a term are filled by appointment by the governor until the next general election.
Cities that have municipal courts determine the way that municipal judges are selected. Most run in elections.
Circuit judges serve six year terms; associate circuit judges serve four year terms; judges of the Supreme Court of Missouri and the Court of Appeals serve 12 year terms.
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