Section 115.333 - Determination of validity or invalidity, when made - refusal to file, procedure to have court determine validity1. When any petition is filed with the secretary of state or an election authority under the provisions of this subchapter, the secretary of state or the election authority shall determine whether or not it complies with the provisions of this subchapter. When any petition is filed with the secretary of state or an election authority under the provisions of this subchapter, the secretary of state or the election authority shall, not later than the eleventh Tuesday prior to the general election, issue a statement setting forth such person's determination. When a petition for the formation of a new party or nomination of an independent candidate for a special election is filed with the secretary of state or an election authority, the secretary of state or the election authority shall issue a statement setting forth its determination as soon as possible but in no case too late to permit placement of the party or candidate on the ballot. If the secretary of state or the election authority determines that a petition does not comply with the provisions of this subchapter, such person shall state the reason for such person's determination in the statement.2. If the secretary of state or the election authority refuses to file a petition for the formation of a new party or the nomination of an independent candidate or refuses to issue a statement setting forth such person's determination within the time prescribed, any registered voter may apply, within ten days after the refusal, to the circuit court for a writ of mandamus to compel such person to file the petition or issue the statement. Within ten days after the secretary of state or the election authority issues a statement setting forth such person's determination, any registered voter may apply to the circuit court to compel the secretary of state or the election authority to reverse such person's determination. If it is decided by the court that the petition is legally sufficient, the secretary of state or the election authority shall file it, with a certified copy of the judgment attached thereto, as of the date it was originally offered for filing in such person's office. On showing that any petition filed is not legally sufficient, the court may enjoin all election officials from certifying or printing the name of the independent candidate or new party and its candidates on the official ballot. All such suits shall be advanced on the court docket and heard and decided by the court as quickly as possible. Either party to the suit may appeal to the supreme court within ten days after a circuit court decision is rendered. The circuit court of Cole County shall have jurisdiction if the secretary of state is a party, and otherwise, the circuit court of the county in which the election authority is located shall have jurisdiction.L. 1977 H.B. 101 § 10.070, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1557 & 1489
Effective 6/13/1996