§ 311. Retention in office.

(a)

Judges subject to voter approval. At the next regular municipal election following the expiration of twelve months from the date of appointment and every four years thereafter, so long as the judge retains office, every judge of the Kansas City Municipal Division shall be subject to approval or rejection by the electorate.

(b)

Declaration of candidacy. Not less than sixty days prior to the holding of the regular municipal election next preceding the expiration of the judges term of office, each judge of the Kansas City Municipal Division may file in the office of the Board of Election Commissioners a declaration of candidacy for election to serve another term.

(c)

Election. If a declaration is filed, the judges name shall be submitted at the next regular municipal election to the voters eligible to vote therein on a separate judicial ballot without party designation, reading:

"Shall Judge (Name of Judge) of the Kansas City Municipal Division be retained in office? Yes _______ No _______."

If a majority of those voting on the question vote in favor of retaining the judge in office, the judge shall serve another term of office.

(d)

Vacancy. If a judge does not file a declaration of candidacy, the vacancy resulting from the expiration of the term of office shall be filled as provided in this Charter. If a majority of those voting on the question of the judges retention vote against retaining the judge in office, upon the expiration of the judges term of office, a vacancy shall exist which shall be filled as provided in this Charter.