The only statewide office on the ballot in Missouri this year is Auditor. The only three candidates who have filed in any party’s primary are the Republican incumbent, Tom Schweich; the Libertarian, Sean O’Toole, and the Constitution Party candidate, Rodney Farthing.

An independent candidate, or a newly-qualifying party, could still enter the race with a petition signed by 10,000 signatures, due in late July.

Parties stay on the ballot in Missouri by polling 2% for any statewide race at either of the last two elections. Therefore, because parties remain on the ballot for two elections after meeting the vote test, the Democratic Party will retain its status as a qualified party, notwithstanding its failure to run anyone this year.

The Green Party could easily recover its qualified party status in Missouri by submitting 10,000 valid signatures this year and running someone for Auditor. Thanks to Ken Bush for this news.