Missouri voters approve AG power to oust sheriffs

Missouri voters approved a constitutional change that gives the state attorney general exclusive power to remove sheriffs from office.

Amendment 8 passed the November ballot with 51% of the final but unofficial vote. The measure applies to all counties except St. Louis, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County.

The amendment enshrines sheriff elections in the state constitution. It also mandates four-year terms for elected sheriffs in those jurisdictions. Most Missouri sheriffs already hold elected positions.

Previously, local prosecutors could petition courts to remove sheriffs. Opponents argued the new rule strips local control and makes it harder to dismiss problematic officials. Supporters, including state lawmakers, contended the change protects local offices from future legislative attempts to replace sheriffs with a state police force.

The vote follows the 2025 removal of St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery. The attorney general filed a quo warranto action, and a judge ruled Montgomery forfeited his office by neglecting his duties.

Montgomery has been jailed since October 2025 while awaiting a federal trial on charges that include witness tampering. John Hayden Jr., a former St. Louis police chief, serves as sheriff in the interim.