Opinion ID: 1717635
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Validity of the Annexation

Text: The City of Hazelwood suggested in oral argument that, if this Court found § 72.400 RSMo Supp.1991 unconstitutional, the annexation was still valid under § 71.015 RSMo Supp.1991 or §§ 71.860-71.920 RSMo 1986 & Supp.1991. These sections require a valid electionand a declaratory judgment actionon the annexation issue. In the present case, only the Boundary Commission certified the ballot proposition to the Board of Election Commissioners. As the acts of the Boundary Commission are void, the Board of Election Commissioners was without authority to place this issue on the ballot; and the election is void. Cf. Russell v. Callaway County, 575 S.W.2d 193, 199 (Mo. banc 1978). The City of Hazelwood is without authority to annex the Northwest Territory and Burke City, which remain unincorporated areas of St. Louis County. [2]