§ RSMo § 115.595Person holding certificate of election to hold office pending outcome — question shall be deemed decided as shown by returns pending outcome

1. In each case of a pending election contest for an office, the person holding the certificate of election may qualify and take the office at the time specified by law and exercise the duties of the office until the contest has been decided. If the contest is decided against the contestee, the court or legislative body trying the contest shall make an order for him to give up the office to the person determined to be entitled to the office and to deliver to such person all books, records, papers, property and effects pertaining to the office. The court or legislative body trying the contest may enforce the order by attachment or other proper process. If for any reason the person determined to be entitled to the office does not or cannot take office, a vacancy shall exist to be filled in the manner provided by law. 2. In each case of a pending election contest on a question, the question shall be deemed approved or disapproved as shown by the official returns of the election until the contest is decided. When the contest is decided, the question shall be deemed approved or disapproved in accordance with the decision as of the day the contest is decided, or as of the day it would otherwise have been deemed approved or disapproved, whichever is later. ­­--------