§ 168.404Office of supreme court justice; vacancy; appointment; election

Sec. 404.
    (1) The governor shall appoint a successor to fill the vacancy in the office of justice of the
 supreme court. The person appointed by the governor shall be considered an incumbent for
 purposes of this act and shall hold office until 12 noon of January 1 following the next general
 election, at which a successor is elected and qualified.
    (2) At the next general November election held at least 105 days after the vacancy occurs, a
 person nominated under section 392 shall be elected to fill that office. The person elected shall
 hold the office for the remainder of the unexpired term.
    (3) A candidate receiving the highest number of votes for that office who has subscribed to
 the oath as provided in section 1 of article XI of the state constitution is considered to be
 elected and qualified even though a vacancy occurs before the time he or she has entered upon
 the duties of his or her office.