How can Missouri voters remove a state official from office?

Missouri voters can remove a state official from office through two main processes: impeachment and recall election. Impeachment is a legal process initiated by the legislature, where state officials can be charged with misconduct, leading to possible removal if found guilty. This process typically involves significant evidence and a formal trial. On the other hand, a recall election allows voters to petition for the removal of an elected official before the end of their term. This mechanism empowers citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable and facilitates direct participation in governance.

While voting an official out during regular elections is an important means of expressing voter sentiment, it does not provide a mechanism for removal before the official's term expires. A public petition alone also does not automatically lead to removal without the subsequent steps necessary to initiate a recall election. Thus, the correct answer includes both impeachment and a recall election, recognizing the formal avenues available for voters to remove state officials in Missouri.