Mo. Rev. Stat. § 59.020

In all counties of the first and second classes, and in counties of the third class where the offices of clerk of the circuit court and recorder of deeds are separate, the qualified electors thereof, in the November election in the year 1946 and every four years thereafter, shall elect some suitable person as recorder who shall hold office for four years and until his successor is elected, commissioned, and qualified. He shall enter upon the duties of his office on the first day of January next following the election.