In any county where the offices of clerk of the circuit court and the recorder of deeds are combined, the governing body of said county, by public vote, may authorize the separation of the two offices. In all counties where the offices are separated after August 28, 2003, the qualified voters shall elect a separate recorder of deeds at the next general election. Thereafter, the recorder of deeds shall be elected pursuant to section 59.020.
§ 59.042, RSMo