JEFFERSON CITY • The process is underway to fill a vacancy on the Missouri Supreme Court, created when Judge Richard B. Teitelman passed away on Nov. 29.

The Appellate Judicial Commission began accepting applications on Wednesday.

To serve as a judge on the state's highest court, nominees must be at least 30 years of age, licensed to practice law in Missouri, a U.S. citizen for at least 15 years and a registered Missouri voter for nine years before selection.

The deadline to apply or nominate potential candidates is Friday, Feb. 3, at 5 p.m. The commission is expected to meet Feb. 27 and Feb. 28 to interview candidates, who will be announced before being interviewed. The meetings are open to the public.

The timeline confirms, despite speculation that departing Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon may be able to appoint Teitelman's replacement, that picking a new judge will fall to Gov.-elect Eric Greitens, who assumes office on Jan. 9.