Mitchell County; Board of Commissioners; filling vacancies; revise provisions

New rules for Mitchell County commissioner vacancies

The law sets clear steps to fill open seats on the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners. If a seat opens in the first 21 months of a term, the board must order a special election. The election is held in the next even year on the earliest allowed date. Options are the presidential preference primary, the general primary, or the November general election. If the earliest date cannot meet notice rules, the second earliest is used. Until then, the chief judge appoints someone to serve until the elected successor is qualified. If a seat opens in the last 27 months, the chief judge appoints a qualified person to serve the rest of the term. The elected winner serves the remainder of the unexpired term.