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

New vacancy rules for Mitchell County commissioners

The law sets rules for Mitchell County commission vacancies caused by anything other than a term ending. During the first 21 months, the board must direct the county election superintendent to hold a special election. The election uses the earliest presidential preference primary, general primary, or November general election date occurring afterward in an even-numbered year. If the legally required time between the election call and that date is too short, the second-earliest date applies. The circuit’s chief judge appoints a qualified person until the elected replacement qualifies. During the last 27 months, the chief judge appoints a qualified person instead of holding a special election. Both elected replacements and late-term appointees serve the remaining term and stay until a successor is elected and qualified.