SECTION 3.04. VACANCY, FILLING OF.

   1.   Any vacancy in the office of a Councilperson who was elected or appointed as a candidate of a political party shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term:

   a.   By a majority vote of those members of the County Central Committee representing precincts or wards of the City, who are of the same political party of which the member of Council whose office has become vacant was a candidate;

   b.   If such vacancy is not so filled within thirty (30) days after it occurred, it shall be filled by a vote of four (4) members of Council by appointment of a person of the same political party of which the member of Council whose office has become vacant was a candidate;

   c.   If such vacancy is not so filled by Council within thirty (30) days, it shall be filled by the Mayor by appointment of a person of the same political party of which the member of Council whose office has become vacant was a candidate. The Mayor shall make the appointment within thirty (30) days after the expiration of the time for Council to make the appointment.

   2.   Any vacancy in the office of Councilperson who was elected or appointed as an independent shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by appointment of a person who is registered to vote without a political party affiliation.

   a.   By a vote of four (4) members of Council;

   b.   If such vacancy is not filled within thirty (30) days after it occurred, it shall be filled by appointment by the Mayor.

   The qualifications of a person appointed to fill a vacancy shall be the same as the qualifications required for election to the full term of the office, except that the required periods of residency shall be fulfilled as of the date of appointment. (Amended November 7, 2023)