If a vacancy occurs in the office of President of Council or member of Council at any time prior to the ninetieth day before any general election to occur when the unexpired term of such office is more than two years, an election to fill such vacancy shall be held at such general election. Candidates to fill such vacancy shall be nominated by petition in the manner provided by general law. The candidate receiving the largest number of votes at such election shall assume the office on the first day of January next following the election, and shall serve for the balance of the unexpired term. Within thirty days after any such vacancy occurs, Council shall by majority vote of the members who will remain after the vacancy occurs to appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy on a temporary basis until a successor is elected and qualified.
If a vacancy occurs in the office of the President of Council or member of Council at any time after the date specified in the preceding paragraph, the vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by appointment of a qualified person by majority vote of the remaining members of Council within thirty days after the vacancy occurs.
In the event the Council fails to fill any vacancy within thirty days, as provided in this section, the Mayor shall make such appointment.
(Amended by voters 11-3-81; 11-2-21.)