In the general municipal election in November, 1985, the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall serve for a term beginning January 1, 1986, to December 31, 1989. The successors of the three members elected for the term ending December 31, 1989, shall be elected in the general election in November, 1989, and every fourth year thereafter.
In the general municipal election in November, 1987, three members of Council and the Mayor shall be elected at-large to take office commencing January, 1988. The mayoral candidates in the general election shall be determined by a primary election in May, 1987, and every fourth year thereafter, with the two receiving the highest number of votes being qualified to be a candidate for Mayor in the general election.
The Mayor shall be elected by separate ballot from the municipality at-large for a term of four years. The successors of the three Councilmembers elected for the term ending December 31, 1991, shall be elected in the general election of November, 1991, and every fourth year thereafter. The successor to the Mayor shall be determined by the qualified candidate receiving the highest number of votes in the general election of November, 1991, and every fourth year thereafter.
Should a vacancy in the Council occur between elections and the time of taking office, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes not elected as determined by the Board of Elections shall be appointed by the newly elected Council. If no surplus candidates are available by election process, Council shall appoint an elector from the City of Vandalia.
Any Council seat that becomes vacant during the regular term of office for any reason, except by succession to position of Mayor, shall be filled by the majority vote of the remaining members of Council. If Council should fail to fill such vacancy within thirty days, the same shall be filled by appointment by the Mayor. Should any Council seat become vacant because a Councilmember whose term has not expired has been elected Mayor, then such vacancy in Council shall be filled by the candidate receiving the highest number of votes not elected as determined by the Board of Elections.
(Amended 11-6-84; 5-7-85)