How are vacant seats handled?

If a seat becomes vacant for any reason, such as resignation or death of the office holder, a vacancy is declared and filled by a special election depending on timing and the office in question:

Mayor – The Deputy Mayor (an appointed position) becomes acting Mayor until such time as a special election may be held. This election must take place between 120 and 130 days from the time that a vacancy is declared. The exception is if there is already a municipal election scheduled within 160 days of the vacancy.

Auditor, County Clerk and City Council Member-at-Large – A vacancy will be filled by a special election under the same time frame as the mayor. But these positions will remain vacant until such an election.

City Council District Member – A vacancy will be filled by special election within the district in question between 30 and 60 days after the vacancy is declared, unless there is already a municipal election scheduled within 90 days of the vacancy.