§ 8-602. Special election to fill vacancy

   (a) Appointed successor. --

   (1) If there is a vacancy in the office of United States Senator, the Governor shall appoint an eligible individual to fill the vacancy.

   (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the appointed individual shall serve until a successor is elected pursuant to subsection (b) of this section to fill the remainder of the term.

   (3) The appointed individual shall serve for the remainder of the term if the vacancy occurs after the date that is 21 days before the deadline for filing certificates of candidacy for the election that is held in the fourth year of the term.

(b) Special election. -- If the vacancy occurs before the date that is 21 days before the deadline for filing certificates of candidacy for the next succeeding regular statewide election, the Governor shall issue a proclamation immediately after the occurrence of the vacancy declaring that a special primary election and a special general election shall be held at the same time as the next regular statewide primary election and regular statewide general election.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 33, § 8-602; 2002, ch. 291, § 2, 4.