7.13—Vacancies.
(a)
In case of a vacancy in the office of chairperson of county or community committee, the respective vice chairperson shall become chairperson; in case of a vacancy in the office of vice chairperson, the respective third member shall become vice chairperson; in case of a vacancy in the office of the third member, the respective first alternate shall become the third member; and in case of a vacancy in the office of the first alternate, the respective second alternate shall become the first alternate. When unanimously recommended by the three members of the county committee, as constituted under this paragraph and paragraph (c) of this section, and approved by the State committee, the offices of chairperson and vice chairperson of the county committee may be filled from such membership without regard to the order of succession prescribed in this paragraph or the action of the delegates to the county convention.
(b)
In case of a vacancy in the panel of delegates to the local administrative area or county convention, the respective community committee alternates shall act as delegates.
(c)
In the event that a vacancy, other than one caused by temporary absence, occurs in the membership of the county committee and no alternate is available to fill the vacancy, the State committee shall call a meeting of the delegates of the appropriate community committees to elect persons to fill such vacancies as exist in the membership of the county committee and in the panel of alternates, except as provided in § 7.28 of this part.
(d)
In the event that a vacancy, other than one caused by temporary absence, occurs in the membership of the community committee and no alternate is available to fill the vacany, a special election shall be held to fill such vacancies as exist in the membership and in the panel of alternates.