Clause 3. Vacancy in Office. In case of death, resignation, removal or any cause that a Tribal Council Representative becomes unable or unfit to perform the duties to the end of his/her current term of office, he/she shall be replaced as follows within fifteen (15) days.
- Replacement. If more than twelve (12) months remain in the vacant term of office from the date of vacancy, the replacement shall be on an interim basis until the Board of Elections can hold a special election. If twelve (12) months or less remains in the vacant term of office from the date of vacancy, the interim replacement shall finish out the vacant term. Whosoever completes the vacated term shall be deemed to have served a full term of office.
- Order of Succession. The order of succession for interim replacement shall be as follows, unless the individual is unable to meet eligibility requirements for Tribal Council Representative as prescribed by this Constitution and the Board of Elections, or is unwilling to serve:
- Tribal Council candidate from the most recent election receiving the next highest number of votes of the Township where the vacancy exists;
- shall remain vacant with voting privileges assigned to the second Township representative in Council until the seat is filled.
(January 2022 draft + commentary to view the corresponding explanation.)