Each member of the commission, except the ex officio members, shall have an alternate member elected in the same manner as the member.
An alternate member, in the absence of the member for whom he or she is alternate, shall serve in place of the member on the commission and shall have all the rights, privileges, and powers of the member when serving on the commission.
In the event of death, removal, resignation, or disqualification of a member, the alternate shall act as a member on the commission until a qualified successor is elected.