Cal. Water Code § 41553

If, by the ninth day prior to the special election, only one person has been nominated as provided in Section 41555, or no one has been nominated for the office, the board may order that an election not be held, following the same appointment procedures provided in Section 41307. If an election is to be held, unless otherwise in this division expressly specified, the election shall be held and the result determined and declared as nearly as may be in accordance with the provisions of this division relating to general elections.