Sec. 15. (a) This section does not apply to a candidate for a school board office or an at-large office of a county council, city common council, town council, or township board, if those offices appear on a ballot.
(b) This section applies to a vote cast for one (1) straight party ticket that includes a candidate for election to office who:
(1) ceases to be a candidate; and
(2) is succeeded by a candidate selected under IC 3-13-1 or IC 3-13-2.
(c) A vote cast in the election for the original nominee is considered a vote cast for the successor.