Sec. 16. (a) This section applies when:
(1) a ballot is reprinted under IC 3-11-3-29.5(d) to omit the name of a former candidate; and
(2) the candidate vacancy is filled following the reprinting of the ballots.
(b) A vote cast on the ballot where the statement "NO CANDIDATE" or words indicating that there was a former candidate appears is considered a vote cast for the successor candidate.