(1) If a vacancy occurs in any elective office less than one hundred sixty (160) days before the primary or at any time before the time prescribed in KRS 118.365 for filing petitions of nomination, independent, or political organization, or political group candidates may file their petitions at the time and place provided in KRS 118.365, subject to the restrictions concerning party registration and candidacy provided in KRS 118.315(1).
(2) If a vacancy occurs in any elective office after the time prescribed in KRS 118.365 for filing petitions of nomination, but not less than three (3) months before the regular election, independent, or political organization, or political group candidates may file their petitions not later than the second Tuesday in August preceding the regular election for the office sought, subject to the restrictions concerning party registration and candidacy provided in KRS 118.315(1).
(3) A judge who elected to retire as a Senior Status Special Judge in accordance with KRS 21.580 shall not become a candidate or a nominee for any elected office during the five (5) year term prescribed in KRS 21.580(1)(a)1., regardless of the number of days served by the judge acting as a Senior Status Special Judge.