(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), if a candidate's name is to be omitted from the ballot under this code because the candidate has died, the authority responsible for having the official ballot prepared shall omit the candidate's name from the ballot on receipt of reliable information of the death.
(b) If a deceased candidate's name has been certified by the secretary of state for placement on the ballot, the candidate's name may not be omitted from the ballot without authorization from the secretary of state.