19-203a. Vacancy in office of commissioner; vacancies created by increase in number of districts; governor; election options. (a) The governor, within five days of the board of county commissioners adopting a resolution dividing the county into the number of districts approved by voters following the election expanding the size of the board of county commissioners as provided in K.S.A. 19-204(c), and amendments thereto, in consultation with the board of county commissioners, shall either: (1) Declare the election to be held at the next regularly scheduled general election; or (2) declare the date of the special election required under K.S.A. 19-203(c), and amendments thereto.

If the decision is to call a special election, the vacancy election shall be on a day not less than 75 days nor more than 90 days from the date of the board of county commissioners adopting such resolution.

(b) The county chairperson of each political party that has obtained official recognition shall call a convention for a date not less than 15 days and not more than 25 days after the governor's declaration. Such party shall nominate a candidate to fill the vacancies that have occurred due to the expansion of the size of the board of county commissioners.

(c) Independent candidates may be nominated by petition of not less than 5% of the qualified electors within the county commission district. Any such petition shall be filed with the county election officer within 25 days of the governor's declaration.

History: L. 2017, ch. 36, § 2; July 1.