§ 10.02. Filling of mayor and council vacancies.

Any vacancy in the office of mayor or the membership of the council from whatever cause which shall occur on or before 180 days prior to the next ensuing regular council election shall be filled by a special popular election for the unexpired term. In the event of such vacancy, the council shall by resolution certify that such vacancy exists to the circuit court of the City of Alexandria or the judge thereof in vacation, and said court or judge thereof in vacation shall order a special election to be held not less than 40 nor more than 60 days after the filing of the resolution to fill such vacancy for the unexpired term. Candidates shall file the declaration of the candidacy and petitions required by general law not less than 30 days before said election. The election shall be conducted and the results thereof ascertained in the manner provided by law for the conduct of general elections and by the regular election officials of the city. Should a vacancy in the office of mayor occur within 180 days of the next ensuing regular council election, the vice-mayor shall serve as mayor for the unexpired term unless he declines, in which case, the council shall forthwith fill such vacancy for the unexpired term by majority vote of all the remaining members of council. Vacancies in the council occurring within 180 days of the next ensuing regular council election shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the chief judge of the circuit court of the City of Alexandria. (Acts 1964, ch. 288; Acts 1971, Ex. Sess., ch. 166, § 1; Acts 1983, ch. 314, § 1)