Directors - election

(1) The board of directors consists of three landowners of the district who are qualified to vote at district elections pursuant to section 37-42-112 (2), including authorized agents, and who reside within the district. Directors hold their respective offices for the period of three years and until their successors are elected and qualified. They shall be elected by ballot upon public nominations made at the meeting at which they are elected, and each ballot must contain the name of the person for whom it is cast, the name of the voter or, if by proxy, the name of both landowner and proxy, and the number of votes cast. Each landowner may cast as many votes as he or she has acres of land within the district for each of three persons voted for. (2) At the first election to choose the first board of directors, the person having the highest number of votes shall continue in office for the full term of three years; the next highest two years; the next highest one year; but, if two or more persons have the same number of votes, their terms shall be determined by lot, under the direction of the county judge of the county wherein the organization of said district has been effected; and the person receiving the highest number of votes for any office to be filled at any such election is elected thereto. In case a vacancy occurs in the membership of the board of directors by death, resignation, or otherwise, the remaining members shall select a successor to serve out the unexpired term. If vacancies occur in the membership of all the places upon the board or if the board fails, neglects, or refuses at any regular meeting to fill a vacancy existing at such time, the board of county commissioners of the county wherein is situated the office of such district may fill such vacancies for the unexpired terms from the landowners of such district.