District conventions of certain political parties; nomination of independents by petition

(a) Whenever a vacancy has occurred to which this act applies, except in cases where K.S.A. 25-3503(b) or (c), and amendments thereto, applies, a congressional district convention of the district party of each political party that has obtained official recognition shall be called by the state chairperson of the party, or if there is no state chairperson, by the party's candidate for governor at the next preceding general election. The convention shall be called for a date not less than 15 days and not more than 25 days after the proclamation of election is issued by the governor in the cases to which K.S.A. 25-3503, and amendments thereto, does not apply, and within 15 days in cases to which K.S.A. 25-3503(a) or (b), and amendments thereto, apply. In accordance with the rules of the district party and the provisions of this act, each convention shall nominate a candidate to fill the vacancy which has occurred and shall file a certificate of the nomination with the secretary of state immediately. Every certificate shall be signed by the presiding officer and secretary of the convention making the nomination. Independent candidates may be nominated by petition of not less than 3,000 qualified electors of the congressional district. Such petitions may not be circulated for signatures prior to the governor proclaiming the date of the election. Any such petition shall be filed with the secretary of state not later than 25 days after the proclamation of election is issued by the governor. Except as is provided in K.S.A. 25-3503(b) or (c), and amendments thereto, no candidate shall be nominated to fill such vacancy by any means other than provided by this section. (b) The amendments made by this act to this section shall be effective on and after January 1, 2017.