§ 22. Council terms of office.

(1)

The next election of councilmen under this charter shall be held on the third Tuesday in June 1949. Thereafter beginning in 1951 the regular election for the choice of members of the council shall be held on the second Tuesday in April of each alternate year.

(2)

Run-off elections shall be held if necessary.

(3)

The term of office of the councilmen receiving the first and second highest number of votes shall be four (4) years and the term of office of the councilman receiving the third highest number of votes shall be two (2) years. No person shall hold office as councilman for longer than a maximum of eight (8) consecutive years.

(4)

If a vacancy occurs on the council a majority of the remaining members shall appoint a qualified person to serve until the next regular election. If the vacancy shall occur as to a councilman whose term does not expire at the next general election, then at such next general election, the person receiving the fourth highest number of votes shall be deemed elected to serve the unexpired term.

(5)

Elections shall be conducted by secret ballot and under rules to be fixed by ordinance not inconsistent herewith.

(6)

The council may by ordinance require the use of voting machines at elections held hereunder.

(Res. No. 599, Charter Amend. No. 1, 1-6-76)

State law reference

Electors and elections, F.S. Ch. 97 et seq.