Each member of the commission, except the ex officio members, shall have an alternate member, to be elected in the same manner as the member. An alternate member shall, in the absence of the member for whom he is alternate, serve in place of the member on the commission, and may exercise, all the rights, privileges, and powers of the member when serving on the commission. In the event of death, removal, resignation, or the disqualification of a member, the alternate shall act as a member on the commission until a successor is qualified and elected.