Except for nonvoting members, alternates for regular members may be elected in the same manner as members. An alternate shall, in the absence of the member for whom he or she is substituting, serve in place of a member and shall have and be able to exercise all the rights, privileges, and powers of a member when serving on the commission. In the event of a change in status making a member ineligible to serve, or due to death, removal, resignation, or disqualification of a member, an alternate shall act as a member of the commission until a qualified successor is elected or appointed.