Each member of the commission, except the ex officio members, has an alternate member, who is elected in the same manner as the member. An alternate member, in the absence of the member for whom he or she is alternate, serves in place of the member on the commission, and has, and exercises, 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 elected and has qualified as provided in Section 68055.