If the position of a handler member becomes vacant due to failure to qualify, resignation, disqualification, death, or for any other reason, the position shall be filled by a qualified handler who is nominated by the handler members of the commission and appointed by the director. Handlers to be considered for appointment to fill any such vacancy shall, if possible, be handlers whose names are submitted for consideration by the remaining handler members of the district in which the vacancy occurs. Any nomination requires a plurality of votes cast by the handler members. The appointment to a vacated handler member position is for the unexpired term of office. Any vacancy of a handler member position occurring within six months prior to a regular district election may remain vacant until the next regular election.