Any vacancy on the commission occurring by the failure of any person elected to the commission as a member or alternate member to continue in his position due to a change in status making him ineligible to serve, or due to death, removal, disqualification, or resignation, shall be filled, for the unexpired portion of the term, by a majority vote of the commission. However, the person shall fulfill all the qualifications set forth in this article as required for the member whose office he is to fill. Qualifications of any person to fill a vacancy on the commission shall be certified, in writing, to the director. The director shall notify the commission if he or she determines that any such person is not qualified.