An alternate member to each member of the commission, except the ex officio members, shall be elected or appointed in the same manner and for the same term as the member. An alternate member, in the absence of the member for whom he or she is an alternate, shall serve in place of the member and shall exercise all of the rights, privileges, and powers of the member when serving on the commission. In addition, if a member and his or her alternate are absent, any other alternate from the same district may serve in place of the member, and shall exercise all of the rights, privileges, and powers of the member when serving on the commission. If the status of a member changes, thereby making the member ineligible to serve, or in the event of the death, removal, resignation, or disqualification of a member, the alternate member shall act as a member of the commission until a qualified successor is elected or appointed.