An alternate member to each member of the commission, except the ex officio members, shall be elected in the same manner and for the same term as the member. Except as provided in Section 77937, an alternate member shall, in the absence of the member for whom he or she is an alternate, 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.