Except as expressly provided in this article, if a person:

1. (1) is authorized to fill a vacancy in office or to determine which incumbent continues to hold an office under IC 3-13-9-5.6 or IC 3-13-10-6.5 ; and

2. (2) fails to fill the vacancy or determine which incumbent continues to hold office before the deadline prescribed by statute;

   the person retains the authority to fill the vacancy or to determine which incumbent continues to hold office.

As added by P.L.3-1997, SEC.397.