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 or her position due to a change in status making that member ineligible to serve, or due to death, removal or resignation, shall be filled, for the unexpired portion of the term, by a majority vote of the commission. However, the person chosen shall fulfill all the qualifications set forth in this article as required for the member whose office he or she 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 the person is not qualified.