Each member, except the ex officio members, shall have an alternate member selected by the member, subject to approval by the commission. An alternate shall, in the absence of the member for whom he or she is an alternate, serve in place of the member and shall have and be able to exercise all the rights, privileges, and powers of the member when serving on the commission. In the event of a change in status making a member ineligible to serve, or due to death, removal, resignation, or disqualification, of a member, the alternate shall act as a member of the commission until a qualified successor is elected or appointed.