(a) If any election official is absent at the time fixed for the opening of the polls, the election judge shall immediately notify the county board of election commissioners of the vacancy.
(b) If the county board of election commissioners does not timely appoint a new election official, and fewer than three (3) election officials are present at the opening of the polls, the election judge present shall appoint one (1) or more qualified persons to act as an election official until the county board of election commissioners appoints a new election official.
(c)
(1) Except as provided in subdivision (c)(2) of this section, upon notification of the absent election official, at least one (1) member of the county board of election commissioners shall respond to the polling site and assist with the election until the new election official is appointed.
(2) If all three (3) of the members of the county board of election commissioners are assisting at other polling sites and the election judge does not timely appoint a qualified person, the other election officials present at the polling site shall appoint a qualified person to act as an election official until the county board of election commissioners appoints a new election official.