Where a nomination petition has been duly filed under this subchapter, and thereafter, but prior to the printing of the official ballots, the candidate named in the petition dies, the original signers of the petition or a majority of them may sign another petition proposing a new candidate for such office at any time prior to the printing of the ballots. Such petition shall have the same force and effect as the original petition, and the name of the candidate so nominated shall be substituted for that of the deceased candidate.