§17-1 United States senator. When a vacancy occurs in the office of United States senator the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term at the following state general election, provided that the vacancy occurs not later than 4:30 p.m. on the sixtieth day prior to the primary for nominating candidates to be voted for at the election; otherwise at the state general election next following. The chief election officer shall issue a proclamation designating the election for filling vacancy. Pending the election the governor shall make a temporary appointment to fill the vacancy and the person so appointed shall serve until the election and qualification of the person duly elected to fill the vacancy and shall be a registered member of the same political party as the senator causing the vacancy. All candidates for the unexpired term shall be nominated and elected in accordance with this title. [L 1970, c 26, pt of §2; am L 1973, c 217, §7(a)]