Okla. Stat. tit. 51, § 51-3.1: Failure to qualify - Filling vacancy - Temporary

appointment in case of military service.

When any person elected to a public office has died or failed to

qualify and enter upon the duties of such office for any reason or

cause at the time and in the manner provided by law, and for six (6)

months or more thereafter has not qualified and entered upon the

duties of said office, such public office shall be deemed vacant and

shall be filled by the officer or board authorized to fill such

vacancy, provided, however, that any appointment made under the

provisions of this section to fill an office of any person who has

failed to qualify on account of military service shall be only for

the period of enforced absence of said person, or until said person

qualifies for said office. The person holding over in such office

shall surrender the same to the person so appointed upon his

qualifying for said office as provided by law. The provisions of

this act shall be retroactive as well as prospective in its

operation.