SDCL § 9-13-14.1: Filling of vacancy--Governing body--Appointment or special election.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, if a vacancy exists on a municipal governing body, the remaining members must appoint a replacement to serve until the next regular municipal election. The governing body may call a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term, as provided in § 9-13-14.2.

In the aldermanic form of municipal government, the replacement must be an individual from the same ward of the municipality.