(a) A certificate of designation may not be filed later than 10 days before the day of the general election.
(b) If the name of a nominee who has died, declined the nomination, or been disqualified appears on the ballot and receives a number of votes that would have been sufficient for election if the nominee had not died, declined, or been disqualified for the nomination, the vacancy thereby created shall be:
(1) deemed to have occurred after the day of the general election; and
(2) filled in accordance with this article or other provisions of law.