At the time and in the same manner as the Court of Appeals, circuit court and district court members are elected, an alternate member for each shall be elected. At the time and in the same manner as the Bar Association member is appointed an alternate member shall be appointed. The alternate member may participate in all meetings, hearings, and deliberations of the Commission, but shall be entitled to vote on a matter coming before the Commission only in the event the member disqualifies, is absent, is otherwise unable to vote or a vacancy exists.