(a) Selection. A majority of the circuit judges of the Circuit Court of Cook County shall select by secret ballot one of their number to serve as Chief Judge for a three (3) year term commencing the First Monday in December, 1975, and shall select a Chief Judge in the same manner every three (3) years thereafter. If a vacancy in the office of Chief Judge should occur prior to the expiration of the three year term, the selection of a successor Chief Judge shall be in accordance with 0.2 (c) and a new election shall be held every three (3) years thereafter.

(b) Acting Chief Judge. In the absence of the Chief Judge, the Chief Judge may select one of the circuit judges to act as Chief Judge.

(c) Vacancy. Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of the Chief Judge, a majority of the circuit judges shall select a circuit judge for a new three year term to commence upon the date the successor Chief Judge is selected by a majority of the circuit judges or upon the effective date of the vacancy whichever occurs later. The new term shall expire on the First Monday of December following the third anniversary of the commencement date of said term.

[Amended July 30, 2001, effective July 30, 2001.]