§ 11-10-05 — When terms of county officers commence - When officers qualify

Except as otherwise specifically provided by the laws of this state, the regular term of office
of each county officer, when the officer is elected for a full term, shall commence on the first of
January next succeeding the officer's election and each such officer shall qualify and enter upon
the discharge of the officer's duties on the first of January next succeeding the date of the
officer's election. If the office to which an officer is elected was vacant at the time of the officer's
election or becomes vacant prior to the date fixed for the commencement of the officer's term,
the officer may qualify and enter upon the duties of the office forthwith even though the officer
was not elected to fill such vacancy. If an officer is elected to fill an unexpired term in an office
then held by an appointee, such officer may qualify and enter upon the discharge of the duties
of such office at any time after receiving a certificate of election to that office but not later than
the first Monday in January next succeeding the date of the officer's election to the unexpired
term of office.