When the circuit clerk is a candidate for any office and has opposition, he or she shall be disqualified from performing any of the duties imposed by this chapter with reference to the handling of absentee ballots. At least 55 days prior to the election, the circuit clerk shall certify to the appointing board of the county his or her candidacy with opposition and that he or she is disqualified to serve or otherwise prevented from serving. The appointing board shall thereupon appoint a person to serve as absentee election manager in the manner provided for in Section 17-11-2.