If any commissioner or clerk of election is unable, or fails or neglects to attend or serve at the polling-place designated at the hour fixed for opening, or within one hour thereafter, the commissioners present shall appoint or in the absence of all commissioners, the voters present shall elect the necessary number of commissioners and clerks, who shall have the same powers, compensation, and duties, as other commissioners and clerks and shall serve in the place and stead of the absentee or delinquent appointees.