Before the date of the regular election, the board shall appoint from the electors of the district one clerk and two judges who shall constitute the board of election. If the board fails to appoint a board of election, or if the members appointed do not attend at the opening of the mail ballots or the opening of the polls on the day of election, the electors of the district present at that hour may appoint the members of the election board or fill the place of an absent member. The board of directors, in its order or resolution appointing the members of the board of election, shall designate the time and place where the mail ballots will be opened or where the election will be held.