In all such actions brought to determine the right to an office in the circuit courts, if the defendant moves to dismiss the complaint under s. 802.06 (2) the issue raised by the motion shall have preference upon the calendar and be tried before the other issues thereon. If the motion is sustained the plaintiff or relator may amend the complaint within 24 hours. If the motion is overruled the defendant shall serve an answer to the complaint within 24 hours unless, upon cause shown, further time therefor is granted to either party by the court. The issue as finally made shall be tried. No continuance of any such cause may be granted upon the defendant’s application unless the defendant shows the absence of a witness or other testimony and the facts which the defendant expects to prove by the witness or other testimony and they are deemed material by the court. The plaintiff or relator may traverse or offer counterevidence to the facts set forth in the application for a continuance.