Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has scheduled a special election to fill a seat in the state House left vacant by former Republican Rep. Barry Mask.
A special primary election for the District 31 seat is scheduled for Dec. 3. The special general election is scheduled for Jan. 28.
If a candidate doesn't receive a majority of votes in the special primary, a special primary runoff will be held Jan. 28, 2014 and the special general election will be held March 25.
Mask's resignation from the position became effective Monday. The district covers parts of Coosa and Elmore counties.
Bentley says the timeline is designed to fill the vacant seat as soon as possible while giving voters time to learn about the candidates.
Major party candidates must qualify by Oct. 10.