RALEIGH, N.C. – Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina on Thursday has set election dates for the state’s 3rd Congressional District, the seat held by former Rep. Walter Jones, who passed away in February.

According to officails, Gov. Cooper issued a writ of election and proclamation directing that a special general election to elect a representative to serve out the remainder of the current two-year term for the Third Congressional District be held on July 9, 2019.

“People in eastern North Carolina need a voice in Congress,” Gov. Cooper said. “We’re moving ahead so they can choose their new representative quickly.”

Former Rep. Walter Jones served eastern North Carolina and the Outer Banks in Congress from 1995 to 2019.

Below are more specified details sent out by North Carolina officials:

Candidates seeking to fill the seat should file notices of candidacy with the State Board of Elections between March 4 and March 8, 2019. To nominate candidates, a special primary election will be held on April 30, 2019. Absentee voting for the special primary election will begin on March 15, 2019.

The special general election would take place July 9, 2019, unless a primary runoff is required. If a primary runoff occurs on July 9, the special general election would then be held on September 10, 2019.

Absentee voting for the July 9 election will begin on May 24, 2019. If the September 10 election date is needed, absentee voting will start on July 26, 2019.

Federal and state laws require the governor to schedule election dates to fill the vacant seat in the Third Congressional District. The State Board of Elections is responsible for scheduling a new election in North Carolina’s Ninth Congressional District.

Related links:

“He served with conviction and compassion”: D.C. reacts to death of Rep. Walter Jones

North Carolina honors Rep. Walter Jones, orders flags to half-staff

North Carolina Congressman Walter Jones dies after entering hospice care

North Carolina Congressman who represents the Outer Banks is in hospice care