The special general election will be April 4, if a special primary election is not necessary.

The special general election will be Sept. 12 if enough candidates file to require a special primary election first. The special primary election will be April 4, if necessary.

The filing period is Feb. 27 and 28 and March 1.

Oklahoma County voters likely will pick a new sheriff in September.

Gov. Mary Fallin on Friday ordered a special election to fill the vacancy created by Sheriff John Whetsel's retirement. The election dates are listed in her executive proclamation.

Whetsel, a Democrat, is retiring March 1 after 20 years as sheriff. Three Republicans, one Democrat and an independent already have announced plans to run for the position. The special general election will be in September, if they do file for office.

The three Republicans are Undersheriff P.D. Taylor, former state Rep. Mike Christian and former sheriff's supervisor Darrell Sorrels.

The Democrat is Virgil Green, a former police chief in Boley and later in Spencer.