Update: To be a little more specific about the law, thanks to some commentary from one of our loyal readers: "Upon the occurrence of a vacancy in any elective office which cannot be filled by appointment for a period extending to or beyond the next general election at which a person may be elected thereto, the governor may in his or her discretion make proclamation of a special election to fill such office, specifying the district or county in which the election is to be held, and the day thereof, which shall be not less than seventy nor more than eighty days from the date of the proclamation ." (This doesn't mean the governor can delay the special indefinitely, according to this case.)