A special election is possible to replace Rep. Louise Slaughter, who died Friday after suffering a concussion last week. New York state law gives Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo discretion over when to call such an election.

There is no set amount of time by which a governor has to announce a special election after the vacancy occurs. But once the governor does so, the election date must be between 70 and 80 days after the proclamation.

However, a spokesman for the New York State Board of Elections said it is possible the seat could be filled at the general election in November. Under state law, a vacancy that occurs after July 1 is filled through the general election. So if the governor does not announce a special election before July, the seat would only be filled in November.

The filing deadline for the regular general election is April 12, with the primary on June 26.

Remembering a Life: Louise M. Slaughter