Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday announced the schedule for the special election to fill the seat for House District 31.

District 31 was held by Representative Barry Mask, whose resignation went into effect Sept. 30. Mask was named CEO of the Alabama Association of Realtors earlier this year.

Here is the timetable for the special election:

• A Special Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

• If necessary because of one candidate not receiving a majority of the votes in the Special Primary Election, a Special Primary Runoff Election will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2014.

• If a Special Primary Runoff Election is not necessary because one candidate receives a majority of the votes in the Special Primary Election, the Special General Election will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2014.

• If a Special Primary Runoff Election is required, the Special General Election will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2014.

The governor said this calendar will allow candidates enough time to qualify and a new representative to be elected as quickly as possible.

“It allows voters time to learn about the candidates, and it allows time for those who are unable to vote in-person to arrange to vote by absentee ballot,” Bentley said.

Mike Holmes, former chairman of the Elmore County GOP, has already announced his candidacy for the seat. More candidates are expected to announced ahead of the Oct. 10 qualifying deadline.

The two major parties must certify their candidates to the Secretary of State no later than 4:00 p.m. on October 11, 2013.

All third party candidates are required to have their paperwork with the Secretary of State by December 3, 2013.

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