11-14-12 —     The special election to fill the vacant legislative seat in the 16th  Senate District has been set for Tuesday, December 18, according to  an announcement made last week by Governor Steve Beshear.

    The vacancy occurred when Senate President David Williams, of  Burkesville, resigned upon his appointment as circuit judge. Williams  was appointed by Beshear to fill the vacant seat of the late Circuit  Judge Eddie Lovelace.

    The district includes: Clinton, Cumbelrand, McCreary, Monroe, Wayne  and Whitley counties.

    Kentucky law directs that the governor must issue the writ for a  special election for a member of the General Assembly, if the vacancy  occurs when the legislature is not in session.

    "Holding the special election in December means the citizens of  these six southern counties will have representation in the next  session of the General Assembly," stated Beshear. "This session will  review multiple issues important to our state and it is critical that  all Kentuckians have a voice in the Senate."

    The next session of the General Assembly is scheduled to begin  

January 8, 2013.

    Because voting machines must remain locked for 30 days after the  

November 6 general election, December 18 is one of the first  

available dates for the special election.

    The filing deadline for candidates in the special election is  

Tuesday, November 20. Counties included in the district will hold  

caucuses prior to that date and select a party nominee for the office.

    The winner will take office immediately upon certification of the  

election results and the administration of the oath of office.