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Voters in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District will choose Democratic and Republican nominees on June 28, setting the field for the Sept. 9 special election to fill the seat left vacant by U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly’s death on May 21.

The district covers most of Fairfax County and all of Fairfax City. The special election was called by Virginia’s governor.

Both parties will select their endorsed candidates through firehouse primaries, also known as unassembled caucuses. Unlike state-run elections, these contests are funded and organized by the political parties, though voters can expect a familiar check-in and voting process. Valid identification should be presented.

Candidate filing closes June 18 for Democrats and June 21 for Republicans.

Democratic voting spans four days

The Democratic caucus will operate at 17 locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 28.

Early voting will be available at the Fairfax County Government Center from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 24, 25 and 26.

Manisha Singh, chair of the Democratic district committee, said organizers are working to make the process inclusive and accessible through a broad distribution of voting sites.

Republicans gather at Fairfax High School

The Republican canvass will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 28 at Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run in Fairfax.

Republicans will also offer voting from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 27 in Room 7 of the Fairfax Government Center as a religious accommodation for voters unable to participate on Saturday.

GOP voters are urged to preregister for the canvass by June 25.