The special election to fill the seat of the late Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-Va.) will take place on Dec. 11, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) announced on Tuesday.

Voters in the 1st district, which takes in 18 counties and stretches from the Washington, D.C., exurbs all the way to Newport News, will vote on paper ballots because there is not enough time to program the state’s electronic voting machines.

Leading candidates for the seat in the Republican stronghold include Chuck Davis (R), the Congresswoman’s widower, state Del. Rob Wittman (R), former Del. Dick Black (R) and wealthy businessman Paul Jost.

Republicans are expected to hold their nominating convention on Nov. 10.

— John McArdle