1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 97-1009 GOVUpdated January 22, 2003House and Senate Vacancies: How Are They Filled?Sula P. Richardson and Thomas H. NealeAnalysts in American National GovernmentGovernment and Finance
2、DivisionSummaryVacancies in Congress occur due to the death, resignation, or declination (refusalto serve) of a Senator or Representative, or as the result of expulsion or exclusion byeither house. The Constitution requires that vacancies in both houses be filled by specialelection, but in the case
3、of the Senate, it empowers state legislatures to provide fortemporary appointments by the state governor until special elections can be scheduled.In practice, most Senate vacancies are filled by such appointments in the interim,while all House vacancies are filled by special elections. If, however,
4、a House vacancyoccurs late in the life of a Congress, many states will leave the seat empty until generalelection day, when a special election for the balance of the term and a regular electionfor the forthcoming Congress are held simultaneously.Nominations for Senate special elections are usually b
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