(Oklahoma City) – Candidate filing for State Representative, Districts 73 and 85, Special Elections will begin today and extends through Wednesday May 6, Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said. District 73 includes portions of Osage and Tulsa Counties. District 85 is in Oklahoma County.

Filing will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on each day of filing at the State Election Board’s office, Room B-6 in the basement of the State Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City.

The elections will fill the unexpired terms of former State Rep. Kevin Matthews, who resigned after winning a seat in the State Senate, and former State Rep. David Dank, who died earlier this month.

OK House District 73

Special Primary Elections will be held July 14 for both seats, with Special General Elections on Sep. 8. If a Special Primary is not needed in one or both of the districts, the Special General Election for the seat or seats will be held July 14.

The filing fee for State House candidates is $200 and must be submitted either by cashier’s check or certified check made payable to the Secretary of the State Election Board. In lieu of a fee, a petition supporting the candidacy may be submitted. Petitions must be signed by 4 percent of the registered voters eligible to vote for the candidate in the first election the candidate’s name could appear on the ballot.

To download a candidate filing packet or get other information about candidate qualifications, visit the State Election Board’s website: http://elections.ok.gov.