Just days after Gov. Bob McDonnell called for a special Sept. 4 election to fill the soon-to-be empty 45th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, Democrats in Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax have laid the groundwork for a last-minute caucus to choose a nominee.

The 45th District includes Alexandria, parts of southern Arlington County including Fairlington, and a portion of the Huntington-Belle Haven area of Fairfax County. The seat is being vacated by Del. David Englin, who recently announced his resignation effective Aug. 31.

On Thursday evening, the nominating committee decided to offer two opportunities for registered voters to participate in the caucus.

• 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, 530 South St. Asaph St. in Alexandria
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 4 at Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 W. Reed Ave. in Alexandria

Craig Fifer, chairman of the 45th House District Nominating Committee, said he would have prefered to include caucus locations in Fairfax and Arlington counties, but time constraints and space limitations have restricted options.

According to state election laws, the Democratic party must declare a candidate by 5 p.m. Aug. 6. To be included in the Democratic caucus, candidates must fill out paperwork and submit a $500 filing fee to Fifer by 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Democrats Karen Gautney and Rob Krupicka are both running for the nomination.

Many Democrats have expressed frustration at McDonnell's decision to call for the special election outside of November's general election. Fifer said holding this election concurrently with the general election on Nov. 6 would have saved the jurisdictions roughly $50,000.

"He's also screwing the Republicans because they have just as much time to scramble," Fifer said.

No Republican candidates have emerged, to date.