The state Office of Elections will hold a vote-by-mail special election on May 22 to fill the seat of former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie.

Chief Election Officer Scott Nago yesterday issued the official proclamation.

Nago said all registered voters in the 1st Congressional District will receive a ballot by early May. Completed ballots must be returned by 6 p.m. on May 22.

The district covers the area from Hawai'i Kai to Mililani, Waipahu and 'Ewa Beach.

Candidates can file papers to run beginning today. The deadline for candidacy documents is March 17.

Expected to vie for the seat are Republican Honolulu Councilman Charles Djou and Democrats Colleen Hanabusa, president of the state Senate, and Ed Case, a former U.S. representative.

Democrat Abercrombie resigned on Sunday to run for governor.