Alexandria (Map, News) - An Alexandria Circuit Court judge’s signature makes it official: The special election to replace the recently resigned vice mayor will be July 17.

The short campaign has thrust city political parties and candidates into quick action. Before the July election, both parties will hold caucuses, or miniature primaries, to select their candidates. Republicans will vote next week, nine days ahead of the Democrats. The Alexandria Democratic Committee is accepting candidate applications through the same day, May 29.

Bill Cleveland, Lisa Miller and Pat Troy have announced their intention to run for the Republican nod, committee Chairman Chris Marston said.

Cleveland is a former member of the council. Miller campaigned for former U.S. Senator George Allen in the last election, Marston said. Troy owns a popular Irish pub in Old Town.

Only Cleveland has submitted a statement of organization, said Alexandria Registrar Tom Parkins. He added that Troy already has one on file from a previous campaign.

Democrats Mark Feldheim, Jim Lay, Boyd Walker and Justin Wilson have filed the statements, Parkins said. Lenny Harris is also running, Alexandria Democratic Committee Chair Susan Kellom said.

Wilson, chairman of the DASH bus transit board, was the first candidate to announce he would run, the same day Macdonald’s resignation was announced.

Walker was Macdonald’s campaign manager and received his endorsement. Lay is a former city prosecutor. Feldheim was president of the Old Town Civic Association for 10 years.

Both parties’ caucuses will be held at Minnie Howard School, 3801 W. Braddock Road. Voting will take place in the cafeteria.

Alexandria Republicans can vote from 7 to 9 p.m. May 29.

Alexandria Democrats can vote from noon to 10 p.m. June 9. Early voting will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. June 7 at the committee office, 618 N. Washington St.

mhegstad@dcexaminer.com