When a House seat becomes vacant — whether through death, resignation, or expulsion — the governor of the affected state may call a special election to fill it for the remainder of the term. Governors have broad discretion in timing. Under federal law (2 U.S.C. § 8), the governor must issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy, but there is no fixed deadline for doing so. Some governors delay calling special elections to reduce the cost or to maintain a partisan advantage. Seats can remain vacant for months or even more than a year if a governor chooses not to act or if the vacancy occurs close to the end of a term. Vacant seats cannot vote on legislation, which can affect narrow congressional margins.