While voting twice is usually not condoned, officials are reminding those headed to the polls for early voting to do just that in the District 55 state representative race.

This double dipping is legal because of a special election to fill the District 55 seat left vacant when state Rep. Dianne White Delisi resigned in July that will be held at the same time and place as the general election.

And if that’s not confusing enough, then consider this: Both elections will be on the same ballot.

The special election will be on the top. The general election, which will include everything from U.S. president to county commissioners, will appear below.

After voting in the special election, voters can still vote what’s called a straight ticket - filling in only one blank to vote for all candidates of a single party.

Democrat Sam Murphey, Republican Ralph Sheffield and Danny Daniel, who has no party affiliation, will be on the ballot in the special election for the District 55 slot.

The names of Murphey, Sheffield and Libertarian Chris Lane will appear on the same ballot in the general election District 55 race.

The winner of the special election will hold office about two months, from early November through mid-January. Barring a special session, the Legislature will not convene until Jan. 13, 2009.