SALISBURY — Today, Republicans from three counties are scheduled to gather in Mocksville to select the next state senator to represent the 34th District.

Republicans with a vote include those who sit on the executive committees of the Republican parties in Rowan, Davie and Iredell counties and also live in the 34th District.

So far, there are two candidates from Rowan County who have expressed interest in the vacant seat — attorney Bill Graham and Chad Mitchell, a teacher and former county commissioner. Davie County Commissioner and attorney Dan Barrett said he is also interested in the seat.

Today’s meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Davie County Courthouse, 140 S. Main St. in Mocksville.

Republicans will select someone to finish the remainder of former Sen. Andrew Brock’s term, which expires at the end of 2018.

Brock resigned in June to take a seat on the state Board of Review, which makes decisions on unemployment benefits appeals. Brock had served for more than 14 years in the N.C. Senate.

At today’s meeting, votes will be conducted by secret ballot and weighted by the number of voters in Rowan, Davie and Iredell counties. Rowan County’s portion of the 34th District includes a larger number of voters than either Davie County or Iredell County’s portion of the district. As such, Rowan will have the largest say in who fills Brock’s spot.

In fact, a breakdown provided to the Salisbury Post shows that Rowan County will have more votes than Davie and Iredell counties combined.

Any person who is qualified to serve as the 34th District’s senator can appear at today’s meeting and be nominated. Candidates will receive time to speak to those gathered. Balloting will start immediately following the last candidate to speak, according to rules for Monday’s meeting provided to the Post.

After today’s meeting, state law requires Gov. Roy Cooper to appoint the recommended person within seven days of receiving a recommendation. If Cooper does not make the appointment within seven days, “he shall be presumed to have made the appointment,” according to state law.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.