ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - This weekend, the Democratic Party of Roanoke is hosting a "Firehouse Primary" at the Berglund Center.
No Republican candidates for mayor have stepped forward yet, which means this preliminary election could decide who will be the next head of the city's government.
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One of the candidates running for mayor this year, Sherman Lea, chose to do so in lieu of running for council. If Lea loses this Saturday, he'll lose a spot completely in city government.
For voters, there are several things to note that differ from a regular election.
First, there is no absentee voting, meaning you have to be at the Berglund Center this Saturday.
Voters will also be required to sign a "Pledge of Allegiance" to the Democratic Party in order to cast a ballot.
Voters will also have to abide by several rules that apply in general elections.
"They will be following some of the laws that govern regular elections. They have decided that you must be a registered voter and you must have the regular ID that would be required for a regular election," said Roanoke General Registrar Andrew Cochran.
All of these rules are determined by the Democratic Party, because this is an unofficial primary that is not run through the state registrar's office.
Voting will get underway starting at noon on Saturday and will continue until 7 pm.
There will also be curbside polling booths for people's convenience.