Voters in a reliably Republican central Illinois district are set to choose a successor for former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, who resigned in March amid an intensifying spending scandal.

The ballot Thursday features Republican state Sen. Darin LaHood of Peoria and Democrat Rob Mellon, a Quincy high school teacher. LaHood has high name recognition as the son of Ray LaHood, a former longtime congressman from the area and former U.S. Transportation secretary.

Schock abruptly stepped down after reports questioning his use of taxpayer money, including the lavish redecoration of his Washington office in the style of the "Downton Abbey" television drama.

Turnout is expected to be light in the rare September election, which will restore the number of House members to 435.