Jefferson County officials hope to quickly fill a vacancy left by the departure of the Democratic elections commissioner, who abruptly resigned from his post Wednesday.

Sean M. Hennessey handed in his resignation to take a job as the superintendent of the Dulles State Office Building; his appointment to the new post is thought to be a foregone conclusion, though neither Mr. Hennessey nor the office of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, which makes the appointment, could confirm the move was made official Friday.

In the meantime, Board of Legislators Chairwoman Carolyn D. Fitzpatrick said that with fewer than 100 days to go until a major election Nov. 6, she’s hoping the Democratic Party will name a replacement for Mr. Hennessey as soon as possible.

“I don’t believe (his resignation) has come in a very timely fashion, with the major elections coming up in November,” said Mrs. Fitzpatrick, R-Watertown. “I hope they have someone who has some really good running shoes, who’s prepared and ready. It’s going to be a difficult election time for anyone, let alone someone who’s new.”

The Board of Elections will have to prepare for races for everything from town supervisors to Assembly members to the president of the United States. Administrators in Jefferson County contacted legislators to let them know the Democratic Party could name a successor to Mr. Hennessey over the weekend to be acted upon by the full board Tuesday.

Mrs. Fitzpatrick said the board will approve whatever choice the Democrats make.

Mr. Hennessey also has served for several years as the chairman of the county Democratic Party. Nancy D. Brown, a former county treasurer, said some party members had approached her about taking the job and she had some interest in it. Ronald H. Cole, the first vice chairman of the party, said he had no interest in the post.

Mrs. Fitzpatrick said she wished Mr. Hennessey the best.

“If somebody has an opportunity to move up to a better job that’s better for their family, I’m all for it,” she said. “I only wish this had happened sooner.”

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