Polls will be open across the Island for an unusual June election today.

Republican Gabriel E. Gomez of Cohasset and U.S. Cong. Edward J. Markey of Malden, a Democrat, are vying to take the Senate seat vacated by John Kerry, who stepped down in January to become Secretary of State.

Mr. Gomez is a former Navy aircraft carrier pilot and SEAL officer who now works for an investment firm. Mr. Markey represents the state’s fifth congressional district in the House of Representatives, a position he has held for 37 years.

Richard A. Heos of Woburn is also on the ballot as a candidate from the Twelve Visions program.

Polls will be open today from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Aquinnah town offices, the Chilmark Community Center, the Edgartown town hall, the Oak Bluffs public library, the emergency services building in Vineyard Haven and the West Tisbury public safety building.