Downey vote centers now open

DOWNEY — Two voting centers are now open in Downey for residents wishing to vote early in Downey’s special city council elections.

Voters will select two council members, for District 1 (southeast Downey) and District 3 (northwest Downey).

District 1 candidates include teacher Ramon Casas, real estate broker Elvira Meraz and restaurant owner Horacio Ortiz. They are vying to finish the term of Blanca Pacheco, who resigned after being elected to the state Assembly.

District 3 candidates are real estate brokers Gil Legaspi and Dorothy Pemberton, and insurance agent Ernesto Valle. The winner will finish the term of Catherine Alvarez, who was recalled earlier this year.

Both seats will be up for re-election next year.

Downey’s two voting centers are located at Furman Park and Iglesia de Cristo Ministerios Llamada Final church. They will be open daily from 10 am to 7 pm through Election Day.

Ballots can also be dropped off at an L.A. County ballot collection box outside City Hall.