The runoff election to replace Nury Martinez in L.A. City Council District 6 is on June 27. But starting Saturday, June 17, voters can head to one of several “voter centers” to cast their vote early.
Why it matters
District 6 faces challenges familiar to many communities in Los Angeles, including the lack of shelter for a growing unhoused population, and pollution. The district stretches nearly 20 miles from Sun Valley west to Lake Balboa.
The city council seat representing the district has been vacant since October. Community relations manager Imelda Padilla, and City Council aide Marisa Alcaraz are facing off to earn the job to represent more than 260,000 residents living in the area.
The backstory
Some observers characterize L.A.’s City Council as one of the most powerful in the country. In addition to drafting and passing local ordinances, the council’s 15 members wield a lot of power over decisions on land use and real estate development. Each represents about 260,000 residents — far more than other big U.S. cities.
But when it comes to this particular election, most people would probably associate it with the scandal that has brought Martinez’s political career abruptly to a halt.
Last year, Martinez was caught on a secret recording making racist and homophobic remarks. She resigned after the tape was leaked. And the fallout has embroiled other…
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