Early voting is underway at South Padre Island for a special election to fill a vacant city council seat.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, 39 people cast ballots, a drop compared to the previous three days. On Friday, 69 ballots were cast, on Thursday 79 residents cast their ballots and on Wednesday, 118 ballots were cast.

Voters are choosing who will fill the unfinished term for City Council Place 1. The seat has been open since Ken Medders died in June.

Two candidates are on the ballot. Rita Hernandez is a retired assistant superintendent with Brownsville Independent School District.

“Well, as a retired assistant superintendent, I'm very aware of policies, procedures. I'm very aware of budgets, allocations. I've made a whole career of working with other people's money,” Hernandez said.

Gayle Hood currently serves as vice president of the South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation.

“My experience has taught me to be a good mediator and negotiator,” City Council Place 1 candidate Gayle Hood said. “You'll see that I take an agenda item. I do my homework and I vote for what's best for our community.”

Early voting continues through Sept. 29. Election day is Oct. 3.

For more election resources, click here.