No Write-In Candidates By Today's Deadline — City Council Election Appears Settled

Today was the deadline to file as a write-in candidate for the two open seats on the El Cerrito City Council, and since no one filed, the two people who filed earlier as regular candidates — Mayor Janet Abelson and newcomer Rebecca Benassini — appear to be the de facto winners of the Nov. 2 election.

The deadline for write-in candidates was 6 p.m. today when city offices closed, and no one had filed by that time, said El Cerrito City Clerk Cheryl Morse. A voter can still write in a name on the ballot, though Morse said she understands that the write-in candidate would need to be eligible and qualify first in order to have a vote for him or her counted.

The City Council has five members who serve staggered 4-year terms. Abelson is now completing her third term on the council. Benassini serves on the Economic Development Board and the Environmental Quality Committee.