Deceased Chula Vista City Attorney candidate Simon Silva maintains a slim lead over opponent Dan Smith, according to the most recent update from the San Diego County Registrar of Voters.
Silva, who unexpectedly succumbed to Cancer in late September, maintains a 301-vote lead over Smith. Silva’s name remained on the ballot after his passing due to election codes.
Chula Vista taxpayers will have to pay between $1.5 and $2 million for a special election in either April or November of 2023 if Silva is elected to the position. Current City Attorney Glen Googins would continue to serve until a successor is elected.
According to the city’s charter, a special election is required when there vacant seat with more than 24 months left to term. Any elected official in the city of Chula Vista would have a four-year term.
As of Nov. 11, ​​the San Diego County Registrar of Voters reported a 37.6% voter turnout.
The County Registrar has up until Dec. 8 to certify the election results.
