Voters in some parts of Buellton will pick their council member Tuesday during a special election with two candidates on the ballot. 

Community volunteer Carla Mead and retired California Highway Patrol officer Dave King, who previously served on the council, are seeking the term which has been vacant since December. 

The seat previously was filled by David Silva, who won his bid to become mayor with two years left on the council term.

The four remaining council members could not reach agreement to appoint Mead or King to fill the seat, leading to the special election.

Only District 4 voters will participate in the mail-in election, which will not have polling places.  

Eligible registered voters in City Council District 4 automatically received an official ballot with a return envelope and a voter information guide.

District 4 encompasses the eastern areas of the city, including the neighborhoods of Village Townhomes, Thumbelina Village and Ballard Canyon. The district also includes the area west of Highway 101, on the west side of Jonata Park Road and Central Avenue, including The Village Square Townhouses, Oakside Lane Townhomes, Central Plaza Condominiums and Central Gardens Townhomes. 

An interactive map can be found by clicking here, according to the City of Buellton.

Voters who damage, misplace, or do not receive their ballot can obtain a replacement ballot from the Santa Barbara County Elections Office. 

Ballot drop boxes are located at Buellton City Hall, 107 W. Highway 246 or the county Election Division Main Office 4440-A Calle Real. 

Mailed ballots must be postmarked by 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The county’s staff has been hired to conduct the election on behalf of the city.

Semi-official results will be released after 8 p.m. Tuesday on www.cityofbuellton.com and the first updated results should be posted Friday. 

County elections officials expect to conduct a 1% manual tally of randomly selected ballots on Thursday. Certification of results is expected on or before Sept. 12.