Catherine Alvarez was recalled. Now what?

DOWNEY - Councilwoman Catherine Alvarez has been recalled. What happens next?

Downey Patriot staff writer Alex Dominguez answers some of the frequently asked questions about the post-recall timeline.

When is Councilwoman Alvarez officially off the city council?

Alvarez technically stays a member of the council until the results are certified by the Los Angeles County Registrar / Recorder’s Office, which is anticipated to happen this Friday, Feb. 10. Once that happens, the LA County Board of Supervisors and the Downey City Council will also need to certify the results. Then Alvarez is officially removed from office.

If the results aren’t certified yet, can’t she hypothetically still win the vote?

While some votes may still trickle in by Friday, the current margin is impossible for Alvarez to swing in her favor. (A vast majority of ballots cast were vote by mail.)

When will her seat be filled?

Voters of District 3 will vote again in another special election to pick her replacement. City officials previously suggested that it may take place in November 2023.

Can the City Council appoint someone in the meantime?

Per the city charter, no. The charter states that: “A vacancy caused by a recall election shall be filled by the voters within the district in which the vacancy occurs. The election of an eligible candidate to fill such a vacancy shall occur after the recall election.”

But hasn’t the city council appointed an interim council member to fill a vacancy before?

Yes, most recently former Councilman Donald La Plante (District 2) last year and current interim Councilman Timothy Horn (District 1). However, those vacancies occurred due to resignations, not recalls.

How long will Alvarez’s replacement serve?

The remainder of her term, through December 2024.

Who’s running for the seat?

No one has announced their intent to run for the seat as of now.

Can Alvarez run to serve for the remainder of her term?

No. Per the city charter, a “…recalled municipal officer shall not be eligible to run for such vacancy.” However, Alvarez is able to run for the next term in 2024.