EARLY VOTING UNDERWAY IN CITY ELECTIONS

Early voting starts in Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas

Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson residents have decisions to make. Actually, only some in those three cities doas municipal general elections are upon us. Although there are only a handful of races happening across all three municipalities, outcomes will affect decisions made at the neighborhood and city levels. Early voting, which began Saturday runs through June 9. Election Day will be June 13. Here’s a breakdown of what’s still up for grabs and a recap of what’s happened so far.

(A quick reminder on municipal election procedure: Candidates who secured more than 50 percent of the vote during the primary in April were declared outright winners. In races where no one reached that threshold, the top two finishers now are competing in a runoff.)

Las Vegas City Council, Ward 2: Bob Beers vs. Steve Seroka

When Councilman Bob Beers defended his Ward 2 seat during the 2013 municipal elections, the former state legislator cruised to victory, securing 76 percent of the vote during the primary and avoiding a runoff. This time around, the path to re-election hasn’t been as easy.

During the April primary, Beers faced two formidable challengers — retired Air Force Col. Steve Seroka and developer Christina Roush — who capitalized on residents’ bitterness toward Beers over his yes vote to convert the shuttered Badlands golf course into housing. Beers hasn’t backed down, saying a no vote would have put the city at risk of being justifiably sued, but the fallout may have cost him an outright win in the primary.

Beers secured the most votes during the primary with 2,586, or 42.6 percent. Seroka placed second with 1,731 votes, or 28.6 percent. The two men now face off in the general election.

Roush, who placed third in April by securing 26.3 percent of the vote, endorsed Seroka after getting knocked out of the running. Whether Roush’s supporters turn out to support Seroka remains to be seen. But this is clear: The proposed development of Badlands looms, with the topic continuing to dominate mailers received by residents in the ward.

According to campaign finance reports filed

last week, Beers has raised $368,298 this year while Seroka has raised $230,278.

Las Vegas’ Ward 2 encompasses the southwest part of the city.

Las Vegas City Council, Ward 6: Michele Fiore vs. Kelli Ross

Over in Ward 6, former state Assemblywoman Michele Fiore is running against Kelli Ross, a small-business owner turned flight attendant married to outgoing Councilman Steve Ross. Fiore earned a commanding 46.1 percent of the vote during the primary, compared to Ross’ 30.1 percent. Fiore has raised more than twice the funds Ross has: $385,833 and $170,310 respectively.

Las Vegas’ Ward 6 encompasses Centennial Hills and the far northwest.

North Las Vegas City Council, Ward 3: Anita Wood vs. Scott Black

Incumbent Anita Wood, who has represented North Las Vegas’ Ward 3 since 2009, is now defending her seat against small-business owner Scott Black. A newcomer to politics, Black received the most votes during the primary — 33 percent compared with Wood’s 30 percent. Black has endorsements from Mayor John Lee and the North Las Vegas Police Officers Association, which donated $7,500 to his campaign. Black has raised $113,551. Wood, endorsed by Laborers Local 872 and other unions, has raised $141,904.

Ward 3 encompasses the western part of North Las Vegas.

Henderson City Council, Ward 3: John Marz vs. Carrie Cox

Henderson’s only runoff takes place in Ward 3, where incumbent John Marz faces Carrie Cox, a licensed cosmetologist with volunteer and board experience. Marz garnered 43 percent of the primary vote (compared to Cox’s 28 percent) and leads significantly in fundraising. According to the latest campaign finance reports, he has received $185,245 in contributions, while Cox has $26,814.

Henderson’s Ward 3 encompasses neighborhoods in the south and southwest parts of the city, including Inspirada, Seven Hills, Anthem, MacDonald Ranch and parts of Green Valley. april.corbin@gmgvegas.com / 702-259-4185 / @ aprilcore

M. SPENCER GREEN / AP FILE (2014) Early voting in this year’s municipal general elections continues through June 9. Runoffs for city council races are being conducted in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson. Election Day is June 13.