Carlsbad voters in District 3 will choose between incumbent Priya Bhat-Patel and challenger Wayland Lim for a city council seat on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Both candidates appeared on the Carlsbad Chamber Podcast on Sept. 18. The District 3 winner will serve a term through 2030.

The incumbent

Bhat-Patel, 38, is the current mayor pro tem and chairs the North County Transit District board. A public health professional who holds a doctorate from Loma Linda University, she grew up in Carlsbad and graduated from the city's public schools, according to her candidate statement filed with the San Diego County Registrar of Voters.

She lists safety, housing, economic development and sustainability as her top priorities, The Coast News reported. Her statement highlights city reserves growing to 58% of the general fund, a 66% increase in permanent housing placements for people experiencing homelessness and a 44% drop in homelessness-related police calls during her tenure.

Bhat-Patel has endorsements from the Carlsbad Firefighters' and Police Officers' Associations.

At a May 25 budget review, she called the city "a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars," telling the council, "We've been doing a good job at being consistent and living within our means," the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

The challenger

Lim, 64, is a retired business consultant who has lived in Carlsbad for 25 years. He holds a master's degree in education and performance improvement and has worked with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, according to his candidate statement filed Aug. 4.

In that statement, Lim described himself as pro-business but said corporations should be mindful of being good citizens. He pledged not to seek re-election and said he would not accept PAC or corporate donations.

How to vote

Vote centers open Saturday, Oct. 24, and run through Monday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Election Day, Nov. 3, centers are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents can find more information through the Carlsbad City Clerk's office at 442-339-2808 or at carlsbadca.gov.