MANSFIELD, Ga. – Early voting in underway in Mansfield for a special election to fill two vacant city council seat. Voters also get to decide two Sunday alcohol sales referendums.

Post 3 councilmember Brett Dunn resigned his post effective Feb. 1. He has been selected for the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidates School. His resignation, along with the resignation of Ashlan Troutman leaves the council currently with only three members.

Troutman resigned from her Post 3 seat last September after moving out of the city.

Though he isn’t leaving for the military until June, Dunn said he resigned his post now so his unexpired term can be filled during this month's special election.

“It costs the city I think over a couple of thousand dollars to hold an election,” he said. “ I didn't want to figure out that I'm selected in April and resign my seat and have to pay that again to have another election. That way we can save that money and they can get somebody for the long term.”

Julian “Austin” Mitchell is the lone candidate to fill Dunn’s unexpired term, while Blair H. Northen III and Leon S. Walton, Jr. are vying for Troutman’s vacant seat.

Terms for both seats expire Dec. 31, 2021.

In two separate referendums, voters will also have the chance to decide on Sunday retail store and by the drink sales of beer and wine.

Early voting runs through Mar. 15, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mansfield City Hall. The election is Mar. 19.