SALINAS, Calif. -- The Salinas City Council is considering appointing three of its members so they don't have to run in the November election.

The appointments could save taxpayers thousands of dollars, but could also cost voters their vote.

From a money standpoint, it makes sense. The mayor and two council members, Sergio Sanchez and Gloria de la Rosa, are running for re-election unopposed and not having an election will save the city money.

Taxpayers could save $130,000 if there are no votes to be counted, but taking their names off the ballot would prevent voters from voting for a write-in candidate.

"It rules out the write-in proposition," said Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue. "Write-in votes are always interesting, but to the best of my knowledge, they are seldom successful. So it's common sense that dictates the council move forward with appointments."

Another issue with appointing the two unopposed council members is that one councilwoman has an opponent in the upcoming election, making two different standards for how council members will obtain their seats.