Los Angeles Election Results Come Amid Super Low Turnout

Today is election day for residents of Los Angeles county. They will be electing a new mayor as well as several other key positions for city council. Despite this, Angelenos are unlikely to turn out to the polls today. 

Pollsters are expecting turnout for the race to be somewhere around 20%. This is not particularly unusual though, turnout for local elections is never very high, and in Los Angeles it’s even lower than other major cities. 

Those leading the pack in the run for mayor include, former City Council President Eric Garcetti and City Controller Wendy Greuel. Neither of whom is expected to garner the necessary 50% of votes to win the election outright. A run-off election on May 21 is very likely. 

A poll worker working outside of the Watts elementary school was shot today. The incident is believed to be a domestic dispute and the poll workers injuries are not life threatening. It is unclear if that particular polling place has been moved, or affected due to the shooting.

Outgoing Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s time in city hall has been mired with rumors of extra marital affairs and reports of nepotism. The current mayor is ineligible to run for re-election due to term limits. 

Despite many, many, debates and breaking the bank on spending, these mayoral candidates could never quite get a good foothold with the residents of L.A.

In the past the candidates have been criticized for being short on specifics when it comes to solving L.A's myriad of problems. This could account for the lack of enthusiasm around their election. It is unlikely that the race for mayor will be decided today. 

The next mayor will have to contend with budget shortfalls, a defunct (and ugly) airport, as well as a variety of other issues that plague the city. 

For the full results of Los Angeles' election, see here.