ELECTIONS: Voter Turn Out Drops for Primary

As the vote count continues, it’s becoming clear that a fraction of Los Angeles County's 4.4 million residents cast a ballot in Tuesday’s primary, which allowed Dianne Feinstein to easily lead in the race for her seat in the US Senate and set former Diamond Bar Rep. Gary Miller on the path to claim an Inland Empire congressional seat for the Republicans.

Los Angeles County of Registrar of Voters is still canvassing for ballots, and not all precincts had reported. But at least half had reported as of Friday.

This could mean this year’s turnout will pale in comparison to the 55.26 percent recorded by the county in the Feb. 2008 primary in which Barack Obama and Senator John McCain vied for their party's nomination.

The primary not only elected local politicians and killed or passed legislation, it laid the foundation for the November Presidential General Election.

A Registrar of Voters spokesperson said that while they were still tallying votes, “it is a little bit lower than the elections for the past six years.”

“Yes, it is disappointing,” wrote Sandra Perez Gonzalez, Diamond Bar Patch Reader. “Voting is a privilege that shouldn't be taken for granted. How is that 80 percent of the population let 20 percent of the population make decisions for them?! More people vote for Dancing With the Stars than vote in the elections. That's pathetic.”

“I voted,” wrote Linda Russell. “I agree with Sandra. Priorities just are not what it should be which is very sad.”

The news is better for their neighbors in Diamond Bar and Walnut who have seen an increase in the percentage of voters from the 2008 primary. Industry is seeing a drop.

With 30 of 60 precincts reporting, Diamond Bar had a 19 percent turnout. In 2008, it recorded 13.60 percent

With 16 of 32 precincts reporting, Walnut is currently reporting 15.86 percent. In 2008, it recorded 14.45 percent.

Industry is reporting a 13 percent turnout with 9 of 11 precincts reporting. In 2008, a 60 percent turnout was reported.

It should be noted that the number of precincts has grown in all three cities.

Since the count continues, the results of the election are not final. But the vote counts as of June 8 are below. (Only the top vote getters in each city are listed):

720

Elizabeth Emken

Rick Williams

Greg Conlon

39th Congressional District

29th State Senate District