Special Election in District 3 Could Have Cost LA County Nearly $900,000

[An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported the recent District 3 election cost LA County $892,000.]

A special election held solely for the District 3 seat outside of statewide elections could have cost nearly $900,000, according to a presentation made to the Charter Study Task Force.

“[The] LA County estimated cost for the odd-year election for District 3: $892,000,” according to a presentation by consultants Baker Tilly.

The group was providing guidance to the group on the cost of changing the timing of the mayoral election. 

Holding the Mayoral election in an off year outside of statewide elections would cost at least $1.8 million nearly double that amount, according to the consultants. 

Local residents have called for special elections in place of appointments since Justin Jones was twice appointed to the City Council after John Kennedy died in 2022.

 The appointments covered the term Kennedy was completing, and the term he won in the 2022 June Primary.

The City Charter currently calls for the City Council to appoint a replacement when an incumbent cannot complete his term. The process has been used numerous times to fill vacant seats.

After Jones’ appointment, some local residents began complaining about the process.

Changes to the appointment process could go to the voters as part of the current charter reform process.

Jones defeated Brandon Lamar to win the seat by a vote of the people in March.

District 3 voters will once again go to the polls in 2026.