Pasadena Early Voting Surpasses Primary

Pasadena voter participation in Tuesday’s general election has already surpassed the total turnout in the March primary.

So far, 51,577 ballots, or 55.7 percent, have been cast, according to politicaldata.com. The number is up from the March primary when 43,936 ballots were cast.

Fred Register, a local political consultant, said the increase in voter turnout is not unusual.

“There is usually a big increase,” Register told Pasadena Now. “Especially in a presidential election, even in a place where the race does not matter as much, like California. The intensity is high. I would expect records to be set. I would not be surprised if we reached 80 percent.” 

The city has nearly 92,556 registered voters. 

So far, 95 million people across the nation, about 70 percent of those to cast ballots in the 2016 election, have voted.

“I think we are going to see that all over,” Register said of the increased enthusiasm. “The one thing you can say about Donald Trump is he has created tremendous passion on both sides, and we are seeing the results now. No matter what you think of him, the incentive not to vote is very low. It’s very high.” 

On Tuesday, Pasadenans will cast their votes for mayor, the school board, and ballot measures. 

In the race for mayor, incumbent Terry Tornek and City Councilmember Victor Gordo will once again square off. In the March primary, 39,950 people cast votes for mayor.

Also on the ballot are Measure O, a $500 million bond measure that would allow upgrades to school sites, and Measure P, an annual $18 million transfer from the city’s utility to the general fund.

In school board races, in District 2 Jennifer Hall Lee, Wayne Hammack and Mike Crowley are squaring off for the seat being vacated by Roy Boulghourjian.

In District 4, Scott Harden is hoping to unseat Board President Patrick Cahalan. Cahalan is the only incumbent in the race.

In District 6, Milena Albert, Priscilla Hernandez, Tina Wu Fredericks, and Crystal Czubernat are competing for the district’s board seat. District 6 Boardmember Lawrence Torres is not seeking re-election.