Only 7.8% Vote Before 1 P.M.

Predicting a low voter turnout for today’s general election, Los Angeles City Clerk Elias Martinez reported that only 7.8% of the city’s 1.9 million registered voters had gone to the polls by 1 p.m.--a lower rate than in the city’s last two general elections. “We’re saying 15 to 20% will turn out,” Martinez said.

At stake today are ballot measures that would raise property taxes to pay for 1,000 additional police officers and allow city pension funds to be invested in real estate. Voters are also choosing a new city controller and a council member in the neighborhoods surrounding Hollywood. Single seats on the Los Angeles Community College Board and on the Los Angeles school board are also up for grabs.