LA Mayoral Race Tied in Final Poll as Governor and 14 Ballot Measures Hit Ballots
Voters in Los Angeles County can use any vote center or drop box until 8 p.m., with Metro offering free transit and bike share rides to assist access.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
Karen Bass and Nithya Raman face off for the Los Angeles mayorship on a dead heat, according to the most recent poll from the UC Berkeley Institute of Government Studies. The two former political allies are separated by a negligible margin as California voters head to the polls. Voters also choose between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican businessman Steve Hilton for governor. Fourteen statewide ballot propositions appear on the ballot, including a wealth tax and a measure requiring voter identification for elections.
Congressional races across Southern California and the nation will determine the balance of power in the House and Senate. Los Angeles County election officials opened all vote centers at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Voters can cast ballots at any location within the county, allowing them to choose the most convenient site. Drop boxes are available across the county and remain open until 8 p.m.
Los Angeles County Metro waived all fares from 4 a.m. Tuesday until 3 a.m. Wednesday to help voters reach the polls. The free service covers all bus and rail lines, Metro Micro on-demand rides, and Metro Bike Share. Bike share users can select a one-ride option at a kiosk or in the app and enter promo code 110326 to receive a free 30-minute ride. A credit or debit card is required for this discount, which can be used multiple times. Electric bike fees are waived, while rides longer than 30 minutes cost $1.75 for each additional half-hour.
Drop boxes are bolted into cement or chained in place to prevent theft. They feature security elements identified in state regulations and have exterior coatings to resist graffiti and damage. Two election workers pick up ballots from these boxes regularly. The county coordinates with law enforcement agencies, cities, and community organizations to monitor the boxes. Metro also installed mail-in ballot drop boxes at 12 stations.
County election officials will provide result updates after polls close at 8 p.m. The official canvass begins on November 4. Election results are scheduled to be certified on November 27. Weather conditions support the election with temperatures in the 70s and calm conditions expected throughout the day.
