Altadena elections sign (Photo – Emmanuel Krauletz)
In a town with a population of 42,777 (according to the 2010 census), the Altadena Town Council elections attracted only a few voters.
By Rena Kurlander
Voter turnout for local elections have historically been low especially when they are held during an off-cycle year. Altadena Town Council elections fared no better this past weekend. The top vote getter in Altadena’s council elections garnered a mere 54 votes. Here are the final results (votes will be certified at the next Town Council meeting on June 18):
- CT 4601 Victoria Knapp – 42
- CT 4602 Billy Malone – 23
- CT 4603.01 Dorothy Wong – 31
- CT 4610 Veronica Jones – 54
- CT 4611 Nick Santangelo – 28
- CT 4612 Reginald Wilkins – 21
- CT 4613 Sylvia Vega – 35
Most of the local media ignored Altadena’s elections except for ColoradoBoulevard.net. While some may blame the dismal voter turnout on lack of information (as social media is one of many factors to drum up the votes), many point to a trend of low turnout in local elections in general.
What will it take to drum up more participation in future Altadena elections? That’s up for leaders and civic organizers in funky Altadena to try to figure out after the latest dismal turnout.
Congratulations to all who won! I hope the people will be nice to you all!
There was a candidate several years ago who won with zero votes — she was the only one running and was in the hospital, so she didn’t even vote for herself.
Actually, it’s 10. I learned this week ten votes are what’s required to take the seat.