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As you watch these results, keep in mind:
- As of Friday, Nov. 15, Orange County voters had returned nearly 1.4 million ballots and 1.36 million had been tallied.
- The county has about 1.9 million voters considered to be active.
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Get full results:
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Keep in mind that in tight races the winner may not be determined for days or weeks after Election Day. This is normal. Here's why.
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In Orange County vote updates will the released each weekday by 5 p.m. until the last official results are posted.
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In California, ballots postmarked on or before Nov. 5 are counted toward the results as long as they arrive within seven days of the election. The California Secretary of State's Office is scheduled to certify the final vote on Dec. 13.
What is at stake in this race
The mayor is the most important elected official, overseeing the Santa Ana City Council and the laws and policies that affect those who live in the city. The Santa Ana Mayor is an at-large member of the council, meaning they represent the city as a whole. The mayor is elected city-wide and can serve up to four, two-year terms.
Santa Ana is Orange County’s second most populous city, behind Anaheim. The newly elected mayor may need to contend with a potential budget cliff. That's because revenue generated from the voter-approved Measure X sales tax is set to go down to 1% from 1.5% in 2029. Sales tax accounts for 22% of the general fund budget.
City staff said projections show that a budget deficit as soon as next year. — as city expenses are increasing faster than money coming in.
Make It Make Sense: Election 2024 Edition
Why this race mattered
Santa Ana is Orange County’s second most populous city, behind Anaheim.
The city of more than 300,000 residents is struggling with a number of issues: the need for more affordable housing and gentrification concerns, accusations of the police union wielding too much power within City Hall, and a looming investigation into allegedly hostile working conditions within City Hall. Also on the ballot this November was Measure DD, seeking voter approval to allow noncitizens in the city to vote in municipal elections.
Incumbent Mayor Valerie Amezcua ran on a platform of expanding workforce housing and reducing homelessness. She did not support Measure DD, saying its passage would lead to costly legal battles for the city.
Her challenger, Benjamin Vazquez, a current Santa Ana council member, ran on a platform of improving the life of working class families. He’s called for greater police accountability, investments in youth and increased government transparency. He also was a champion of Measure DD.
Go deeper on the issues
- Here's how Orange County cities are managing vastly different budgets
- Will an industrial moratorium raise housing costs in Santa Ana?
- Voice of OC: A look into the claims that the police union 'runs city hall'
- Orange County Register: Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua faces investigation over alleged hostile work environment
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