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Live results in the special election for Irvine City Council District 5
Irvine residents in District 5 are electing a new representative.
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Erin Hauer / Dan Carino
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LAist
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About the vote count
It could take several days for this election to be called. As you watch these results keep in mind:
- Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked April 15.
- The election is scheduled to be certified no later than May 9.
- You can click here to track your ballot and make sure it gets counted.
What is at stake in this race
Residents in Irvine’s District 5 are headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots for a new city councilmember: Three candidates are vying for the seat that was vacated when Larry Agran won the mayoral election in November. The person who wins the most votes will serve through the end of 2026.
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Newcomers Betty Martinez Franco and Dana Cornelius are on the ballot, along with former Councilmember Anthony Kuo. You can read more about their campaigns and platforms here .
Why this race matters
This is a big year for one of Orange County's biggest cities:
Irvine has committed to lofty green goals, including attaining carbon neutrality by 2030. Its $1 billion Great Park expansion is underway, and it has pulled out of the Orange County library system and will now oversee its own libraries, raising concerns about whether politics will play a role in book selection. The city is also seeking to convert an asphalt factory into a 700-acre nature preserve with a residential development of about 1,200 homes.
You can read more about the issues facing the city here .
Map of the district
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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