Precincts Moderately Busy Across La Cañada

Traffic was light at polling locations throughout the city, with some voters acknowledging the reduced in-person turn out to be the result of absentee ballots and voting by mail.

An informal survey this afternoon of voters exiting both the in the Foothills and Church polling locations found that incumbents Don Voss and Laura Olhasso were holding popularity, with city planning commission member Michael Davitt pulling to the top of the list of challengers.

“We know a couple of the candidates,” Jane Higley said of her voting choices.  “It’s a small enough town.  You know a lot of the people.”

Higley noted that both she and he husband voted for Voss, Olhasso, and Davitt.

“I will not vote for incumbents,” stated Fritz Riel, whose wife swatted him with a rolled-up voters guide and urged him to say no more.

The importance of the city-wide election was not lost on residents who have recently been confronted with school budget cuts, annoying peafowl and the extension of the 710 freeway. All seven of the candidates vying for three seats oppose the expansion, citing health risks and increased traffic on city streets.

Resident Dave Carlson on Tuesday noted the need for sewers south of Foothill Boulevard as an issue on his mind as he cast his ballot.  “It’s been an issue for a number of years,” he said.

Upon exiting the voting booth, resident Maureen Swenson said, “These [council members] are important because they make decisions for our community. If you don’t vote, you’re surrendering your voice in how the city is run.”

Local business owner Patricia Blanche agreed with the importance of participating at the community level.  “It’s the greatest privilege in the world to be able to vote,” she said.

Polls will remain open until 8 pm across the city.  To find your polling place, see .  Check back on LaCanadaFlintridge Patch for continuing coverage of the election, as results become available.