Tuesday Was Election Day in the 17th Senate District

Republican Sharon Runner, who wants to succeed her husband, is facing Democrat Darren W. Parker in a special election Tuesday to fill the state's 17th District seat recently vacated by Sen. George Runner.

If you don't know the candidates, click here for a report in the Ventura County Star newspaper, and click here for coverage in The Signal newspaper.  The candidates  met in Santa Clarita recently to debate. Click here to see a story in The Signal and click here for a video.

The vast district includes the Antelope Valley, much of the Victor Valley, portions of the High Desert, Santa Clarita, the northern San Fernando Valley and the mountainous areas in northern Ventura County. Of the registered voters, 39.56% are Republican and 37.77% are Democrats.

Sen. George Runner, a Lancaster Republican, was elected to the Board of Equalization in November and he stepped down from the state Senate on Dec. 21. His tax board term began Jan. 3.

Sample ballots were sent to Chatsworth voters in the 17th district who need to double-check their polling place locations, as many of the sites have been changed. For more information, click here. 

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Los Angeles County Registrar's website will start posting results shortly after the polls close.

So, here are important election-related dates to remember:

17th State Senate District Special Primary Election

Feb. 15, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

L.A. City Council Candidate Forum, Patrick Henry Middle School, 17340 San Jose St., Granada Hills

L.A. City Council Candidate Forum, Granada Hills Charter High School, 10535 Zelzah Ave., Granada Hills

March 3, 6:30 p.m.