Now that the presidential primary has been held in California, most of the political interest has been removed from the June 3 ballot around the state. I'm wondering just how many people will actually vote in the upcoming primary. In Fresno, we have a high-profile mayor's race, but that alone won't generate a big turnout locally.

The statewide turnout for June is only expected to be about 33%, and we usually vote at a lower rate in the San Joaquin Valley. It's going to be lonely if you're a poll worker on June 3.

The turnout will impact political strategies locally. One of the keys to the Fresno's mayor's race is how aggressive the 11 candidates will be in getting early voters -- those voting by absentee ballots -- to cast ballots. The early voters could be the difference in a candidate getting into the runoff or being out of the race altogether.

This crowded field undoubtedly means that no one will get a majority in June, and the next mayor will have to win the runoff election in November. Most observers -- and many of the candidates -- say Councilman Henry T. Perea is the frontrunner. They also say Councilmen Jerry Duncan, Mike Dages, Tom Boyajian and Ashley Swearengin, who is on leave from her job leading the Regional Jobs Initiative, are battling for the second spot.

Let me know how you see the Fresno mayor's race breaking down, and if you think a low voter turnout will favor any of the candidates.