California saw a large jump in voter participation Tuesday after votes were tallied in the 2016 state primary. Nearly 6 million people voted out of nearly 17.9 million who registered in the state resulting in 33 percent turnout, according to the Secretary of State. It is a 25 percent jump over the 2014 primary when fewer than 4.5 million people voted.

Above, Los Angeles Councilman David Ryu, 4th District, on Tuesday posted the photo above to show off his ballot for the June 7 primary. Voter turnout jumped 8 percent since 2014. (photo courtesy of David Ryu’s Twitter)

More than 1.4 million people voted in Los Angeles County of the 4.9 million registered – a 29 percent turnout.

Congressman Ted W. Lieu took control in his race to retain the 33rd District office with 69 percent of the vote.

“The voters have spoken, and I am deeply humbled by their support and look forward to moving forward into the general election this November,” Lieu said in a statement. “Over the coming months, I greatly look forward to speaking with voters about how we can – together – make a difference on fierce, urgent issues like climate change, veterans care, LGBT equality, protecting our privacy and campaign finance reform. The wisdom and inspiration of my constituents has animated my work on Capitol Hill and in Los Angeles County these past two years, and I hope to have the chance to continue that service come January 2017.”

The Republican candidate running against Lieu, Dr. Kenneth W. Wright, received 31 percent of the vote for the district. Wright said Wednesday that he was not surprised or discouraged by the results because they fell in line with the voting demographics of the district.

“People vote by party lines,” he said. “They don’t know the voting record of the incumbent or the policy of the person running. It’s easier to vote down the party line.”

Wright said he was also guilty of voting just for Republicans in the past if he didn’t know the candidates’ policies or record. It’s a habit he hopes to change with voters moving toward November.

“It’s time we stop the knee-jerk voting and find out what candidates are doing,” he said.

Wright said his campaign team held his resources for the general election, knowing that both candidates would advance regardless of the results.

“We have a lot of things up our sleeves,” he said. “We’re going to use social media to let people know how Ted Lieu feels and his positions and policies, and mine as well, so the voters can make an informed choice.”

Assemblyman Richard Bloom received 80 percent of the vote for the 50th District, against Republican newcomer Matthew Gene Craffey. Craffey is in San Jose this week organizing a rally for an assault victim and was not able to comment by press time. Bloom was also not available to comment. Both candidates advance to the November election regardless of the results since only two are running.

Results will not be official until next month, but California voters also approved a measure put on the ballot by state lawmakers that will allow the Legislature to cut salary and benefits for suspended legislators.

Currently, the California Constitution does not make it clear that the Legislature can suspend its members without pay. This issue came to light in 2014 when three state senators – all charged with criminal offenses – were suspended by a resolution of the Senate. But those members continued to receive their salaries – more than $95,000 a year – because it was not clear that the Senate had the authority to suspend their pay.

Approximately 3.8 million (75 percent) voted in favor of the measure, with 1.2 voting against it.

The constitutional amendment would require the Assembly or the Senate to pass a resolution declaring why the member is being suspended and the resolution would require a two-thirds vote for approval.