Primary Election 2012: Local races are a mix of certainty and long shots

It's beginning of new era in primary election voting here in California, so be prepared for some changes on the ballot.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

For a list of polling stations, go here.

And for those who need a little catch up, here's a quick break down of the election landscape for Burbank and Glendale voters:

CONGRESS

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) is facing six opponents to represent the redrawn 28th Congressional District, but they will have to overcome incredible odds and funding disadvantages to mount a serious challenge to the long-time congressman. FULL STORY

And in one of most widely watched races, the redrawn 30th District -- which includes a sliver of Burbank -- will certainly be the topic du jour. 

The L.A. Times reported that a recent USC poll showed Rep. Brad Sherman leading fellow Democratic Rep. Howard Berman, 31.7% to 24%. The five other candidates in the contest for the San Fernando Valley’s 30th Congressional District placed in single digits in the poll. FULL STORY

43rd ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

Longtime Glendale Unified school board member Greg Krikorian is challenging incumbent Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake) in the redrawn 43rd state Assembly District. The vote today will largely be academic, though, since the two top vote-getters will advance to the November election regardless of party affiliation. And since there's only two people in the race, well, the outcome is certain. FULL STORY

SENATE DISTRICT 25

One local race that will be winnowed by the outcome of the primary is for state Senate District 25, where incumbent Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) faces two challengers: Republican Gilbert Gonzales and Democrat Ameenah Fuller.

PRIMARY ELECTION CHANGES

And for more on the implications and changes to expect with the new primary election system, the L.A. Times political team breaks that down here.

-- Jason Wells, Times Community News

Twitter: @JasonBretWells