Not too many Californians turned out to vote in Tuesday’s special elections, but those who did rejected a bunch of budget ballot proposals.

California voters gave a thumbs-down to ballot measures that would have reduced the state’s projected budget deficit of $21.3 billion to something slightly less overwhelming: $15.4 billion, which means Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other state lawmakers may have to make more cuts in education, public safety and health and human services to close the state’s $42 billion shortfall, reports The San Francisco Chronicle. Schwarzenegger acknowledged that Californians are frustrated with the state’s dysfunctional budget system, and he may even ask for a loan from Washington.

"We have a major problem in California, and I think if we work together, we can make it through this crisis," Schwarzenegger told reporters Tuesday in DC. "We need assistance … I didn’t come for any bailout. We’re going to make the necessary cuts."

About 2.4 million voters cast ballots by mail for this election, while precincts saw scant turnout. Poll workers blamed it on "voter fatigue," since it’s the twelfth time California voters have gone to the polls in seven years, notes the Los Angeles Times.

Meanwhile, Judy Chu came out a winner in Tuesday’s elections. The State Board of Equalization vice chairwoman won enough votes to put her in the running for the congressional seat in the 32nd district left open by Hilda Solis, who’s now President Obama’s labor secretary. She won the Democratic primary and will face Republican Betty Chu on July 14. And, no, there’s no relation between the women.