ORLANDO, Fla. — Two candidates are headed to a runoff election to fill Orlando’s District 5 commission seat, previously held by suspended Commissioner Regina Hill.

One challenge candidates Shaniqua Rose and Travaris McCurdy will face over the next few weeks is finding a way to spark excitement among voters and get them to the polls.

Officials say registered voter turnout for Tuesday’s special election in District 5 was 10%, or about 2,100 people.

Rose and McCurdy talked Wednesday about the low voter turnout Tuesday, and what their priorities will be if elected.

Rose says she was disappointed, but not surprised, by the number of voters, and suggested additional polling locations could help improve turnout.

“While I was out talking to people, one of the things that I kept hearing was, 'My vote doesn’t count,'” she said. “As a frontrunner, I hope that the voters of this district realize that I’m going to champion for them. What I bring for the table is experience.”

McCurdy said the turnout numbers show there’s more work to do and outreach is key.

“It’s going to take direct outreach and accessibility, making myself available for conversations,” he said. “All four venues are in District 5, so there are a lot of economic development opportunities that I would like to see more or our local developing small businesses be able to take advantage of.”

Both candidates said homelessness and a lack of affordable housing are issues in District 5 that they hope to address if elected.

Orange County Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean said the numbers are reflective of an off-cycle election.

He said his office will continue educating the community on the importance of registering to vote.

The deadline to request to vote by mail in the runoff election is June 8, and early voting will take place June 10-16.

Orlando officials said the next steps will begin Friday as official results will be certified at the 9 a.m. canvassing board meeting.

The runoff election will take place on June 18.