Osaka residents went to the polls Sunday to cast their ballots in two key elections that are expected to have national political ramifications.

Voter turnout as of 4 p.m. was 24.9 percent for the gubernatorial election, down 6.66 points from the previous election four years ago, and 26.64 percent for the mayoral election, down 8.96 points.

At issue in both polls was whether to continue the policies of Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, who is not seeking re-election, and Osaka Gov. Ichiro Matsui.