BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) - The polls have closed and the results are in, but how did a low turnout affect the race for mayor of Birmingham?

The incumbent, William bell faced five challengers and has received mostly favorable reviews since being elected to replace Larry Langford in a special election in the winter of 2010.

This election was a little out of the ordinary as the winner will serve just a two year term instead of the customary four.

The shorter term is meant to put the future mayoral contests in sync with city council and school board elections.  It might help avoid future political conflicts between city council members who may want to run for mayor and mayor's who are running for re-election, but it's also going to save money.