Absentee votes cast by some Orleans Parish voters have been counted and the  tolls on the Crescent City Connection have been extended for 20 years.

The renewal was approved by just 16 votes.

32 absentee votes were counted at New Orleans city hall on Tuesday morning.  Only 20 of those voters cast ballots on the toll issue.  14 voted to renew the tolls and 6 voted against the extension.

Over 308,000 votes were cast by residents of Orleans, Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes and the renewal won by 16 votes.

Many local elected officials including Mayor Mitch Landrieu supported the renewal of tolls claiming the $21 million dollars generated annually was needed to ensure proper maintenance, litter removal, and lighting of the bridges. 

Opponents argued that the tolls were unneccessary because the bridges are paid off and the state is assuming responsibility for maintenance.

It's unclear whether a recount will be sought, but toll opponent Patrick Connick, a state Representative from Marerro is seeking more information from the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court.