Los Angeles County voters rejected a proposed half-cent sales tax increase designed to fund healthcare services, according to early election returns Tuesday night.

Measure ER would have implemented a countywide sales tax increase to generate revenue for healthcare programs and services across the county. The measure required voter approval to take effect.

Early vote tallies showed the measure failing to gain sufficient support from county residents. The proposed tax increase faced opposition from voters concerned about additional financial burdens amid existing economic pressures.

The rejection means Los Angeles County will need to explore alternative funding mechanisms for healthcare services or adjust existing programs to operate within current budget constraints.

Final results may not be available for several days as election officials continue counting remaining ballots, though the early margin suggests the measure is unlikely to pass.