World. Im natalie allen, and cnn newsroom starts right now. 5 00 in the morning here in the state of georgia. Its 6 00 p. M. In hong kong. And the people there are taking a break. For months of mass protests to cast their ballots in local elections. So far 1 Million People have turned out to vote for district counselors. The elections will help measure the support behind the citys prodemocracy protests. The sometimes fierce demonstrations rattled hong kong now for almost six months. Lets go live to hong kong with paula hancocks. Shes out and about watching this vote take place. Its very heartening that it has been such a peaceful day there and a good turnout. Reporter absolutely, natalie. A record turnout. 52 of those eligible to vote had voted by 4 30. Thats an hour and a half ago. In the first six hours of voting, the amount of people that had voted was more than for the entire day back in 2015, the last time these local District Council elections took place. Certainly the very fact
ballots in local elections. so far 2 million people have turned out to vote for district counselors. that s a higher turnout than previous elections. sunday s vote considered a referendum on pro-democracy protests. many people have been injured in the unrest. unarmed protester named patrick chow was shot and critically wounded by a police officer. chow is now speaking with cnn s nick paton walsh about his injury. we warn you their story contains graphic images. reporter: these wounds were felt across hong kong. this is the most pain area. reporter: patrick chow is one of a handful of protesters to be shot by police in these protests. his injuries sparked the last 10 days of extreme violence.