Central Coast voting registration amps up for California primary

With so much at stake both parties believe this primary in California will be one of the largest for voter turnout. All the more reason to get as many people registered to vote as possible.”

“If we don’t vote then that’s basically saying that we don’t care who comes into office,” said republican Victor G. Castro.

At the 59th annual Good Old Days Festival in Pacific Grove, democrate and republican parties upped the ante to get locals registered to vote for the California primary in June.

“We want all voices to be heard,” said Juli Mitchell, president of the Monterey Peninsula Republican Women.

With Trump and Cruz battling over delegates, and Clinton and Sanders still duking it out, California voters finally have a chance to play a key role this election year. Usually, nominations are locked up long before June.

“California voters have had a long time to watch the campaign and make up their minds,” said Democratic party volunteer Donald Murphy.

California has 172 delegates, the most of any state, so the stakes are high.

“We want to make sure that everyone understands that in order to vote in the republican primary, you must be a registered republican,” said Paula Anderson, with the Monterey peninsula Republican Women.

But voters who do not have a party preference are allowed to cast their vote in the democratic primary.

“I think that’s a good thing, I think the Democratic Party is inclusive,” said Murphy. “I think it should appeal to not only party members but independents who are paying attention.

When we asked people who they were voting for, the responses reflected this divisive presidential campaign.

‘I think Hillary Clinton would be a stronger candidate,” said Murphy.

“She’s sort of flip flop about all of her policies,” said Jasen Nylen, who is voting for Bernie Sanders.

“I don’t want Trump to win the republican primary,” said Castro. “I don’t think that he will bring America in the right direction.” Castro is voting for Ted Cruz.

The California primary is June 7th. More than 600,000 Californians registered to vote online or updated their registration in the last three months. The Secretary of State says the numbers suggest a surge in voter participation.