San Benito County appears ready for Tuesday’s election, with
plenty of workers in place and the two major political parties
rolling up their sleeves to get the vote out.
HOLLISTER
San Benito County appears ready for Tuesday’s election, with plenty of workers in place and the two major political parties rolling up their sleeves to get the vote out.
“We are looking good,” said Joe Paul Gonzalez, the county’s head elections official, who noted that his office has secured plenty of poll workers and ballot inspectors.
The only thing that worries Gonzalez is ballots, and indicators are pointing to an even higher turnout than he previously estimated.
“I was looking for a very high turnout, around 70 percent, but it is amazing how many people have already voted. Now I am thinking turnout will be closer to 80 percent.”
There will be “rovers in the field,” said Gonzalez, “to see how ballots are holding up at polling places, and the electronic voting machines will take up some slack as well.”
He also pointed out how there will be an early voting opportunity 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the elections office in the courthouse.
“There are a large number of new voters, and that is encouraging,” said Gonzalez.
Although the procedural issues appear in order, things aren’t as calm for strong supporters of candidates in the waning days before Election Day.
Marvin Jones, chairman of the San Benito County Republican Party, characterized his state of mind as “nervous.”
“Mr. Obama seems like he is in good shape, and he is not so bad, but put him together with Harry Reid and (Nancy) Pelosi and we might revert back to the Great Society days,” said Jones.
Jones, though, has some comfort in believing that government performs better when at least one federal branch differs from the president’s political party.
Locally, Republicans like Jones would like to see citywide approval for Measure Y, the ordinance that would exempt downtown Hollister from a citywide growth cap.
“We certainly encourage a ‘yes’ vote. Anytime government loosens its control it is generally for the better.”
Still, the presidential election is the “big-ticket item,” said Jeanie Wallace, chairwoman of the county’s Democratic Central Committee.
“I’m honestly surprised Obama has come this far,” said Wallace, “but I believe he will get the chance to restore America’s standing in the world as a champion of justice and democracy.”
Important local issues reflect important national issue, Wallace contended.
“Local family members are going to Iraq – local people have trouble getting health care. Hopefully, the national race will remind people that when they join a political party, they do so because they see their values represented.”
