Hollister
– The push to move California’s presidential primary forward
four months has met with a mix of criticism and support in San
Benito County, despite bipartisan support in the state
Legislature.
Hollister – The push to move California’s presidential primary forward four months has met with a mix of criticism and support in San Benito County, despite bipartisan support in the state Legislature.
On Wednesday, the state Senate Elections Committee cleared the measure to move the presidential primary election from June to Feb. 5 in 2008. The measure passed unanimously in the committee and is expected to be up for vote in the Senate next week.
“I think it’s a good idea,” said Ignacio Velazquez, a Hollister Republican who has run for both the state Senate and Assembly. “It’s important that California play an important role in the presidential election and this is the only way it’s going to happen.”
Despite this opinion, and the support the bill has seen from both Democrats and Republicans, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, some local political groups are critical of the proposed change.
Jeanie Wallace, chairwoman of the Democratic Central Committee in San Benito County, said she fears that moving the presidential primary to February will lead to lower voter turnout for the local primaries, which may still be held in June.
“It might increase (voter turnout) during the primary but it will decrease it during June,” said Wallace. “People can get burned out if we tell them to keep going back to the polls.”
However, Wallace said the issue is not a huge priority for her committee, although it would change how early they have to start getting the word out.
The San Benito County Republican Party issued a statement Tuesday in opposition to the measure. The party said it was in favor of moving the presidential primary, but believed that changing the date could open the door to a vote on changes in term limits.
The San Benito County Elections Office is perhaps the biggest skeptic, due to the cost of holding an additional election.
“It would be additional work, because it would mean three elections instead of two, which will be very costly,” said Lillian Pereira, the assistant county clerk for San Benito County.
Adding an extra election could cost the state as much as $60 million to $90 million, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
Pereira said that the county has not yet calculated additional costs it might incur, although any extra spending would be reimbursed by the state.
Despite the costs, many people feel the move needs to take place. Political consultant Robert Rivas said he likes the idea. If the bill passes, it will make California a more relevant part of the presidential nomination process.
“We’re a large state with a very diversified population that’s more reflective of the nation,” said Rivas. “Our state has got to have an impact in this election.”
Alice Joy covers education for the Free Lance. You can reach her at 637-5566 ext. 336 or at [email protected].
