Voters speaking out about Presidential debate and other election choices

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - After a highly watched and opinion-forming debate last night between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden there's no shortage of coffee shop conversations when it comes to politics.

Voting begins Monday. Ballots were mailed out in Santa Barbara County this week.

Election material from the Secretary of State's office arrived a few days ago for most residents. Local campaign statements and materials are expected to be in mail boxes this weekend.

Then it is up to the voters.

Some have their minds made up in several races and propositions. Others, will be studying the mailed materials, watching debates and reading information on line before they are done voting.

Many opinions have already been formed in the Presidential race.

 For all the words we heard in Tuesday's Presidential debate,  one voter summed it up with just a few.

Joey Prowler said, "it's pretty upsetting, it's not what I expected."

 And it was hard to go anywhere without finding someone who had an opinion about the tone of the back and forth and often overriding debate.

"Generally it's little kids that do that I think people are mature enough to kind of let each other have a voice.  It was disastrous to watch," said Prowler.

In front of the main post office where he has already sent his ballot, Jesse Cornejo said,"it wasn't the debate I expected.  It was really depressing to see adults act like children."

For one voter it was over before it got going.

Michele Lipman said,  "I got in about maybe less than  ten minutes and I  bailed and said this is ridiculous."
For others it doesn't make a difference.

Linda Sweatt said,  "Oh yes I was already ready to vote in that category."

While many people tell us they have made up their mind about the presidential race they still want to take some time to study up on the local candidates and propositions.

Locally there's still uncertainty in the Central Coast communities where key positions will be decided including seats for mayor, city council, school board, special districts and bond measures.

Sweatt  said, "personally my next step is to consult my friends.  I have a few friends that are in to everything.  My friends on the Women's League of Voters. (League of Women's Voters)."

 Ballots and all  materials for this election are arriving this week and voting officially begins Monday.