Voter registration surging with interest in national and local races

Voter registration is surging locally and across California with a clear interest in much more than the contentious Presidential race.

County Registrar of Voters Joe Holland says the numbers locally are moving up substantially.

“We are up 22,000 registered voters to 214,000 for the total year of 2016. That’s a gauge in the interest in this election and the enthusiasm behind it, ” said Holland. By the registration deadline of October 24, ” we anticipate 10-20,000 more registered voters.”

For a 20 year old Goleta voter, Anna Adger she wants to study up before she can cast a ballot.

“I feel like I am ready but I feel I can research a little bit more into it,” she said.

One voter, Pete Peterson says he’s tired of the campaigns, the election material and the wait. “I am ready and I wish it would hurry and get over,” said Peterson.

He says it’s not the easiest conversation to have with friends these days. His wife, Hella says they want this election behind them because “with some of friends we don’t touch it, we would not have many friends,” she said laughing.

At the elections office, workers are being added to answer calls, questions, and direct voters to the information they need. More temporary positions will be added for a variety of election jobs over the next few weeks.

For more information on the election or important dates go to: www. sbcvote