Local political campaign offices preparing for CA Primary
Tuesday marked a big win for Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, with both front runners scoring victories in primaries throughout the Northeast.
“I consider myself the presumptive nominee,” Trump said.
“Whether you support Senator [Bernie] Sanders, or you support me, there’s much more that unites us than divides us,” Clinton said.
While most of the primaries are now in the books, local Democratic and Republican officials say they expect a spike of anywhere from 16 to 25 percent in voter turnout for California.
A race local party officials say they’re calling one of the biggest contests for 2016.
“That has not happened since about 1988,” Elle Kurpiewski with the Democratic Headquarters of the Desert said. “It’s pretty exciting for us here in California that we’re now actually in play as far as the delegates are concerned.”
“It just makes us feel certainly like we’re being a part of it,” Terry Henderson with the East Valley Republican Women Federated said.
Both sides said one of the biggest keys in this year’s primary is to reach out to both undecided and undeclared voters.
“It’s critical,” Henderson said. “The Republican Party in Riverside County lost its position about three years ago, and we’ve been making a concerted effort to bring our numbers back up.”
“They can come in and get information about the ballot,” Kurpiewski said. “We’re not going to force anybody to change their registration.”
Ultimately, officials said they want to let residents know their doors will be open for all, regardless of party affiliation.
“We’re hoping that people understand the importance of this election and that we’re here for them,” Kurpiewski said. “Whether you’re a Republican, or a Democrat, or a Decline-To-State, we’re here. We’re here to help, and we’re here to make sure that you’re registered to vote.”
While members with the Democratic Headquarters of the Desert said they’re currently open, members with the East Valley Republican Women Federated say they’ll be opening their doors on May 12th.
Residents have up until May 23rd to register for the primary.
