2010 elections

The Voters of Monterey

MONTEREY, CA. After months of debating and swaying California’s views on the issues we face today, it’s finally time to come down to it all; it’s game day. Senate will be chosen, governor will be chosen, and propositions will be decided, but what is it looking like in the city of Monterey?

I talked to a man on Alvarado Street named Michael while he was enjoying his meal at Taco Bell who just so happened to be grabbing some lunch before he left to go vote. Michael explained that he was a Democrat and that the biggest and most important issue for him on the ballot was the economy and jobs. He said that he is affected in the economy and it has been difficult for him to keep his job because of the economy. I asked him if he thought the legalization of marijuana is a good way to solve the budget deficit and he responded by saying, “Yes, I think that if Prop 19 passes, it will help with the budget deficit and many more people have a chance to have jobs as well as help with the economy.”

Further down Alvarado Street I saw an elderly man sitting at a table that said, “Democrats register to vote here.” I decided to ask him a few questions on the election. His name was Dick, and I asked him since two woman are running for senate, Carly Florina and Barbara Boxer, how he felt about women in politics. I asked, should there be more or less women in politics, and if women are gaining and earning higher positions?” He responded, “I think it is marvelous for woman to be involved in politics, there should be more diversity and equality in politics.” I asked Dick how the economy is affecting him. He said, “The economy is not affecting me personally but I am deeply concerned for college students. When I went to San Jose State back in the day, I was only paying $4.50 every quarter.” I asked Dick how he felt about the budget deficit in California and how would he fix it, by raising or lowering taxes? He responded, “I deeply regret the budget deficit but I think it is necessary to have it. I think that some taxes should be raised in order to fix it.”

Another man I spoke to passing on the street named John is a Republican. I asked him what he thought about the 2010 elections in general, he said, “People keep talking about how angry everyone is and what they don’t realize is were angry with ourselves. We allowed our government to do this to us. We have not been active enough to prevent it and that now it’s going to change through grass root movements, like the Tea Party.” I asked John if he thought the economy was headed in the right direction, He said, “No, because there are far too many regulations and restrictions and high taxes.” I asked John if he thought that this country is ready for a woman president, he said, “I think at this day in age it’s possible, anything is possible. At the rate were going, unless we find some excellent leaders, it won’t hurt us or help us to have a woman president.”

After talking to a few of the citizens of Monterey Bay, most of the people I spoke to were Democratic. After Tuesday, we will find out if that takes affect tonight after the polls are closed.