Is the election process too lengthy?

TYLER — Election day is still a year and a half away, but the election season is already well underway.

To some...its part of the vetting process. To others...it's what seems to be years of political mumbo-jumbo.

So... is our election season too long?

A professor at Tyler Junior College we spoke to says the U.S. is one of the most elective nations in the world.

"We are a democratic nation, from a dog catcher to the president we elect," said Dr. Manoucher Khosrowshai, political science professor of TJC.

There's no doubt about it ... America has a lot of elections. But it seems to be a mixed blessing.

"people don't have the time to keep up with all these candidates and debates and what's going on at the local and national level."

It seems presidential hopefuls are starting their campaigns sooner and sooner. But when do people actually start listening?

"I think perhaps it does really start too soon," said one East Texan. "And while I kind of keep in touch with what's going on, until the primaries get here, just for me personally, I'm just kind of waiting and seeing."

But some think it's never too soon to start listening.

So follow as much as you can, because in the end, it will all come down to the votes, Dr. Khosrowshai says.

"I think its a good habit for every citizen to keep up. And in that case we will have really good candidates to select and our democracy will be meaningful," he said.

As far as the candidates go, it's simple: the deeper the pockets, the longer the campaign.