COUNTY News:
As a result of Governor Lujan Grisham’s declaration of a public health emergency this week, due to reported COVID-19 cases in New Mexico, County Clerk Naomi Maestas is taking proactive measures, beginning Monday, March 16, and until further notice, the Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office will suspend all in-person services and transactions.
Customers may drop off items in its designated drop-box located outside the Clerk’s Office, and the items will be mailed back to customers after processing. Any urgent matters needing in-person services, will be handled through appointments made by calling the office.
“Though I realize these changes will cause some inconvenience, I feel this is an appropriate response to the current challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus that protects both my staff and the public, while also continuing to deliver the important daily services of my office,” Maestas said. “I appreciate your cooperation and for the safety and well-being of the entire community, I encourage the public to abide by all the best practices being recommended by public health officials to limit the potential spread of this virus.”
Except for those services previously noted, there will be no further face-to-face processing at the Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office for the time being. Customers may utilize the Online Records Portal for searching documents. For searching probate and marriage records, or to apply for a marriage license online, customers may use the Probate & Marriage Online Records Portal.
Maestas and her staff are working closely with the New Mexico Secretary of State and Los Alamos County officials for their support and preparedness related to the upcoming Primary Election. At this time, there have been no changes to the upcoming election cycle.
However, for those who are concerned about health risks posed by COVID-19, there are a few election related items that can be handled on-line or through the United States Postal mail service. Citizens are reminded to utilize http://www.NMVote.org for voter registration and to other election related services.
Voting Absentee by Mail New Mexico is a no excuse state related to voting absentee by mail. Therefore, rest assured, citizens will always be able to cast a ballot in Los Alamos County and have their voice heard. For those who are concerned about the health risk or simply prefer to vote from home, Maestas said she reminds citizens that voting absentee by mail is secure, confidential and all absentee ballots are counted. For more election related information, visit the Clerk’s elections information webpage or feel free to call the office.
Maestas encourages the public to utilize the New Mexico Department of Health for the most accurate information about COVID-19 going forward. The DOH has established a call center to address questions from the public. If anyone has questions regarding COVID-19 or concerns that they may have been exposed to the virus, please call 1-800-600-3453. The hotline is available 24/7. The public can also find more information and ongoing updates at the DOH website: http://cv.nmhealth.org
As this situation continues to evolve, the Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office will share updates on any additional changes to daily operations via the web at www.losalamosnm.us/clerk, and through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels.
If individuals have questions, please call 505.662.8010 or email at clerks@lacnm.us.
