Gathered in Council Chambers Wednesday from left, Los Alamos County Elections Manager Victoria Martinez, Election Clerk Norma Tech, Chief Deputy Clerk Tessa Jo Mascarenas, Clerk Naomi D. Maestas, Election Clerk  Jerry Fleming, Presiding Judge John Puckett, Election Clerk Mary Wilhoit, Election Clerk Adam Joseph and Election Clerk Judy Lovejoy. Not pictured is Election Clerk Jan Barnes who was greeting voters in the lobby. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Election Clerk Judy Lovejoy assists local resident Michael Phillips as he receives his ballot to cast his vote Wednesday afternoon in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

As is typically the case across the state and nation in non-presidential election years, voter turnout to date is low in Los Alamos County. There is an important school bond and seats on the school and college boards up for vote in this Regular Local Election and Los Alamos County Clerk Naomi D. Maestas said during an interview Wednesday that she wants to encourage residents to cast their ballot.

“I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of voting in school and branch college elections. We typically see a low turnout for these elections and as of today, we only have a 10% turnout, but I think we can do better!,” Clerk Maestas said. “As members of this vibrant community, we share a collective responsibility to shape the future of our educational institutions. School elections provide us with a valuable opportunity to exercise our democratic rights and contribute to the decision-making process that directly impacts our children’s education.”

Clerk Maestas explained that by casting a vote, residents actively participate in shaping the direction of the local schools.

“Your voice matters, and each vote represents an invaluable contribution to the selection of school board members, who play a pivotal role in setting policies, allocating resources, and making crucial decisions that affect our students, teachers, and families,” she said. “School elections also serve as a powerful way to engage and educate our youth about the democratic process. By witnessing the importance placed on voting, our children learn first-hand the significance of civic engagement and the value of their opinions. It’s a positive example for the next generation, teaching them that their voices matter, and that they have the power to effect change.”

She added that voting in school elections creates a sense of community ownership. It fosters a culture where everyone’s perspectives are heard and respected, promoting a diverse and inclusive educational environment.

“By participating, we ensure that our schools reflect the values, aspirations, and needs of the entire community, thereby creating an environment conducive to growth, learning, and success,” Clerk Maestas said. “So, let us come together as a community and embrace the power of our votes. Encourage your friends, neighbors, and fellow parents to participate in this year’s Regular Local Election. By doing so, we can collectively shape the future of our schools and provide the best educational opportunities for our children.”

The County Clerk’s Office provided a comparison of voter turnout in the 2023 Regular Local Election as of Wedensday to those in 2022 during the same time frame.

2021 Regular Local Election

• 15,034 Registered Voters
• 1,515 In Person Early voters
• 314 Absentee Ballots mailed
• 10 Federal Voters
• 151 Absentee ballots received

2023 Regular Local Election

• 15,754 Registered Voters
• 1,523 In Person Early Voters
• 434 Absentee Ballots mailed
• 18 Federal Voters
• 194 Absentee Ballots received

“Remember, voting is not just a privilege; it is a responsibility! Let us exercise it with pride and conviction, knowing that our active involvement in school elections contributes to the betterment of our community as a whole,” Clerk Maestas said. 

She encourages residents to visit https://www.losalamosnm.us/Home/Tabs/Whats-Happening/Election-Information to learn how to participate in this ever important election and NMVote.org to obtain a sample ballot.

Early Voting continues 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Nov. 4, Monday through Saturday in the White Rock Town Hall and Los Alamos County Municipal Building.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Vote Centers are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Los Alamos County Municipal Bldg., 1000 Central Ave.; White Rock Town Hall at 139 Longview Drive; Golf Course Community Bldg. at 4244 Diamond Drive; in the Multi-Purpose Room at Betty Ehart Senior Center, 1101 Bathtub Row and in Building 2, Room 230 at UNM-LA, 4000 University Drive.

The stated mission of the Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office:

 “We strive to:

• preserve, maintain, secure and provide convenient access, in perpetuity, to all public records entrusted to the Clerk’s Office;
• maintain voter registration files and conduct fair, honest, transparent and accurate elections; and
• provide prompt and courteous service, processing each transaction in an accurate, thorough, cost-effective, timely and professional manner, while always remembering that we are here to serve the citizens.”

Hours of Operation:

• The County Clerk’s Office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in Suite 240 of the County Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave. in downtown Los Alamos.

Contact Information:

• For information, visit clerks@lacnm.us and elections@lacnm.us or call 505.662.8010 during business hours.