The League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico is a tax-exempt 501(c)3, non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. The mission of the League is “empowering voters and strengthening democracy.”
NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THE 2025 MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK AWARD
The League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico (LWVSNM) is accepting nominations for the 5th annual Making Democracy Work Award. The award is given annually in February to recognize individuals involved with outstanding projects or activities that support democracy, said the League’s president.
“The League wants to honor the efforts of individuals in Southern New Mexico who strengthen the democracy and are engaged with activities that have a positive and lasting impact on our communities,” said Jo Galván Nash, president. “We also want to recognize projects that incorporate the principles of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.”
The nomination submission should include a description of how their project of activity has strengthened democracy. Nominations are being accepted through February 7, 2025. The honoree(s) will be recognized by the League and will receive a $250 cash prize. Read more about the award here or CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE.
LWVSNM IS EAGER TO STUDY LIBRARIES IN DONA ANA COUNTY
One of LWVSNM’s upcoming projects is to study libraries in Doña Ana County. The last time this public policy “Position” was updated locally was in 2007. Read the position here. In order to update the Position, league members will conduct research and discuss how the Position covers the library’s modern-day needs, expectations, and resources. One of the changes under consideration is to expand the scope of the Position to allow for support and advocacy for rural libraries, in addition to Las Cruces’ Branigan Memorial Library. Any LWVSNM member who wants to help with the update should email the League at lwvsnm@gmail.com
IMMIGRATION & BORDER POLICIES DISCUSSED WITH LEAGUE MEMBERS
The League held a general membership meeting to discuss a timely and important issue — immigration & border policies. The program featured two experts from the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC). “Beyond Detention Walls: Understanding Immigrant Detention in New Mexico” was addressed over Zoom by Alondra Reyes, the manager of the Center’s Policies and Partnerships, and Jessica Martinez, director of the Center’s Policy and Coalition Building. 
The legislation they will push at the upcoming Legislative session will be passage of the “Immigrant Safety Act.” Among the many changes they endorse is to remove what they describe as inappropriate and inhumane treatment of men and women immigrants detained in privately managed detention facilities. Asylum seekers are currently in three such facilities in New Mexico, with the southernmost location in Otero County.
Several organizations, including the League of Women Voters, will be following potential legislation that deals with how immigrants are treated, whether their status in the United States will be changing with the new presidential administration, and what legal issues need to be addressed for immigrants wanting to enter the US legally.
NMILC was founded in 2010 and provides free legal assistance and resources to New Mexico’s immigrants. The Center has served more than 5,700 people from 86 different countries who live in 28 of New Mexico’s counties.
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LAWMAKERS
Courtesy of the NM Legislative Council Service, there is an updated list of all New Mexico’s legislators. The public can call, write or email the lawmakers at any time. The 2025 Legislative session begins on January 21 at noon at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Citizens can also monitor meetings by going to the Legislative website and click on “Webcast” on the top menu.
LEGISLATORS SHARE THEIR IDEAS ABOUT NEW LAWS
LWVSNM thanks our area legislators who attended the 2024 Legislative Conversation and Social on Dec. 7: Rep. Angelica Rubio, Rep. Joanne Ferrary, Rep. Sarah Silva, Rep. Doreen Gallegos, Senator Jeff Steinborn and Senator Bill Soules. The annual meeting is co-hosted by the Las Cruces Chapter of AAUW and Doña Ana County NAACP. More than 80 people attended to listen to what the lawmakers are considering to propose in the January 2025 Legislative session. The League also shared its top legislative ideas that it will support including education, health care, affordable housing, and water protection.
In addition to the luncheon and the conversation with legislators, many local businesses contributed by providing gifts for the event raffle. We thank: Ashley’s Furniture, El Vagón Tacos, Indulgence Bakery and Cafe, La Posta, Mesilla Book Store, NM Thrift Boutique, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pat Berry, Sam’s Club, Sprouts, Starbucks (Univ. at Espina), and Sunset Grill. The raffle proceeds of more than $800 will benefit the League.
THANK YOU VOTERS!
On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico, I want to thank each and every individual who voted in the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election. The Secretary of State reports that more than 66% of New Mexicans (nearly 915,000 people) went to the election polls or cast an absentee ballot. Click here to see the election results. Regardless of the outcome for any given candidate, Constitutional Amendment, Bond Issue, or local tax, LWVSNM, a non-partisan organization, is proud of the efforts that many individuals made to promote the election and the opportunity to vote. If you read our Voter Guide, please take the survey below. As always, this League will continue to empower voters and strengthen Democracy.
—Jo Galván Nash, President, LWVSNM
Click here to read a statement from the national League of Women Voters.
READ THE 2024 VOTER GUIDE! English and Spanish
The 2024 Voter Guide, produced by the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico, includes important information regarding the Nov. 5th, 2024 General Election. You can also read answers to the League’s questions from many of the candidates who responded. Click here to read or download the Voter Guide. Then, fill out the Voter Guide Survey below.
A Spanish language guide is also available. Click here.
JOIN THE LEAGUE TODAY!
If you’ve ever considered joining a group of active citizens who want to strengthen our Democracy, join the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico. We are accepting new members, women and men, who want to get involved in activities and civic engagement that will protect our voting rights and so much more. Just click here to fill out a membership form. The yearly dues are only $65; a second member in the same household can also join for $32.50. Enrolled students (16 years and older) can join for free. LWVSNM meets once a month and connects with the community through a variety of activities that focus on voting, elections, education, affordable housing, violence prevention, libraries, and more. For more information, email lwvsnm@gmail.com.