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.
GET READY TO VOTE BY VISITING THE STATEWIDE VOTER GUIDE
Vote411.org is an Internet site that will help voters prepare themselves for the upcoming Primary Election in New Mexico. This website-based election tool from the League of Women Voters functions as an online voter guide. Election information and answers from Primary Election candidates are key features of this free and easy-to-use website.
“The League is offering this as a free public service,” said state Voter Services Chair Edwina Jaramillo, who is also on the Board of Directors of the League of Southern New Mexico based in Las Cruces. “It is user-friendly for voters, and is easy for candidates to use, offering them more flexibility when they present information to potential supporters.
Voters can go online at Vote411.org, and then enter their address to find what is on their ballot, information on candidates’ qualifications, and answers to League questions on where they stand on issues. Early voting has begun in New Mexico; the Primary Election day is June 4, 2024. Early voting ends the Saturday before the election.
State League officials said virtually all election needs can now be handled from home. “Apply for your absentee ballot, use the VOTE411 Voter Guide to find out about your candidates and election issues and vote from home,” said LWVNM Co-President Hannah Burling.
Any eligible voter can also register to vote or update their voter registration and then vote on the same day at their County Clerk’s office or at any polling location in their county on Election Day and at participating Early Voting locations. The NM Secretary of State is going to mail absentee ballot requests to all voters registered with a major party in the state, but voters can submit an absentee ballot application online now at NMVOTE.org. The application must be mailed back immediately in order for voters to receive the actual ballot.
CANDIDATES’ FORUM FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY RACE DRAWS BIG CROWD
Asking the candidates questions was SNM Bar Association President Israel Chavez, and seated were Bobbie Green, NAACP President, and Jen Kreie and Kathe Kanim, from LWVSNM.
The League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico co-sponsored a candidates’ forum for those vying for the Doña Ana County District Attorney’s race in the Primary Election. Joining the League was the Doña Ana County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP-DAC) and the Southern New Mexico Bar Association. There was a full crowd at City Hall to hear five candidates answer questions from the League and from the audience.
All Democratic candidates attended: Ramona Martinez, Fernando Macias, Gerald Byers, and Shaharazad Booth. In addition, Michael Cain, the sole Republican running in the Primary Election, also attended.
The forum lasted for more than an hour as each candidate responded to a wide range of questions including their views on the operations of the District Attorney’s office, bail requirements, networking with other law enforcement agencies, their philosophies about allowing non-violent offenders to serve their sentences out of jail, and their backgrounds in the legal profession. Early voting for the Primary election begins on May 7. To get more election information about the candidates, go to www.Vote411.org. Residents can also register to vote online at www.nmvote.org.
LEAGUE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING IS SATURDAY, 13TH
One of the most important meetings of the year will be Saturday, April 13 — the Annual Business Meeting will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the DACC Workforce Center, 2345 Nevada Ave. It will also be available to members online, over Zoom. The meeting will include election of officers and directors for the 2024/25 fiscal year, approval of positions and the budget, and changes to the League’s bylaws. Other issues will also be addressed. In addition, there will be a fundraising Silent Auction. Members should arrive early and place their bids for gifts such as jewelry, Talavera pottery, gift cards, and so much more!
LEAGUE POSITIONS UNDER REVISION
Two of LWVSNM’s Positions have been undergoing major revisions. All League members are encouraged to read the draft changes. Click on the “Program & Positions” menu at the top of this page to read the proposed changes to the Education Position and the Affordable Housing Position. League members are encouraged to attend unit meetings where the proposals will be discussed. If consensus is reached, the proposed changes will be recommended for adoption at the April 2024 Annual Business Meeting.
KAYLA BLANCHARD SELECTED AS MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK AWARD RECIPIENT
Kayla Blanchard of Alamogordo has been selected for the 2024 Making Democracy Work Award (MDWA) given annually by the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico. Blanchard was presented a Certificate of Recognition and a cash award for $250 at the Feb. 10, 2024 meeting of the LWVSNM in Las Cruces, said League Co-President Jo Galván Nash. Kayla is the health equity specialist and coordinator for the Otero County Community Health Council (OCCHC) in Alamogordo. Read the full story here. You can also read about the past honorees here.
LEAGUE MEMBERS DISCUSS UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
LWVSNM was proud to partner with the Doña Ana County Chapter of NAACP and AAUW for the 2023 Legislative Conversation and Holiday Social. Dozens of members from the three organizations heard from Doña Ana County lawmakers who are planning their work for the upcoming session in Santa Fe. The legislators also heard about priorities that the organizations will support. The LWVSNM will advocate for education; modernization of the Legislature by paying lawmakers a fair salary; water resources; gun safety; and amending the NM Constitution to create an independent redistricting commission; among other issues.
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.