GRANTS, N.M. – As the 2024 election season approaches, Cibola County braces for a transformative electoral cycle encompassing presidential, statewide, and local elections. The primary election is slated for Tuesday, June 4, 2024, with the general election following on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
This election year is significant for Cibola County as it prepares for substantial shifts in the political landscape. Residents will vote for various key positions, including state legislature seats, county commission members, and city council seats, alongside the Presidential election.
State and Local Elections: A Look at the Key Races
In the New Mexico Legislature, the county's representation is at stake with all local seats in both the House of Representatives and the State Senate up for reelection. Districts 6 and 69 in the House, currently held by Eliseo 'Lee' Alcon and Harry Garcia respectively, along with Senate Districts 4 and 30 under George Munoz and Josh Sanchez, will all be up for re-election.
The Cibola County Commission expects a major shakeup as three of its five members, including Commission Chairman Daniel J. Torrez, Commissioner Robert Windhorst, and Commissioner Martha Garcia, have reached their term limits. These three members have served together since the economic crisis of 2018, where the county was reaching levels of financial insolvency, under their leadership and that of County Manager Kate Fletcher, the government was pulled out of debt and is running an economically sound ship, according to publicly available county financial data.
In the City of Grants, council seats in Districts 1 and 3 held by Zachary Gutierrez and Fred Rodarte are up for election. While Gutirrez has not served a full term, he did finish out the term held by current mayor, but then-City Councilor Erik Garcia; if Gutierez chooses to, he will be running to secure the seat as an elected member of the council. As for Councilor Rodarte, he will have hit his term limit and be ineligible to run for reelection. Notably, the City of Grants will participate only in the November general election, and will not be involved in the June primary election, according to Grants City Clerk Fran Salas.
This election year will include congressional and the US Presidential Race. Cibola County is part of New Mexico’s Second Congressional District.
As the election draws near, the importance of voter registration and election information shows its importance as some county residents say they were unaware of the recent elections in November. Residents with a New Mexico I.D. or driver’s license can register online. Alternatively, paper applications are available and can be mailed to the County Clerk’s Office. First-time registrants submitting by mail must include a form of identification. The county clerk's office, reachable at 505-285-2554, stands ready to assist voters with registration queries.
Voter registration closes 28 days prior to an election, but same-day registration is available in New Mexico. Registration is permanent in the state, but updates are necessary for address or name changes.
Online Registration
• Eligibility: If you have a current or expired New Mexico state I.D. or driver’s license.
• How to Register: Visit the New Mexico Online Voter Registration System online at https://www.sos.nm.gov/vo ting-and-elections/voter-information- portal-nmvoteorg/ voter-registration-infor mation/.
Paper Application
• Obtain a Form: Download a voter registration form in English or Spanish online at https://www.sos.nm.gov/vo ting-and-elections/voter-information- portal-nmvoteorg/ voter-registration-infor mation/ or request a copy by contacting the Cibola County Clerk’s Office at 505-285-2554.
• Submission: Mail the completed form to the Cibola County Clerk’s Office at PO Box 190 Grants, NM 87020. Or submit it in person at Cibola County Clerk’s Office 700 Roosevelt Avenue in Grants.
Requirements for Mail Registration
• For First-Time Voters in New Mexico: Include a copy of a current photo ID or a document showing your name and current address (like a utility bill or bank statement).
• For Existing Voters: Update your registration if you've changed address or changed your name.
Checking Registration Status
• Online Tool: Use the Secretary of State’s My Registration Information tool to check your registration status.
• Cibola County Clerk: Visit the County Clerk’s Office at 700 E. Roosevelt Ave in Grants to inquire about your registration status.
Voter Registration Application Availability
• Where to Find Forms: Available at county clerks offices, the Secretary of State’s office, Motor Vehicle Division offices, and public assistance offices.
Registration Timeline
• Residency Requirement: You can register immediately upon becoming a resident.
• Registration Closure: Residents must register 28 days prior to an election.
Same-Day Registration
• Availability: Offered in New Mexico. Attend a voting center and inform polling staff you would like to register to vote.
Young Voters
• 17-Year-Olds: Can register if turning 18 by the next election but cannot vote until 18.
Post-Registration
• Confirmation: You’ll receive a voter information card by mail once your registration is processed. This card is not required to vote.
Issues with Registration Forms
• Notification: If there's an issue, you’ll receive a letter with instructions to correct it.
Registration Post-Deadline
• Late Registration: Will be processed but only after the election.
Voting Rights Restoration
• After Felony Conviction: Rights are restored after release from incarceration. Registration options are provided during reentry.
Party Affiliation
• Selection: Optional. New Mexico has a closed primary system, so party affiliation matters for primary elections.
Those without a selected party cannot vote in the June primary elections.
• Major Parties: Democratic, Republican, Libertarian.
• Minor Parties:
New Mexico Working Families, Green Party of New Mexico.
For any further questions or assistance, Cibola County residents can contact the County Clerk’s Office at 505-285-2554.
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