-
Erik Garcia -
Clemente Sanchez
GRANTS, N.M. – The mayoral race for the City of Grants is awaiting a recount before an election winner can be chosen. The municipal election was held on March 1, voters elected two new councilors, a new municipal judge, and are not yet sure who won to be the next mayor.
Current City Councilor Erik Garcia was the election night winner, victorious by eight votes over former NM State Senator Clemente Sanchez. New Mexico State law requires a recount be called if a race is within one percent of the total votes cast in that election.
1,376 votes were cast in the Grants Mayoral Election. One percent of votes is 13 in this election. Because the difference between the two largest vote earners was only eight votes, a recount has been triggered.
On March 14 the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office met to discuss recounts across the state. As of press time on March 15 the Grants City Clerk was not informed of the date the Grants Mayoral recount will be held. The Cibola Citizen will alert the public when this information becomes available.
The public will be allowed to view the recount. When the recount is announced there will be specific rules established by the State of New Mexico on how to view these proceedings. The public is expected to follow the rules and regulations if they choose to observe the recount.
“The public is allowed to come watch, they’re all welcome,” City Clerk Frances Salas said, “We just need to follow the rules.”
Election winners
City Councilor Position 2 is currently held by Councilor Rick Lucero. Councilor-Elect George Garcia won this election in a landslide with 278 votes, neither of his opponents earned more than 55 votes each. City Councilor Position 4 is currently held by Fred Padilla. Councilor-Elect Beverly Michael won this election with 123 votes, 19 votes more than her closest opponent in this race.
The next Grants Municipal Judge will be Michael Chris Cavin, who earned 953 votes.