Election workers ready to greet voters earlier Tuesday in Los Alamos County Council Chambers on the first day of In-Person Early Voting for the 2022 Primary Election. Pictured are, from left, above, Debra Baker, Norma Tech, Leslie Esquibel, Zoe Robles Rivera, Sharyl Hofer, Marilyn Rohn, and Linda Fox. Photo Courtesy LAC Clerk‘s Office
COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE NEWS RELEASE
Tuesday marked the start of in-person early voting for the 2022 Primary Election, and County Clerk Naomi Maestas would like to let residents know that her office is working hard to make sure citizens are still able to vote while the community is impacted by the Cerro Pelado Fire. As the County moves between the “Ready, Set, Go” phases of the wildfire preparedness program, Los Alamos County Clerk Naomi Maestas recommends citizens stay informed by visiting their webpage for up-to-date election information, and urges residents to solidify a voting plan.
“Our democracy is resilient in Los Alamos County – but it is important to have flexibility and options for voters, particularly in a time of crisis. It is vital that we give confidence to our voters, that even during this wildfire emergency, they can access their ballot and let their voice be heard,” said Clerk Maestas.
Voting Services WILL BE available this week and will continue as planned thru June 7
Citizens can vote early in-person Tuesday, May 10 thru Friday, May 13, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm, in Council Chambers, 1000 Central Avenue. IF the County moves to the “Go” phase, and officials require residents from the townsite to evacuate, an alternate voting location has been set up in White Rock at the White Rock Town Hall, located at 129 Longview Drive. If launched, this alternate voting location will follow the same voting days and hours and will remain in place until deemed otherwise. In the event that both Los Alamos and White Rock are evacuated, a mobile voting unit will be placed somewhere within the County that is deemed safe.
Voter Registration by mail & online closed today, Tuesday, May 10. Same-Day Voter Registration continues thru June 7.
Residents who are not registered, have moved, or changed their mailing address may apply online thru 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, using the New Mexico Secretary of State (SOS) Voter Registration Portal: http://www.nmvote.org. In addition, Same-Day Voter Registration (SDVR) services will be offered at Vote Centers thru Election Day, June 7 during regular voting hours and days of business. NOTE: Pursuant to NMSA 1-4-5.7 E, a voter whose political party affiliation on the voter’s certificate of registration is with a major political party shall not be allowed to change party affiliation when updating an existing registration thru SDVR during a Primary Election.
It is not too late to Vote by Mail!
Absentee Applications may still be obtained through the following methods: applications can be mailed to voters by request, voters can apply online at http://www.nmvote.org, voters can download a form from the Clerk’s webpage, or forms may be picked up in person at the Clerk’s Office or at any Vote Center. Remember, voting absentee by mail is secure, and confidential, and all qualified absentee ballots are counted. The last day to request an absentee ballot (Federal or Domestic-within USA) is Thursday, June 2.
Absentee Ballots for applications submitted and verified are now being mailed out. Voters can drop their completed absentee ballots at either Mesa Public Library or White Rock Branch Library Drive-Thru Ballot Drop-Boxes, or at any Early or Election Day Vote Center, thru 7 p.m. on Election Day. ALL absentee ballots are physically due back to the Clerk’s Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Election Day, Tuesday, June 7, 2022 – The following Vote Centers are scheduled to be open between 7 a.m. and 7p.m., unless emergency plans deem otherwise:
• LAC Municipal Bldg. – Council Chambers, 1000 Central Avenue
• White Rock Town Hall – Conference Training Rooms,139 Longview Drive
• LAC Golf Course Community Bldg. – Multi-Purpose Room, 4244 Diamond Drive
• University of New Mexico – Los Alamos, Bldg. 6 Room 631, 4000 University Drive
• Betty Ehart Senior Center – Downstairs Classroom, 1101 Bathtub Row
For additional information on anything related to the 2022 Primary Election in Los Alamos County, please call the Clerk’s Office at (505) 662-8010 or email elections@lacnm.us. As the election season progresses, the Clerk’s Office will share updates via the web at www.losalamosnm.us/clerk.
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