Something I Spotted in Carlsbad

By Hattie Quinn (aired on KCCC930 AM on October 16, 2025)

And now for “Something I Spotted in Carlsbad,” my personal reflection from around town. Last week, I took the Introduction to Podcasting class on a field trip to the candidate forum for Carlsbad local elections hosted by the Women for a Better Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Local and held at SENMC.

RedRocket Media recorded the forum and live-streamed it on Facebook, where it can be watched in its entirety on their pages or heard as episodes of Community Forum on kccc930am.com. Our lesson that night? Researching in the moment at a live event and capturing the moment and mood.

What struck me wasn’t just the candidates’ passion for their positions, but the questions gathered from students and the audience. People asked about drilling for oil in earshot (and nose shot) of the city, about educational policies that will shape children not yet born, and water rights that connect us to generations past and future.

It reminded me that local government isn’t abstract—it’s the street we drive on, the water that comes from our taps, the teacher-to-student ratio in our children’s classrooms. These candidates aren’t running for power or prestige; they are stepping into the often thankless work of municipal service because they believe in Carlsbad (or Artesia or whichever community you reside in).

They believe we are worth the effort. Whether a longtime incumbent or an up-and-coming public servant, all cared first and foremost about making life better in Carlsbad.

Yet here’s what troubles me: over the last few elections, Eddy County has seen voter turnout of around 11.6%. That means nearly nine out of 10 eligible voters stayed home while decisions were made about their community’s future. We complain about potholes and policies, but when given the chance to choose who addresses those problems, most of us have been silent.

Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. It’s the accumulated weight of individual choices; each of us chooses to show up, to research, to participate, or not. The people who do vote aren’t just choosing candidates; they’re determining which issues get attention, which neighborhoods get resources, and which voices get heard. When you don’t vote, you’re not abstaining; you’re letting someone else decide for you.

Early voting is available at the County Clerk’s Office—325 South Main St. in Carlsbad or at the sub-office at 602 South 1st St. in Artesia—for their local elections through Saturday, November 1. Our neighbors showed up to run for office. The least we can do is show up to vote.

Have you spotted something in Carlsbad that made you think differently about our community? Please send your observations through our contact form at KCCC930am.com, and we may share them on air.