Time to Get Out and Vote

By Rhonda Jones

The primary season is upon us, and we are privileged to have almost a full month to vote in the primary for the candidates who will be on the November ballot. Early voting started May 5 with election day on June 2, so there is plenty of time to vote.

Unfortunately, voting turnout is usually low in a mid-term election cycle, especially in the primary, even though the primary determines who the candidates will be in November.

This year, even Independent voters will be able to go to the polls and vote in either the Democrat or Republican races, whichever they choose. This is exciting because Independent voters in the past could not participate at all in the primary election unless there were Independent races. This gives a voice to all voters.

So, why do people choose not to vote? After all, voting is considered a privilege and a right that is not allowed in many countries. Some countries that do allow voting also rig the system so the chosen candidate wins the election.

I have talked with voters who often feel our elections are not regulated properly and that cheating might take place. Therefore, they do not vote because they feel the vote will not be counted. After working the elections here in Eddy County for five years, I can assure the residents here that every vote is meticulously counted and that no one leaves the polling place until all votes are tabulated and balanced.

We have several checks and balances to follow, and every step must be done without exception. Our County Clerk’s office works closely throughout the day with all precincts to make sure that every person wanting to vote can vote and that every vote is part of the final tabulation.

Another excuse I hear is “my vote doesn’t really matter with so many others voting.” So many races are actually won by just a few votes, especially local races. (By the way, the local races are just as important, if not more important, than the state and federal races. The laws enacted in your city and county often affect your life even more than state and federal laws.)

For example, between 2012 and 2022, there were 15 elections that were won by less than 200 votes. One election was won by only eight votes, and another by just nine. Many of the 15 were won by less than 50 votes. These were races for the New Mexico House of Representatives, but many local elections are won by very slim margins. It is easy to see that every vote matters in these elections.

Are you registered to vote? Many people are not, but over the next few weeks, there will be opportunities to get registered to vote before the election. You may see people at events in the county who have voter registration cards and can help you register to vote.

You can also go to the County Clerk’s office and register. In addition to that, the motor vehicles department can register you to vote when you go there to renew your driver’s license. Lastly, you can actually register to vote when you go to vote, as New Mexico has same-day registration.

So, there are just no excuses not to vote, and plenty of reasons to vote. It usually only takes a few minutes, so please take advantage of your right to vote and vote!

“A vote is not a valentine. You are not expressing your love for the candidate. You are making a chess move for the world you want to live in.” (Author Unknown)