Determining how to vote during this midterm can be intimidating. There are major races like those for Governor, Federal Representatives, and Senators. But, how is one supposed to know about Constitutional Amendments, the many bonds that will appear on the ballot, and whether or not to retain judges? There are many important issues and positions that require an educated vote. FDR stated “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” We realize that for some New Mexicans, Election Day comes with apprehension and anxiety, as the education FDR refers to can be difficult to obtain. Fortunately, there are several resources available to help voters make educated decisions this election cycle.
New Mexico Secretary of State Website
Want to dive deeper into the bond questions and the constitutional amendment to see the cases for and against each issue? The New Mexico Secretary of State has created a workbook to assist voters.
New Mexico Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission (JPEC)
Many New Mexicans express frustration with the lack of information on how judges are performing. The New Mexico Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission provides a position on whether or not to retain judges based on performance.
Ballot Ready
Finally, as you gear up to exercise your American right and freedom, Ballot Ready allows voters to fill out an electronic sample ballot and provides information on candidates. The sample ballot can then be printed and taken to the polls. It is one of the most comprehensive, easy-to-use tools available on the web (next to Viante scorecards, of course).
Voting Location Maps
Viante has created two voting location maps – one with all 125 early voting sites and another map with all 495 election day voting locations. You can easily click on the maps and zoom in to find a location that is most convenient for you.
Viante New Mexico Scorecard
Elected officials in our state legislature are important in determining if the state can remove itself from the wrong end of nearly every national list. In 2018, all 70 New Mexico House seats are up for election, with many individuals trying to retain their seat. For unbiased, nonpartisan information on how incumbent legislators are moving the needle on education, crime and quality of life, voters can see scorecards from Viante New Mexico.
League of Women Voters of New Mexico
The League of Women Voters of New Mexico does a remarkable job every election cycle to survey every candidate about their positions on the key issues facing their communities and how they would work to address them. The group also works to include analyses on the bond questions and constitutional amendment.
New Mexico News Sites
Three major papers published in New Mexico report on the candidates their merits, challenges, history, and visions for their prospective positions.
– Albuquerque Journal
– Las Cruces Sun News
– Santa Fe New Mexican
