Vote for New Mexico

As the November elections approach, I have been thinking more about the key issues we face in our electric industry, along with challenges and opportunities we have right here in New Mexico.

For several years, we have faced numerous challenges: delayed delivery times for much-needed power system equipment, difficulty hiring and retaining employees, and increasing regulatory demands, to name a few. New Mexico’s electric distribution cooperatives work diligently every day to develop new strategies to address these concerns. However, we cannot do this alone. It will continue to take a concerted effort across the state to develop a long-term plan to deliver on initiatives our legislators prioritized.

For our cooperatives that work with minimal staffing to keep our systems reliable and our rates affordable, it can be difficult to keep up—especially with legislation that can appear to consider urban areas more than rural communities. We need to work together to build a long-term strategy that encompasses rural economic development, infrastructure expansion and grid hardening, as well as education, broadband deployment, electric reliability and water supply sustainability. We need to elect well-informed candidates who are focused on the unique challenges that affect our local communities, our great state and our nation.

Key election dates are coming up fast. Early voting begins Oct. 8, the deadline for mail-in ballots is Oct. 31, and Election Day is Nov. 5. Additional information can be found on the New Mexico secretary of state’s website or your local county clerk’s office. You can get a list of all candidates running in your area.

You can also visit local news websites, such as the Alamogordo Daily News, Albuquerque Journal, El Defensor Chieftain, Las Cruces Bulletin and the Santa Fe New Mexican, to name a few, which often feature candidate profiles, interviews and debates. Community forums and local political groups can also offer valuable insights into local candidates’ positions and qualifications.

For state-level elections, such as governor, state legislators and other statewide offices, you can research each candidate’s platform and previous voting performance record. Ballotpedia provides comprehensive information on state candidates, including their political backgrounds, policy positions and election results from past races.

To get updates on campaigns and candidate positions, follow and review the candidates’ official websites and social media profiles. Additionally, check for any state-specific voter guides or endorsements from local organizations that can provide insights into which candidates align best with your values.

For federal positions, such as U.S. Congress members and the president, use reputable sources, such as the Federal Election Commission for campaign finance information and official candidate websites, for their platforms. National news outlets and political analysis sites, such as FiveThirtyEight or Politico, offer detailed coverage and analysis of federal candidates and races.

Consider watching the televised debates and reading up on candidate endorsements to get a clearer picture of their stances on national issues that could impact the electric utility industry. Additionally, you can use voter guide websites, such as VoteSmart, to compare candidates’ records and positions on various topics.

Make sure you are registered to vote and your information is up to date. You can check your registration status on the New Mexico secretary of state’s website. If you need to register or update your information, instructions are provided on the website.

You can also decide if you will vote in person or by mail. Early voting can be a convenient option if you have a busy schedule on Election Day. For in-person voting, locate your polling place using the information available on your voter registration portal.

Election seasons are dynamic, and information can change daily. If you get a chance to talk to your candidates, be sure to ask them about their positions on rural New Mexico issues. Stay engaged by following local news, participating in community discussions and attending town halls or candidate forums. Your active participation will help you make an informed decision and contribute to the health of our democracy.

We will continue to work with our legislators, state agencies and local communities to address our local needs and to focus on innovation to increase our sustainability. We are grateful for the work done already, the wonderful support we have received and for our legislators who are committed to educating themselves about our unique challenges. We are also grateful to all of you, our electric cooperative members. Thank you for your commitment to keeping the lights on, keeping our employees safe, and staying community owned and operated. Let’s get out and vote.