Just around the corner, the upcoming election is calling to citizens from all over the United States. Pressing matters including the rights of citizens and the state of the economy are being debated, causing a divide between members of different parties.
For months, candidates have been sharing their views with the public, discussing their initiatives for citizens on both a local and national level. For those who plan to vote, it is important to understand what these candidates stand for in deciding how to cast their vote.
The right to elect officials gives people a voice in determining who has the privilege of running the government. Before voting, there are many aspects to consider regarding what candidate will support you best.
Cory Sukala, an assistant professor in the government department at New Mexico State University, shared how important it is to not only vote for a president, but for Congress seats and local government, as well.
“While we’ve all seen the endless commercials for those races over the last few months, there’s also a lot of elections on the ballot that you probably haven’t heard about but that have just as much, if not more, impact on your life,” Sukala said. “In addition to races for the New Mexico state government, there are local races for County Clerk, County Treasurer, County Commissioners, and County judges.”
Sukala remarked that candidates within our local elections have the potential to affect us more personally than those in the primary election. Elected officials within each county put policies in place that directly impact people across the state. These decisions can involve how tax dollars are applied, social security benefits, and more.
“It might be the Presidential race that will get you to go out and vote this year, but these other races matter just as much,” Sukala stated.
Although not yet old enough to vote, Angel Ennis, an office assistant in the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, shared what voting means to her.
“I think it’s important to vote because I feel like every voice matters, and I feel like it’s important to speak up for what you believe in, especially when it is something so important in the states and especially like in smaller counties too,” Ennis said.
Alexa Aciff, an NMSU student who is looking forward to having her voice heard on Election Day, said it is important to recognize exactly what you want for your country and yourself before you vote. She remarked that establishing values assists a voter with deciding what candidates are right for them.
“I think that’s the main focus right now — looking into what you believe in and not what the masses want you to believe,” Aciff declared. “It’s a way to communicate what you are asking for to your government.”
One student, Joshua Mendoza, said his vote is determined by choosing the candidate that will protect the most rights of the people.
“There’s a lot of rights that we did have that are now seeking to be repealed,” Mendoza shared. “Project 2025, especially, especially, really scares me, and I think everybody should look into it and see what it has to do with our coming election, and how you feel about that.”
The primary presidential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris (D) and former President Donald Trump (R) are fighting for different causes. Looking at their official campaign websites is one way to help determine who best resonates with what you want for you and your country. While browsing their websites, compare the issues they highlight within their campaign. What are their plans for the country? Do they describe how they might succeed in those plans?
When heading to the polling station, remember there will be many issues and candidates on the ballot. Vote 411 provides a list of candidates within your area and additional information about each of them. Looking at this ahead of time can give you a chance to be better informed and prepared to submit your ballot.
While the deadlines to register to vote online and request an absentee ballot have now passed, New Mexico residents can still register to vote in person on Election Day. If your permanent residence is in Doña Ana County, visit this link for more information on same day registration. If you are already registered to vote, early voting takes place until Nov. 2 and absentee ballots can be dropped off at polling locations until 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Corbett Center Student Union on NMSU’s main campus is a polling location open for both early voting and same day voting on Election Day, which is next Tuesday, Nov. 5.
“Politics can be complicated and not every decision is as exciting as picking who to choose for President,” Sukala stated. “But if you actually want to see the world (including our state and our city) move in the direction that you think it should go, we all have to take some time to do our own research to be an educated and engaged citizen.”
