PRIMARY Election ’22
A VOTERS GUIDE TO THE 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION
COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICTS 1, 2 AND 5
T
SHERIFF
DISTRICT 42 N.M. HOUSE REP
AOS COUNTY MAY BE SUFFERING from a case of political apathy. That has to change. There are 18 candidates vying for office in this year’s Primary Election in Taos County — 25 percent fewer compared to the 24 who ran in 2018. The voter turnout in the March municipal elections in Taos, Questa and Taos Ski Valley — despite some interesting races — was also low, following a statewide trend that indicates fewer and fewer people showing up to vote on election day or sending in a mail-in ballot to participate in the political process. And if all of these factors are a reflection of a waning interest in politics, there would be a myriad of factors in recent years, months and even weeks that might explain why. Would-be voters and politicians are, understandably, distracted. The pandemic isn’t over yet, as much as we
DISTRICT 41 N.M. HOUSE REP
ASSESSOR
all wish it was, and people young and old are desperate to return to some semblance of normal life, even as the economy continues to falter in the wake of the virus’ arrival and is showing signs of recession. Over the last month and a half, we have watched as the largest wildfire in the nation this spring has grown to become the largest in state history, adding another layer of stress to our already exhausted region of New Mexico. And, over the last five years, it has once again become clear that to enter politics often means entering a profession fraught with hyperpartisanship, public polarization and bureaucracy so tangled it can make it difficult for even the most adept politician to get things done. But, these times should also remind us why putting the right people in charge of our county and the political districts that overlap it is so important.
PROBATE JUDGE
MAGISTRATE JUDGE DIVISIONS 1 AND 2
This year, we again decide who will represent us on our county commission, oversee our county’s largest law enforcement office, ensure that our voices are heard in the N.M. House of Representatives, value our property and guide us in planning how our loved ones are taken care of when we are gone. To everyone who has had the courage to continue in office or who are entering politics for the first time, we applaud you and wish you luck. They all are vying to take on critical roles and their efforts are worthy of every eligible voter’s attention in Taos County — and their time and energy when they go to vote on election day, June 7. We hope you will spend time with this guide, and as you read about each candidate, think deeply about who is truly the best person for each job. – Editor John Miller