Special Election Coverage: Midterms 2018
GO Bond D
In less than a week, the midterm elections will determine important political outcomes across the country. In New Mexico, students and faculty members of universities and colleges are on edge about the General Obligation Bond D. This bond will help fund higher education projects across New Mexico and will not result in tax increases.
“The 2018 GO Bond D will support NMSU’s commitment to providing students with hands-on learning opportunities and better training facilities. The proposed buildings and spaces will increase student involvement in research and also enhance training in the day-to-day operation of livestock facilities. This will help student placement upon graduation,” said the Dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Rolando A. Flores.
At a cost of $128 million, Bond D will help fund the reconstruction of many buildings deemed in poor condition at universities and colleges around the state. New Mexico State University is expecting more than $31 million for modernization and restoration projects around the main campus. If the bond is approved by voters, a large portion of the funding is planned for agricultural development and for renovation of ACES educational facilities on campus. Visit gobond.nmsu.edu for more information.
“If NMSU students want to see their higher education experience increase, then voting is imperative because it shows the state that we value our education and our community,” said the president of the Government Graduate Student Organization, Toria Kovacs.
State Senate, U.S. Representative and Governor Seats
Voters in Las Cruces will also take part in electing the District 33 State Representative. Democrat Micaela Lara Cadena and Republican Charles R. Wendler are on the ballot. Wendler ran as the Republican candidate for the New Mexico State Senate of District 38 in 2016, but lost to democratic incumbent Mary Kay Papen.
Democrat Xochitl Torres Small and Republican Yvette Herrell are two candidates who advanced from the primaries to become the candidates for United States Representative for the 2nd Congressional District.
U.S. Reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-NM 1st District, and Steve Pearce, R-NM 2nd District, are the two candidates hoping to become New Mexico’s 32nd governor. The winning candidate will replace current Republican governor, Susana Martinez.
“This right to vote is our civic duty to uphold because it is unique in the fact that we, as engaged citizens, have the power to hold our elected representatives accountable. When we vote we maintain our ability to express our freedoms as well as show our approval and disapproval for policies that influence daily life,” Kovacs said.
In order to vote in New Mexico, one must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of New Mexico and at least 18 years old by the time of the general election. Early voting began on Oct. 20 and ends Saturday, Nov. 3. General voting is Tuesday, Nov. 6. For more information visit NMVote.org.
