Deputy county clerk dives into obstacles of polling places

BERNALILLO — Deputy County Clerk Joey Dominguez came prepared with the details behind the polling place selection process at a July 23 Sandoval County Commission meeting. Commissioners approved the locations for the statewide 2025, 2026 and 2027 elections.

However, before he was able to present, Sandoval County Republican Party Chair Beth Dowling expressed concerns about the resolution during public comment.

“I’ve looked at this, and I wanted to seriously talk to you about some issues that I have this evening,” she said.

She first pointed out that there was a misrepresentation of the number of removed polling places, stating that seven locations, not six, were removed.

She admitted that polling places “come and go” in any election but was distressed by the numbers being listed incorrectly. By her math, those removals account for 17% of the usual 42 locations being removed.

“It takes away what we call voting convenience centers. You look at McDonald’s restaurants. They’re all about convenience. I’m not saying that we are McDonald’s, but I would say that we need to have enough voting locations and business that we have here in Sandoval County,” she said.

She also took issue with the assigned poll location to precincts distances.

“I looked closely at them, and I will tell you just two examples. Precinct number 131 is right across the street in River’s Edge, three miles from the admin building. But arbitrarily, it’s assigned to the Rio Rancho Middle School, which is over four miles away. Another one is Precinct 82, which is located behind the admin building, and it’s set to another location that’s that’s two miles away,” she said. “I think you as commissioners should have a thorough look at what precincts are assigned. We all know that anyone can vote anywhere in the county, but when you talk about lessening the number of locations and also where they’re going to vote ...”

She added that the worst locations for this is Cochiti Pueblo.

“For whatever reason, I don’t know, Cochiti Pueblo is no longer a voting location, but it’s now being assigned to San Felipe, which is a 28-mile one-way trip. Now, you can say that those those voters in Cochiti Pueblo can go over to Pena Blanca, but I will tell you right now Pena Blanca has a serious problem with internet connectivity,” she said.

She urged that the clerk’s office look at more opportunities for locations.

Dominguez defended the office by noting some of the difficulties Sandoval County faces when trying to establish polling places.

“I think it’s important for folks outside of the community watching this to understand, maybe if you’re not from New Mexico or haven’t been here for several years, to understand the dynamics of tribal sovereignty,” he said.

He said that despite efforts by the county to consult with all seven tribes and pueblos in county borders to have a polling site there, the commission does not have authority to establish a polling site if the governor or council in those areas do not request it.

They tried to negotiate a center within Cochiti Pueblo but learned the building was under renovation and did not meet regulations for a voting center, according to Dominguez.

He said the county is always looking to expand access and that there is still time for locations to change their minds about being a polling site.

Chair Mike Meek asked if businesses are allowed to sponsor voting sites.

“Absolutely; we have a contract that we do it every election for property managers,” Dominguez said.

Part of the issue is making sure spaces are leased well before an election, he said.

“If you do find additional locations or businesses are interested, we’d be more than happy to meet with them and survey the polling site,” he said.

The current list of polling locations can be found within the July 23 meeting agenda packet in items 11 E and F. Polling places are subject to change, according to Dominguez.