New Mexico State Canvass Board Certifies 2024 Election Results with Recounts Ordered
The New Mexico State Canvass Board unanimously certified the 2024 general election results, leading to automatic recounts in two closely contested races: the State Representative District 57 and Los Alamos County Commissioner positions. Voter turnout was reported at 67.13% among registered voters, reflecting strong public engagement in the election process.
On Tuesday, New Mexico’s State Canvass Board officially certified the results of the 2024 general election during a meeting held in Santa Fe. The board, comprised of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, and Chief Justice David K. Thomson of the New Mexico Supreme Court, ratified the election outcomes by signing the certificate of canvass. Furthermore, the board mandated automatic recounts for two tightly contested races: the State Representative District 57 and the Los Alamos County Commissioner (At-Large) positions.
In the race for State Representative District 57, Republican candidate Catherine Cullen garnered 8,374 votes compared to Democrat Michelle Sandoval’s 8,244 votes. Additionally, in the Los Alamos County Commissioner race, Democrat Ryan Herrmann, Democrat Beverly Neal-Clinton, and Republican David Reagor received 6,122, 5,724, and 5,270 votes respectively, all of which were significant percentages of the 26,511 total votes cast. The next board meeting is scheduled for December 16 to examine the results of these automatic recounts.
The Office of the Secretary of State reported an impressive voter turnout rate of 67.13% of the 1,382,761 registered voters. The turnout included 928,290 participants, with 111,403 casting absentee ballots, 556,281 voting early, and 252,515 voting on Election Day, along with 8,091 provisional and hand tally votes. Furthermore, the use of same-day voter registration during the early voting period and on Election Day accounted for 52,358 transactions, including 25,485 on Election Day alone. These figures reflect the heightened engagement of voters in the electoral process in New Mexico.
The certification of election results is a critical process in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the electoral system. Following the conclusion of the voting period, state canvass boards, consisting typically of state officials and judges, meet to review and confirm the results reported by local election officials. This process includes verifying the tallies, looking into discrepancies, and mandating recounts when necessary, particularly in closely contested races. Voter turnout, which often reflects public engagement and confidence in the electoral process, is a significant metric presented during these certifications. The occurrence of automatic recounts, as seen in New Mexico this year, further underscores the competitive nature of certain elections and the importance placed on transparent, accurate voting procedures.
In summary, the certification of New Mexico’s 2024 general election results by the State Canvass Board highlights the critical role of oversight in the electoral process. The decision to order automatic recounts in two specific races emphasizes the close margins affecting electoral outcomes. Additionally, the robust voter turnout underscores the public’s active participation in democracy. The forthcoming meeting to certify recount results will be pivotal in confirming the accuracy of these elections, reinforcing public confidence in the electoral system.
Original Source: www.kob.com