Byline: by Rodd Cayton
The voter rolls in Bernalillo County are shipshape, county officials have announced.
The county Board of Registration convened Tuesday to confirm a thorough review of voter rolls and approved necessary updates in accordance with New Mexico state election laws.
“The Board of Registration plays an essential role in safeguarding the electoral process by ensuring that voter registration records are current and compliant with state law,” County Clerk Michelle Kavanaugh said. “This work reinforces Bernalillo County’s commitment to transparent, efficient and secure elections.”
The five-member board is responsible for reviewing voter registration records and directing the cancellation of outdated registrations. Nathan Jaramillo, Bureau of Elections administrator for the county, said the review fills the board’s statutory duty to ensure the accuracy of the voter rolls, in part by preparing to trim the list of people who no longer vote.
He said the only voters added to the inactive list are those who have not voted in two consecutive general elections and failed to respond to official notices, or those who have confirmed in writing that they have moved outside Bernalillo County.
A voter’s placement on the inactive list doesn’t mean he or she is no longer registered, Jaramillo said. The board reviews the list and decides whether to remove a name from the voter rolls.
Those struck from the rolls will need to register again, he said.
Jaramillo told CityDesk ABQ the Bureau of Elections places a high priority on election integrity, to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
“Voter fraud is extremely rare in Bernalillo County and across New Mexico,” he said, adding that officials have several safeguards in place to prevent fraud.
He said local officials’ dedication to voter access is equally important and they offer several different ways to cast ballots, including interpreters and assistance to those who use languages other than English or those with vision or hearing impariment.
“We work hard to remove barriers to voting while upholding the integrity and security of our elections,” Jaramillo said.
Voter registration is available year-round, and residents are encouraged to verify their status, update their information, or register to vote here or by calling 505-468-1291.