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Mayoral Candidates Discuss Voter Turnout

Voter Turnout levels have been dropping in recent years, and candidates and city officials are trying to get more people to the polls. 

The last mayoral election in Las Cruces saw 19% voter turnout, and the last non-mayoral municipal election saw only 8% of registered voters making it to the polls. Las Cruces spokesperson Udell Vigil said they expect this mayoral election to be similar. 

"So we have a mayoral election underway now," Vigil said. "And so we expect a little higher voter turnout. What we're having for early voting is about average for this time of year."

Mayoral candidate Miguel Silva says voting is important because it determines the direction taken in the city. 

"I think most important is your electing your leadership for mayor for the next 4 years," Silva said. "And the direction that we're headed. So, we have some exciting projects on the horizon, and so with engaged leadership I think you're going to see some exciting projects come forth. 

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Candidate Gina Montoya Ortega says voter turnour is dropping because the people don't feel engaged and she wants to change that.

"The people want their voices back," Ortega said. "I believe I'm the candidate that can do that for them. So, if they believe that they want their voices back and they want to be heard they need to get out and vote. Because I'm not a politician, I don't care to be one. I'm just a regular person like them, and I believe that what they have to say is important." 

Incumbent Mayor Ken Miyagishima says voting is especially important in local elections to make sure that local voices are being heard. 

"It's always important to vote," Miyagishima said. "Especially in municipal elections, and other elections as well. But it's even more important this time. You know I have hear with me a list of 5 individuals from Hobbs, Roswell, Artesia, Carlsbad, who have collectively contributed over $45,000 to help fund a lot of this nasty campaigning that your hearing. You have to wonder what exactly are their interest in trying to take over my seat, as well as a couple other council seats. A little concerning, hopefully the voters understand that and get out and vote." 

City Spokesperson Udell Vigil says the city is doing what it can to make sure people make it to the polls. 

"We're conducting quite a bit of outreach," Vigil said. "We're sending out a lot of news releases that are giving people information about early voting locations and hours, absentee voting, and voting convenience center locations on election day and the hours to vote. And we even produced a video with Miss New Mexico USA that we are airing on our channel and on our Facebook and website telling people the importance of voting and trying to get out the vote." 

Election Day is November 3rd. 

Samantha Sonner was a multimedia reporter for KRWG- TV/FM.