Counting Every Vote Strengthens Our Democracy

Albuquerque —New Mexicans voted at near-historic levels to send a clear message in support of a Biden/Harris administration leading our country. Their winning message of hope over fear, rights for working Americans, strong systems of public education from early through higher education, access to high-quality healthcare, and respect for our democratic institutions helped usher in wins across the country and also in New Mexico.

We offer our heartfelt congratulations to each of the AFT New Mexico-endorsed candidates who were successful in their individual elections, including U.S. Senator-elect Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Congresswoman Deb...

Over the course of this election season, New Mexicans – and the American people – exercised their right to vote in remarkable numbers. The greatest turnout in the history of our state, and the unprecedented enthusiasm from across the political spectrum, serve as a resounding demonstration of the strength of our democracy. I can’t recall, in my lifetime, a more inspiring affirmation of the power of the people. Our vote is our voice. And we have spoken – loudly and clearly.

The American people are ready to begin a new chapter. It is time for change, meaningful change; it is time for a wholesale restoration of American leadership, a reinvestment in the American people, a...

How the votes get counted in McKinley County

John Quincy Adams agreed with Jefferson on one fundamental principal, government derived its legitimacy from the consent of the governed.  The rule of the ballot box.

Elections involve a lot more than voting and it’s not easy. There’s a lot that goes into making voting a successful venture for the ordinary citizen. I got an inside look when I signed up as a challenger representing a political party. Challengers from each political party are allowed by law to observe on a limited basis the “behind the scenes” of the voting process. The infrastructure and effort that is involved is substantial and was an eye-opener for me. Here are...

The voices and experiences of Native communities have been missing from federal, state and local conversations about reproductive health. That has never been more true than on Monday {Oct. 26] when another conservative anti-abortion justice was confirmed to the Supreme Court--even though ground-breaking research shows that Native Americans, like the majority of all Americans, support reproductive freedom.

Native Americans believe in the reproductive justice values of self-determination and body sovereignty, respect in healthcare decision making, and reproductive healthcare access for all people. We deserve a Supreme Court that’s not in conflict with our values.

According to the...