The New Mexico State Canvass Board certified the 2024 general election results and ordered automatic recounts in two close races: State Representative District 57 and Los Alamos County Commissioner (At-Large). The board’s unanimous decision highlights significant voter turnout, with over 928,000 ballots cast. The results will be finalized in a subsequent meeting scheduled for December 16.
On Tuesday, the State Canvass Board of New Mexico officially certified the results of the 2024 general election. This unanimous decision was made in a meeting attended by key officials, including Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, and Chief Justice David K. Thomson of the New Mexico Supreme Court. As part of the certification process, the board initiated automatic recounts for two contested races: State Representative District 57 and the Los Alamos County Commissioner (At-Large) position.
In the District 57 race, Republican Catherine Cullen secured 8,374 votes, while Democrat Michelle Sandoval followed closely with 8,244 votes, prompting the recount. Meanwhile, in the Los Alamos County Commissioner election, Democrats Ryan Herrmann and Beverly Neal-Clinton, along with Republican David Reagor, garnered nearly equal support among the 26,511 voters, which also triggered an automatic recount given the narrow margins.
The State Canvass Board plans to reconvene on December 16 to finalize the results of the automatic recounts. According to the Office of the Secretary of State, voter turnout for this election was significant, with 928,290 ballots cast out of 1,382,761 registered voters, reflecting a turnout rate of 67.13%. Additionally, the breakdown showed that early voting and absentee voting accounted for a substantial proportion of the participation, highlighting the state’s electoral engagement and accessibility measures.
The certification of election results is a critical step in the democratic process, ensuring the accuracy and legitimacy of the vote. In New Mexico, the State Canvass Board holds the responsibility to verify and certify results, including calling for recounts when the margins of victory are notably close. This year’s election has generated significant interest, and the voter turnout statistics indicate a peak engagement in the electoral process, which is necessary for a robust democracy.
In summary, the New Mexico State Canvass Board’s certification of the 2024 general election results marks an essential milestone in the electoral process. The board’s decision to initiate automatic recounts for closely contested races underscores the importance of accuracy in election outcomes. High voter turnout signifies active civic participation, and the board’s upcoming meeting in December will further clarify the final election results.
Original Source: www.kob.com
