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Tuesday marks the first day of early voting in NM: What you need to know

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Early voting for the 2024 general election in New Mexico begins on October 8th, offering voters an opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. This year, voters will decide on various state and local offices, as well as several key statewide ballot measures that could significantly impact policy across the state. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Where and When to Vote

Voting Locations: To check your early voting locations, visit NMVote.org.

Early voting will be available at county clerk offices starting October 8th, with additional voting locations opening on October 21st. 

Voters can check their registration status, find their nearest polling place, and view sample ballots using the New Mexico Voter Information Portal. 

Early voting is available through November 4th, with most locations operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Some counties may have extended hours or Sunday voting, so be sure to check local schedules.

Ballot Measures to Know About

This year, there are several statewide ballot measures for voters to consider, including constitutional amendments and bond issues:

  1. Constitutional Amendment 1: This amendment would extend the available property tax exemption to 100% disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The proposed change would include veterans with a lower disability rating and base the exemption amount on their federal disability percentage.
  2. Constitutional Amendment 2: Seeks to increase the property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans and their widowed spouses from $4,000 to $10,000. The measure would also include an annual adjustment for inflation.
  3. Constitutional Amendment 3: Proposes to allow the dean of the University of New Mexico School of Law to appoint a designee to the Judicial Nominating Commission, providing flexibility in the composition of this important commission.
  4. Constitutional Amendment 4: This would amend Article 10, Section 1 of the New Mexico Constitution to establish that the salaries of county officers are set by the Board of County Commissioners and remove outdated references. This measure also clarifies that any fees collected by a county official must be paid into the county treasury.

Bond Measures:

  1. Bond Question 1: Proposes the issuance of up to $30,758,100 in bonds for senior citizen facility improvements, construction, and equipment acquisitions.
  2. Bond Question 2: Approval for $19,305,000 in bonds is sought to support the acquisition of resources for public libraries, tribal libraries, and academic institutions.
  3. Bond Question 3: Calls for $230,258,400 in bonds to fund capital improvements and acquisitions for higher education institutions, special schools, and tribal schools.
  4. Bond Question 4: Requests authorization to issue $10,297,100 in bonds to upgrade and modernize public safety radio communications systems across New Mexico, improving emergency response capabilities statewide.

Learn More About Candidates and Issues

To better understand where the candidates stand on critical issues and the implications of each ballot measure, voters can access resources like iVoterGuide and Ballotpedia. These platforms provide nonpartisan overviews of the candidates, detailed explanations of ballot measures, and additional information to help voters make informed decisions.

Key Points for Voters

  • Verify Registration: Use the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website to ensure you are registered. New Mexico also offers same-day registration at early voting sites and on Election Day.
  • Bring Identification: While voters do not need ID if registered, having one on hand is recommended.

Absentee Ballots: Absentee ballots must be returned by mail or in-person to designated locations by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Tuesday marks the first day of early voting in NM: What you need to know Read More »

Far-left NM House candidate admits to screaming at veterans

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Fred Ponzlov, a self-described “progressive” candidate for New Mexico House District 22, is drawing attention for his controversial behavior and accusations of violating campaign regulations. Running against incumbent Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park), who was first elected in 2020, Ponzlov has been involved in multiple confrontations that have raised concerns among veterans and community members.

In a video from a July 26 event in Estancia, Ponzlov is seen shouting “You’re lying!” repeatedly at veterans who confronted him over previous disparaging comments he allegedly made about the military. The heated exchange, which has been widely shared online, took place at the “Old Timers” event and has led to renewed criticism of the candidate’s behavior.

The confrontation followed an earlier incident on April 4 at a Cedar Crest car show, where witnesses claim Ponzlov called a Vietnam War veteran a “communist” and a “baby killer.” Despite his repeated denials of these accusations on social media, several veterans who were present at the event insist that Ponzlov’s conduct was inappropriate. In response, Ponzlov took to NextDoor to label these veterans as “Proud Boys,” attempting to discredit their accounts of the incident.

Jerry Vallejos, the organizer of the East Mountain car show, corroborated parts of the story in a June 19 post, stating that Ponzlov was asked to leave after being “rude” to attendees and making derogatory comments. Vallejos confirmed that political campaigning is prohibited at the car show and suggested that Ponzlov refrain from attending future events if he cannot abide by the rules. Ponzlov’s response, however, was defiant, once again referring to the veterans as “Proud Boys” and claiming they fabricated the entire incident.

In a subsequent post, Ponzlov admitted to losing his temper during the July event in Estancia, writing, “I got very irritated and screamed at them that they were all lying.” He went on to allege that Rep. Lord had a police officer on hand to arrest him and accused her of orchestrating the encounter, saying, “I wonder how much she paid the policeman,” insinuating a conspiracy.

Ponzlov’s comments have continued to spark backlash, with some questioning his credibility as a candidate who can represent all constituents if he can’t even string together basic facts about alleged incidents where he is said to disparage veterans. 

In a further attempt to defend his actions, Ponzlov claimed he spent much of the 1960s and 1970s protesting the Vietnam War, which some see as contradicting his attacks on the veterans.

Additionally, Ponzlov has faced criticism for his inflammatory social media posts. He recently shared a meme suggesting that 45th President Donald Trump should be “crucified and wait three days,” a comment that has been interpreted as a call for violence and has only added to the controversies surrounding his campaign, including the multiple attempts made on the 45th President’s life.

Further complicating his candidacy, Ponzlov appears to have violated the New Mexico Campaign Reporting Act by not properly disclosing who funded his campaign signs, which are displayed throughout District 22. 

Under New Mexico law, all campaign materials must include a “paid for by” statement that clearly identifies the sponsoring committee or organization. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to fines and penalties for the campaign.

The Piñon Post has learned that a formal complaint by a New Mexico House District 22 resident has been filed and is pending before the New Mexico Ethics Commission.

With Election Day approaching, Rep. Stefani Lord and independent candidate Zach Withers—who has his own legal troubles—are now contending with a divisive race marked by accusations, legal disputes, and heightened tensions among community members. 

As the campaign unfolds, Ponzlov’s past behavior and compliance issues could play a critical role in determining the outcome of this contentious election.

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‘Chicken Little’: Gabe Vasquez refuses to debate Yvette Herrell

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent development in the race for New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, tensions escalated as Republican candidate Yvette Herrell and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) criticized Democrat far-left Rep. Gabe Vasquez for his refusal to participate in a scheduled debate. The debate, which was to be hosted by KOB-TV on October 16th, would have featured both candidates, offering voters an opportunity to hear directly from the contenders about their policies and campaign positions.

The NRCC released a statement labeling Vasquez’s decision as “cowardly,” using strong language to accuse him of avoiding accountability. The committee referred to him as “Chicken Little Gabe Vasquez,” and claimed he is hiding from New Mexican voters due to his stance on border security and law enforcement issues. Delanie Bomar, a spokeswoman for the NRCC, stated, “Chicken Gabe Vasquez is hiding from New Mexicans instead of addressing his extreme policies and behavior. Voters deserve so much more than the lies and cowardice from Chicken Little Gabe Vasquez.” The statement from the NRCC also highlighted past controversies involving Vasquez, pointing to what they described as an “arrest record” and his use of a racial slur in the past, though these allegations have not been independently verified.

Meanwhile, Herrell’s campaign released its own statement, expressing disappointment at Vasquez’s refusal to debate. Herrell emphasized that voters in the Second District deserve to hear from both candidates so they can make informed decisions. “Gabe Vasquez refusing to debate is a slap in the face to the voters of the Second Congressional District,” Herrell stated. “It’s disappointing that instead of defending his extreme positions on defunding the police and softening border security, Gabe Vasquez has chosen to hide from the voters.”

Herrell confirmed her participation in the October 16th debate, stating that she is eager to make her case to voters, even if she has to do it without her opponent present. According to Herrell, her presence at the debate is intended to provide transparency and show her willingness to engage with the public, a move she believes Vasquez has failed to reciprocate.

The lack of a direct debate between the two candidates raises questions about how effectively voters will be able to compare their positions ahead of Election Day. While Vasquez has not yet commented publicly on his decision to decline the debate, his absence on the KOB-TV stage will likely be a point of contention throughout the remainder of the campaign.

‘Chicken Little’: Gabe Vasquez refuses to debate Yvette Herrell Read More »

Judge’s initial ruling in Riley Gaines lawsuit slaps UNM with legal blow

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The University of New Mexico (UNM) recently faced a legal setback when a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the school from charging conservative students a “hefty” security fee for a campus event. The injunction stems from a lawsuit filed by the Southern Legal Foundation (SLF), which argued that the university’s fee policy violated the students’ First Amendment rights by imposing costs based on the content and perceived reactions to the event.

“This is a major win in the battle to protect the First Amendment rights of college students, regardless of the viewpoint they express,” SLF Executive Director Kimberly Hermann said in response to the ruling. SLF initially took legal action against UNM officials in February, alleging that the university engaged in “viewpoint and content discrimination” by determining security fees for the event featuring women’s sports advocate and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines.

UNM attempted to charge the student group, Turning Point USA (TPUSA), over $5,000 for hosting Gaines, known for her opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Hermann argued that the fee was based on the “officials’ subjective assessment of the crowd’s potential reaction”, rather than objective criteria.

According to Hermann, while the preliminary injunction prevents the university from collecting the fee during ongoing litigation, the case is not yet resolved. The ruling is seen as a first step toward making the injunction permanent, which would mean that UNM could no longer charge fees inconsistently for similar events.

UNM responded by stating that it is committed to upholding free speech on campus and intends to comply with the court’s order. The university clarified that the ruling only applies to speech-related events, and it remains focused on ensuring the safety of students and staff.

Gaines, who has experienced backlash at other speaking events, expressed that excessive security fees and bureaucratic hurdles are commonly used to silence conservative voices on campuses. “Sadly, we see this all the time,” Gaines noted, underscoring the broader challenges faced by right-leaning student organizations.

With the ruling, TPUSA remains the only active conservative student group on UNM’s campus, as others have been “run off” due to administrative obstacles, according to Hermann.

Judge’s initial ruling in Riley Gaines lawsuit slaps UNM with legal blow Read More »

As MLG travels to Mexico, her strange outfit is all people can focus on

21 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham traveled on a taxpayer-funded excursion to Mexico with many Cabinet officials to meet about “climate change” policies and attend the inauguration of Mexico’s new president in one of the bloodiest elections to date in the country, with at least 34 of political candidates being murdered.

Lujan Grisham posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Many thanks to the experts who joined us in Mexico City for today’s Clean Energy and Energy Security Collaboration Roundtable discussion.”

“Together, we’re working toward innovative solutions and partnerships for a #sustainable #clean #energy future,” she added, with a picture attached showing her with others in attendance. 

But more than the eco-left policies the post promoted, her outfit is what caught the attention of many, showing her in a loud gold and multi-colored jacket and short skirt, while donning chunky jewelry and white/nude colored strapped boots.

X users took to the platform to comment on the governor’s flamboyant ensemble. 

“Whoever picked that outfit hates you with a stone-cold passion. I’m 💯 opposed to everything you stand for, but even still, I wouldn’t send you out in public looking like that kind of fool. It’s savage. Meanwhile, NM doesn’t have a real governor, & it shows. Impeach Grisham now,” wrote Auntie Barnes.

Another wrote, “Sweet baby Jesus, woman, who dresses you? That outfit is so tackyAlso did taxpayers fund this trip too?”

Sassy Vet wrote, “So that’s what a cartel prostitute looks like?”

“Are you ever in Santa Fe working on the problems of the state…..ever?” wrote another.

One X user opined, “Did you lose a bet?”

JPNorth concluded that “those faux boots are a fashion travesty.  Like your phony green agenda, a bad idea that fails in both function and form. A concept with no real purpose.” 

As MLG travels to Mexico, her strange outfit is all people can focus on Read More »

Lujan Grisham flees state again — this time for Mexico

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico’s far-left Democrat governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, will be traveling to Mexico City to attend the historic inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum, who will become Mexico’s first female president.

Announcing the trip on Friday, the governor expressed enthusiasm for participating in the event, symbolizing a significant milestone for Mexico’s political landscape.

Lujan Grisham, a second-term Democratic governor and former U.S. congresswoman, will attend the ceremony and lead a delegation to engage in a roundtable discussion centered on “clean energy” and “energy security.”

The event will include many of her political appointees, such as her chief of staff, Daniel Schlegel, and top cabinet secretaries responsible for New Mexico’s natural resources and economic development. The group will also attend a reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar.

New Mexico has the highest proportion of Hispanic residents in the United States and has deep-rooted historical ties to Mexican and Spanish governance.

New Mexico taxpayers fund the trip, and the governor’s delegation aims to strengthen cross-border partnerships, especially in sectors like energy, which have become increasingly pivotal for both countries.

Meanwhile, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero will also be present at the inauguration, representing Arizona as part of Joe Biden’s official delegation.

Lujan Grisham flees state again — this time for Mexico Read More »

Amid crime-ravaged streets, ABQ Police Officers’ Association endorses Trump

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The Albuquerque Police Officers’ Association (APOA) has officially endorsed 45th President Donald J. Trump for the presidency in the upcoming 2024 election, citing his commitment to law enforcement and public safety. In a letter from APOA President Shaun Willoughby, the union highlighted Trump’s track record of supporting police officers and prioritizing policies that ensure the safety of communities.

In the endorsement letter, Willoughby emphasized the union’s appreciation for Trump’s consistent support of law enforcement, stating, “President Trump has consistently shown unwavering support for our police officers, advocating for policies that protect and empower those who serve on the front lines.” He further highlighted Trump’s opposition to the defund the police movement, noting that Trump’s stance aligns with the values and mission of the police union.

Willoughby also praised Trump for his work on community policing and enhancing officer training, saying, “Under his leadership, we witnessed efforts to strengthen community policing, improve training, and enhance safety measures.”

The endorsement comes as the APOA, representing law enforcement professionals in New Mexico’s largest city, focuses on supporting candidates who prioritize the safety of officers and the communities they serve. 

The union expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership would continue to provide the necessary resources to ensure public safety across the nation, especially under a wave of violent crime in “progressive”-run cities like Albuquerque.

“We believe that President Trump’s proven track record and strong leadership make him the best candidate to address the challenges facing our nation,” Willoughby said, urging both the union’s members and the public to back Trump in the upcoming election.

This endorsement adds to Trump’s growing list of law enforcement support as he seeks to return to the White House in 2024. Public safety, crime, and support for law enforcement remain major campaign issues across the country, and the APOA’s backing underscores the role these issues are expected to play in the upcoming election.

Amid crime-ravaged streets, ABQ Police Officers’ Association endorses Trump Read More »

‘So radical, it’s dangerous’: Brutal new ad drops in CD-2 over Vasquez’s record

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a sharp escalation of political attacks, the Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF), a super PAC aligned with House Republican leadership, has launched a new ad campaign in New Mexico’s Second Congressional District. The ad focuses on Democratic Representative Gabe Vasquez and paints him as holding an extreme anti-police stance, echoing national GOP rhetoric on public safety and law enforcement.

The 30-second spot called “Writing,” focuses on Vasquez being part of a “radical” movement to defund the police, calling his policy positions on public safety “so radical, it’s dangerous.” 

Highlighting the message, the ad criticizes Vasquez for supporting measures that undermine law enforcement, suggesting that his stance could endanger communities. It uses emails, writings, and soundbites directly from his mouth about how he wants to defund the police, calling police officers perpetrators of a “system of oppression.”

The ad is part of a broader media blitz by CLF, which has launched similar ads in nine key battleground districts across the country. According to the CLF, the ads aim to highlight perceived failures of Democratic policies on public safety, illegal immigration, and the economy.

“Too many families are struggling under Democrats’ failed economic, anti-police, and open-border policies,” said CLF Communications Director Courtney Parella. “In just six weeks, voters will choose commonsense leaders who will help secure our border and ease the financial burden on hardworking Americans.”

This latest ad is expected to intensify the already competitive race between Vasquez and his Republican challenger, former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell, in a rematch from 2022. Public safety and law enforcement are critical issues in this southern New Mexico district, where crime rates and border security remain top concerns for voters.

With just weeks until the election, both sides are gearing up for an intense battle, and this new wave of ads signals that the GOP is ready to go all-in on the “defund the police” message.

‘So radical, it’s dangerous’: Brutal new ad drops in CD-2 over Vasquez’s record Read More »

Republican momentum grows in key New Mexico races as campaigns heat up

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Momentum is building for New Mexico Republicans as two high-profile races, for the U.S. Senate and the state’s Second Congressional District, show vital signs of GOP support in what has been considered a Democrat stronghold in recent years.

In a recent fundraising email, U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) rallied support for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Nella Domenici, who is challenging incumbent far-left Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich. Lummis highlighted Domenici’s surprising rise in the polls, showing her within single digits of Heinrich, with 21% of voters still undecided. Domenici, daughter of former New Mexico U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, has made waves by out-raising Heinrich in her first quarter, positioning New Mexico’s Senate race as a potential flip for Republicans.

Lummis emphasized Domenici’s dedication to core Republican issues, including securing borders, promoting economic stability, and boosting domestic energy production. “Nella has my full support, and she’s on the brink of taking the lead in a race Democrats never thought they would have to fight,” Lummis wrote. She called for grassroots mobilization to sustain Domenici’s momentum, urging donors to invest in what could be a pivotal contest for control of the U.S. Senate.

Meanwhile, in New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, Republican candidate Yvette Herrell is gaining ground in a tightly contested race against incumbent far-left Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez. Herrell’s campaign released polling numbers from The Tarrance Group showing her leading Vasquez 48% to 46%, with a 4.9% margin of error. Herrell attributed her lead to voters’ growing dissatisfaction with the Biden administration’s policies and Vasquez’s alignment  with a “radical agenda.”

Herrell’s message to supporters emphasized the need to press on during this crucial phase of the campaign. “Momentum is on our side, but this is FAR from mission accomplished,” Herrell stated, warning that the Democrats would likely ramp up attacks as her lead grows. Herrell has positioned herself as a staunch opponent of what she describes as Vasquez’s “open borders” policies and his opposition to anti-inflationary measures.

Both Domenici and Herrell have capitalized on dissatisfaction with the current administration and incumbents like Heinrich and Vasquez. They’ve drawn attention to policies they claim are out of touch with New Mexicans’ priorities, including border security and economic management. With both races heating up, Republicans see a path to flipping key seats and gaining an edge in a state once considered solidly blue.

As these campaigns head into the final stretch, the eyes of the nation are on New Mexico, where Republicans believe they can turn a historically Democrat state into a battleground in the 2024 election.

Republican momentum grows in key New Mexico races as campaigns heat up Read More »

MLG trying to build eco-left workforce amid her job-killing Green New Deal

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A push for eco-left energy sources and misguided infrastructure investments by state and federal governments have driven up construction costs and placed unnecessary strain on the workforce, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham claimed in an executive order on Monday.

These rising costs, compounded by a push for “climate-ready” construction, forced through by the signing of her Green New Deal (2019’s Energy Transition Act), are being used as justification for reshaping the workforce to cater to this eco-left agenda, which prioritizes building up the so-called renewable energy sector and infrastructure aimed at supposedly mitigating the effects of “climate change,” according to the governor.

In the order, Lujan Grisham directed nearly a dozen state agencies to collaborate on a plan for workforce development and training, including education programs targeting K-12 students to groom them for careers in eco-left-driven industries.

By 2026, Lujan Grisham pledged the state would have 2,000 additional workers trained in these “climate-ready” professions despite no clear definition of what these jobs entail.

Sarita Nair, Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Workforce Solutions, echoed the governor’s rhetoric in an email, stating that the state’s infrastructure must be updated to endure so-called “extreme” weather conditions, including heat, drought, and flooding.

At the end of 2022, the state claimed to have 12,686 jobs in the “clean energy” sector. Companies like Maxeon and the communist Chinese Ebon Solar have made high-profile announcements to expand operations in New Mexico, but questions remain about the long-term viability of these ventures and their impact on local communities.

Interestingly, Nair admitted in the same email that there’s no official definition from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for these “climate-ready jobs.” Speculation suggests they could range from wildland firefighters to electric vehicle charging station installers, leaving significant ambiguity about the true scope of this eco-left workforce.

Ladona Clayton, executive director of the Ogallala Land and Water Conservancy, emphasized the need to focus on water supply and infrastructure, calling it the state’s most pressing issue. “The job is so big now, with the water crisis, we have to get the right people employed,” Clayton said, pushing for aggressive recruitment efforts.

Clayton argued that water should be the top priority for New Mexico’s workforce, declaring, “That’s the workforce that has to sustain the state.”

The governor’s latest executive order comes on the heels of a broader statewide workforce plan that identified construction, the energy transition, and so-called “climate resilience” as key areas of focus for the future.

According to Nair, Workforce Solutions is working with local development boards, tribal communities, and prison reentry programs to broaden access to these eco-left-driven job programs. Some federal grants have emphasized equitable access to these jobs, particularly for workers displaced by the transition from fossil fuels, though this transition has already cost many their livelihoods.

The closure of the San Juan Generating Station in 2022, which was demolished earlier this year, resulted in the loss of 450 jobs in Farmington, many of them belonging to members of the Navajo Nation. These traditional energy workers now face an uncertain future as the state continues its pivot toward renewables.

A 2020 study on workforce development acknowledged the potential for new opportunities in the post-pandemic “clean energy” sector but warned of major drawbacks. “It is far from given that these jobs will replace those lost from the transition away from fossil fuels,” the report noted, cautioning that the eco-left industry lacks diversity and may not equitably fill these new roles with local workers unless serious policy changes are made.

Sen. Pat Woods, R-Broadview, pointed out the irony of this shift, noting that much of the funding for infrastructure projects comes from oil and gas revenues. “I am glad the Governor is putting her agencies to work,” Woods said, but he expressed doubt about whether these programs would actually benefit New Mexican workers in the long run.

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