Photos and words by Adrian Hedden
Carlsbad Current-Argus
achedden@currentargus.com

Here’s our guide to early voting in Eddy County

Early voting for the Nov. 5 general election begins on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Aside from choosing between Vice President Kamala Harris and former-President Donald Trump for the White House, Eddy County voters will have their pick of several candidates for local, state and federal offices.

Here’s what’s on the ballot and where and when to cast early and absentee ballots.

When to vote before election day

Absentee ballots can be requested from the New Mexico Secretary of State and must be filled out and returned by mail between Oct. 8 and Oct. 22. Absentee ballots can also be returned in person to the local county clerk’s office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Early in-person voting is Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 8 to 18.

From Oct. 19 to Nov. 2, early in-person is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Polling locations will be closed Oct. 14 for Indigenous Peoples Day.

On Election Day, Nov. 5, polling places open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

Where to vote

Early ballots can be cast in-person at the Carlsbad Clerk’s Office, 325 S. Main St., or at the Artesia Sub Office, 602 S. 1st St.

Who’s on the ballot in Eddy County?

Not all candidates will appear on every ballot. Sample ballots based on residency can be requested from the New Mexico Secretary of State.

Presidency

Harris (Democrat )and Trump (Republican) are on the ballot for president, along with Laura Ebke of the Liberal Party, Robert Kennedy (no party), Chase Oliver of the Libertarian Party, Jill Stein of the Green Party and Claudia De la Cruz of the Socialism and Liberation Party.

Congress

Democratic incumbent Sen. Martin Heinrich will defend his seat against GOP nominee Nella Domenici, while Democrat U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is challenged by former-Congresswoman Yvette Herrell of the Republican Party in New Mexico’s Second Congressional District.

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez will defend her seat in New Mexico’s Third Congressional District against Republican Sharon Clahchischilliage.

Legislature

New Mexico Rep. Larry Scott (R-62) is running unopposed for the District 42 seat in the State Senate and Rep. Cathrynn Brown is unopposed for reelection to her District 55 post in the New Mexico House of Representatives.

Rep. Jimmy Mason (R-66) and Sen. David Gallegos (R-41) are unopposed as is Rep. Jim Townsend (R-54), who is seeking the District 34 seat in the Senate. Republican Candy Spence Ezzell is unopposed in Senate District 32.

Eddy County Commissioner John Henry is running for District 54 in the House against Libertarian nominee Christian Scott Ehmling.

Fifth Judicial District

Republican Efren Andres Cortez is unopposed for a seat on the bench as a Fifth Judicial District Judge. Fifth Judicial District Attorney Dianna Luce, the GOP incumbent, is also unopposed.

Eddy County

Undersheriff Matt Hutchinson, a Republican, is running against Libertarian Andrew Kennedy for Eddy County Sheriff.

Republican Patricia Carrasco is running unchallenged for Eddy County Treasurer.

Democrat Sarah Cordova is running without an opponent to retain her seat as Eddy County Commissioner

Hayley Klein is unopposed as a Republican for District 2 County Commissioner, as is GOP nominee Philip John Troost for District 3.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 734-972-6855, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.