by Deirdra Velasquez Vice Chair, DPVC
Election interference and issues with certification of election results has been observed in counties just like Valencia County across the US. Former president Donald Trump has been encouraging the falsifying of election results and asking Election Boards to refuse to certify election results nationwide.
Mike Milam is the current County Clerk for Valencia County. Recently, his office has had two staff resignations and Mr. Milam’s live-in partner is the only other permanent staff working in the County Clerks office. This information alone should raise some red flags.
During the August 30 th County Commission Special Meeting, County Clerk Mike Milam was unable to give an adequate response on why the Special Election was not canvassed within the statutory time frame.
This was an ALL mail-in vote for the Los Lunas School District, not a county-wide election. That it was fumbled so badly should be grounds for removal, sanction, or at least reprimand on its own.
Despite all this, Mike Milam will be overseeing his own election. Given the behavior of Republicans on election boards in counties across the country, how can we know that Mr. Milam is competent in running and overseeing the election?
He already dropped the ball on a small and contained election for a single issue. How can we know that, even if he follows the letter of the law up to the election, that he can be trusted?
There are too many questions about the integrity and legality of both the administration and outcomes of this election. It is too important an election to ignore these acts of glaring irresponsibility and negligence.
If YOU are concerned about ensuring our access to free and fair elections, please send a message to our Secretary of State with your concerns about Mike Milam:
Elections Bureau & Ethics Division
Phone Numbers: 505-827-3600
Email: Elections@sos.nm.gov
What else can you do? You can change the leadership at the County Clerk’s Office by voting for Rustin Porter!
Rustin Porter is a lifelong resident of Valencia County, having called this community home for all of his 41 years. His roots run deep in the county, where he has been actively involved in various capacities.
A passionate advocate for youth development, Rustin has dedicated countless hours to coaching and administering youth and high school sports programs, fostering growth and camaraderie among young athletes. His commitment to community service extends to his professional life, where he currently serves as a purchasing agent for Valencia County.
With a deep-seated love for Valencia County and a proven track record of community engagement, Rustin is eager to embark on a new chapter of public service as the Valencia County Clerk. He looks forward to utilizing his experience and dedication to ensure transparent and efficient governance for the benefit of all residents.
