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County designates 74 voting convenience centers for 2026–27 elections to comply with state statute
Summary
Bernalillo County’s Bureau of Elections recommended and the Board approved designation of 74 voting convenience centers and related precinct consolidations for the 2026 primary, 2026 general and 2027 consolidated local elections; approval meets NMSA statutory timing requirements.
The Bernalillo County Bureau of Elections presented a resolution designating 74 voting convenience centers (VCCs) and requesting precinct consolidations for the 2026 and 2027 election cycles; the Board approved the resolution 5–0.
Bureau of Elections Administrator Nathan Jaramillo told the commission the designation is an administrative, statutorily mandated function that must occur after every presidential election. He cited NMSA 1-3-2 and 1-3-4 and said the statute requires approval in June or July of odd-numbered years. Jaramillo explained the county currently has about 424,814 registered voters and noted the VCC model allows any registered Bernalillo County voter to vote at any of the designated centers during early voting and on election day.
Jaramillo said the 74 centers were chosen for geographic equity, Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility and logistical feasibility (staffing, tabulators and historical throughput). He added the county had previously used 72 locations and 20 early-voting sites and that historical data supported improved wait times and voter satisfaction under the VCC model. The clerk’s office said additional locations were added at Mesa del Sol and on the West Side to improve coverage in growing communities.
Commissioners asked staff to remain alert to fairness issues at privately owned sites (sign placement and candidate access) and commended the clerk’s team for expanding access to voters in the county jail. The vice chair said more accessibility expansions are planned.
The motion to adopt the resolution and designate the 74 sites passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote. Staff will notify the Secretary of State’s office, post public notices and launch voter education and outreach for the 2026 and 2027 cycles.
Ending: The county clerk’s office will update public materials and coordinate outreach; staff said they will continue to evaluate locations and maintain ADA and logistical compliance.
