Clerk outlines polling‑site changes and ADA survey; commissioners approve amended voting‑locations resolution

County Clerk Joey Dominguez and elections staff presented an amended 2024–2025 polling‑locations resolution and an updated polling‑site survey and remediation process to the Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners on July 23. Commissioners approved the amended list and clerks said they will amend it further if additional sites become available.

Dominguez told the board seven polling places were removed from the proposed list because locations became unavailable or were undergoing renovation; he emphasized the county consults with tribal governments but cannot establish a polling location on sovereign tribal land absent the tribe’s permission. “I just want you all to be aware…they have sovereignty, and this commission does not have authority to establish a polling site if the governor or council do not request it,” Dominguez said, noting Cochiti Pueblo’s preferred facility is being remodeled.

Elections staff described a detailed ADA compliance process the office now uses. The team surveys each site’s exterior and interior, records running and cross slopes for parking and access aisles, documents deficiencies, proposes temporary remediation steps for election day and creates an interior layout to guide vendors and presiding judges. Dominguez said the work stems from a 2019 settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and that the county has surveyed 38 sites using a proprietary tool built by staff.

Public commenters raised concerns about specific precinct assignments and loss of convenience for voters. Beth Dowling said Cochiti Pueblo’s voters were reassigned to polling places up to 28 miles away and raised connectivity concerns at Pena Blanca. Dominguez and staff said the office will continue negotiating with property owners in Rio Rancho and, if a tribal or other site becomes available before statutory deadlines, the commission can amend the resolution to add it.

Dominguez said the county will include temporary remediation in site letters and will add clauses to leases to allow subleasing to the City of Rio Rancho for municipal elections, and that staff will seek short‑term or seasonal arrangements to avoid costly year‑long leases. Commissioners voted to approve the amended polling locations and to adopt the 2026–2027 polling schedule, with a staff pledge to pursue more sites and amend the resolution if necessary.

Ending — The clerk’s office said it will notify voters of polling changes per state deadlines and may call a special meeting if a tribal site becomes available close to the modification deadline.