Torrance County approves conversion of two small precincts to all‑mail voting

The Torrance County Commission voted March 11 to convert Precinct 11 (Duran) and Precinct 12 (Encino) to all‑mail ballot precincts, citing long‑running difficulty recruiting precinct workers and significant cost savings.

County Clerk Sylvia Chavez told the board that workers are becoming harder to find in rural communities and that some longtime volunteers no longer want to serve. She presented turnout and cost data showing approximately 105 registered voters in Duran and 95 in Encino, with typical turnout near 45 voters and occasional single‑digits. Chavez said, "Converting to all‑mail precincts would save approximately $13,700," and showed a per‑voter estimate of about $2.50 under all‑mail versus roughly $71 for in‑person precinct operations.

Chavez outlined steps the Clerk's Office will take to maintain voter access: community education in the villages, verifying mailing addresses, offering satellite registration and staff assistance to collect ballots as needed, and maintaining convenience centers for voters who prefer in‑person voting. She pointed to the county's ongoing experience with mail ballots in the Estancia Municipal School District as operational background.

Commissioners emphasized the savings and said many local voters already use early or absentee ballots. Chairman Ryan Schwebach moved to approve the change; Commissioner Kevin McCall seconded, and the roll‑call vote was Yes (Schwebach), Yes (McCall), Yes (Jaramillo).