Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin, Chief Deputy Clerk Caroline Zamora, and Elections Supervisor Janice take listeners behind the scenes of the 2025 Regular Local Election. From certification to canvass to brand-new pilot programs, the team explains exactly what happens after voters cast their ballots and why New Mexico continues to rank among the most trusted election systems in the country.

The conversation begins with a deep dive into what "certification" actually means and why the post-election process is so rigorous. The team describes in everyday language how ballots are reconciled, checked, counted, verified, and checked again—down to the smallest detail, even hunting down a single missing permit slip. With clear explanations and plenty of humor, they make the complex world of election administration surprisingly accessible.

Listeners also get an inside look at innovations that shaped this year's election, including the county's participation in a new electronic hand-tally pilot designed to reduce human error, improvements in processing overseas UOCAVA ballots, and the unique challenge of being the first county in New Mexico to handle both ranked-choice voting and a write-in candidate in the same race. The team doesn't shy away from the long hours, the stress, or the layers of accountability that make all of it possible.

Alongside the technical talk, this episode highlights the community spirit that fuels local democracy. The trio shares the joy of the Tiny Ballot Bash, where 64 future voters cast pretend ballots for their favorite candy, superhero, and holiday. They also celebrate the annual "I Voted" sticker contest and the county's commitment to keeping voters informed with real-time election-night updates and unprecedented transparency.

Training and safety take center stage as well. The team reflects on the ongoing education required for election officials, their partnerships with law enforcement, and the powerful de-escalation training delivered by nationally known election expert Tina Barton, (Episode 11) whose personal story of facing threats underscores the importance of protecting those who protect democracy.

Ultimately, this episode is a blend of honesty, humor, and heartfelt appreciation for the hundreds of community members who make elections possible. Whether you're an election enthusiast or simply curious about what ensures your vote is counted accurately, this conversation offers a rare and reassuring look into the inner workings of one of the country's most robust election systems.

Tune in to discover why Doña Ana County continues to set the gold standard—and why every New Mexican should feel confident and proud of how their elections are run.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/zjVvwnd9g2k

Hosted by: Amanda López Askin, Caroline Zamora, Janice Giron

Produced by: Cynthia Mendoza, Jacob Slaughter

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter