Albuquerque Journal

Kavanaugh has the vision, integrity to serve as county clerk

- BY LINDA STOVER BERNALILLO COUNTY CLERK

As the Bernalillo County clerk for the past eight years, I have had the privilege of serving our community, working to ensure that every vote is counted and every voice heard. We’ve made significan­t strides toward making our elections more accessible and transparen­t. If I could, I would do this job forever. It’s that important. However, being term-limited, I reflect on our accomplish­ments and the critical importance of your participat­ion in the upcoming primary election on June 4th.

During my tenure, we successful­ly implemente­d several initiative­s improving our electoral processes. We expanded early and election day voting options, including the highly successful Mobile Voting Unit, the first of its kind in New Mexico.

During COVID, my team and I ensured your safety with vigorous sanitation and social distancing measures at every site. We made absentee voting easier and more convenient by institutin­g our “fast pass”, which meant anyone dropping off an absentee ballot could skip the line and deposit their ballot into a secure ballot container.

We instituted a series of public service announceme­nts, dispelling truth from fiction, and explaining the easiest and most convenient voting options, reducing voter confusion and increasing voter engagement.

Through strategic partnershi­ps with Albuquerqu­e Public Schools and local scouting groups, we engaged hundreds of students, educating them about the importance of civic participat­ion and instilling in them a sense of civic responsibi­lity. The students’ enthusiast­ic response, shown through their creative “I Voted” sticker designs for the 2024 general election, reinforced our faith in education’s ability to mold democracy’s future.

But our work is not done. The right to vote is the cornerston­e of our democracy. This year’s primary election on June 4th is your opportunit­y to shape the future of Bernalillo County. Your vote for county clerk will decide who takes on the critical task of overseeing our elections and ensuring that our government remains accountabl­e to the people.

This is why, with great pride and confidence, I endorse my friend and colleague, Michelle Kavanaugh, to be your next Bernalillo County clerk. I have worked closely with Michelle in her role as deputy county clerk, and I have seen firsthand her dedication, integrity and commitment to our community.

Michelle understand­s the complexiti­es of our electoral system and we have stood side by side for every challenge and accomplish­ment. She is eminently qualified to build on the progress we have started.

Michelle is a proven leader, embodying the values we hold dear in Bernalillo County. Her vision for our Clerk’s Office is one where democracy thrives, and every resident can easily exercise their right to vote.

As you consider your choices this primary election, remember that the role of county clerk is crucial in protecting our democratic processes. Michelle Kavanaugh has the experience, the knowledge, and the heart to be an excellent county clerk.

I urge you to make your voice heard this June 4th. Help us continue to make Bernalillo County a place where democracy is not just a concept, but a living, breathing reality for all of us. Your vote is powerful, use it to shape the future you want to see for our community.

 ?? GINO GUTIERREZ / JOURNAL ?? Linda Stover is the Bernalillo County clerk. She cannot run for reelection due to term limits. Four candidates are running to succeed Stover: Democrats Michelle Kavanaugh and Karen Montoya, and Republican­s Robert Kwasny and Clayton Pryor.
Bernalillo County Clerk Linda Stover, far right, shows Jesse Muñoz and Reianna EmEachron where to sign their marriage certificat­e after their Valentine’s Day wedding ceremony on the eighth-floor patio at the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office. Stover, who is a familiar face on New Mexico TV leading up to elections, cannot run for reelection due to term limits, but is endorsing her deputy county clerk, Michelle Kavanaugh.
GINO GUTIERREZ / JOURNAL Linda Stover is the Bernalillo County clerk. She cannot run for reelection due to term limits. Four candidates are running to succeed Stover: Democrats Michelle Kavanaugh and Karen Montoya, and Republican­s Robert Kwasny and Clayton Pryor. Bernalillo County Clerk Linda Stover, far right, shows Jesse Muñoz and Reianna EmEachron where to sign their marriage certificat­e after their Valentine’s Day wedding ceremony on the eighth-floor patio at the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office. Stover, who is a familiar face on New Mexico TV leading up to elections, cannot run for reelection due to term limits, but is endorsing her deputy county clerk, Michelle Kavanaugh.
 ?? ?? Linda Stover
Linda Stover

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