Sunland Park bond questions vanish from ballot

Three bond measures intended for voters in Sunland Park did not appear on the election ballot for Tuesday's general election. The city requested an explanation for the omission on Saturday.

The missing questions involved general obligation bonds totaling $8.25 million. The funds were proposed for a new public safety complex, road improvements, water and wastewater infrastructure, and outdoor recreation facilities.

City Manager Mario Juarez-Infante stated that the city council passed a resolution on Aug. 18 proposing the bonds. The city filed that resolution with the Doña Ana County Clerk’s Office. Juarez-Infante said the city followed statutory deadlines to file its ballot question resolution 70 days before the election.

Doña Ana County Chief Deputy Clerk Caroline Zamora responded that the city did not complete all required steps to add the measures to the ballot. She noted that the city filed a resolution and two ordinances on Aug. 21. Her office processed these documents as standard recordings. Zamora said recording a document does not automatically initiate the process of placing it on an election ballot.

Zamora stated that placing a question on the ballot requires coordination with the Bureau of Elections. Her office has no record of communication from the city between the Aug. 21 filing and the Aug. 25 deadline for local governments to file ballot questions. The ballots were certified on Sept. 4. Sample ballots became available on the New Mexico Secretary of State website on Sept. 20. The official notice of election was published on Oct. 13.

Early voting began on Oct. 6. The city did not confirm the omission until Oct. 30. Juarez-Infante said the city is seeking a full investigation and a report within 10 business days. The city’s legal counsel has confirmed that the city met statutory requirements. The city is currently seeking clarification and documentation from the County Clerk’s Office regarding its process.

Zamora said her office will work with the city and the state Secretary of State’s Office on next steps. She noted that local entities have options such as a special election or the next regular local election in November 2027. Juarez-Infante said the city will likely pursue a special bond election in the spring.