Early voting began at the University of New Mexico Oct. 19 to enable students, faculty, staff and the Albuquerque community to cast their ballots for the 2024 presidential election.
Voters can gather on the main campus at the Student Union Building (SUB) in Louie’s Lounge to fulfill their civic duty, according to the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office website. The UNM center will be open from Oct. 19 to Nov. 2, excluding Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Early voting is important because it gives all students access to voice their opinions, said Michael Rocca, the Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science at UNM. He also serves as the Director of the Master of Public Policy Program.
“Access to early voting on campus is crucial because it lowers the barriers to participation, especially for students who may have demanding schedules,” Rocca said.
Students on campus can go from class to the polls and cast their votes during the early voting operation hours, making the SUB a convenient place for students to take time and vote during their busy semesters.
Rocca said a crucial aspect of early voting on campus is the advantage of campus voting.
“By providing a convenient location, like the polling station at the SUB, the university helps reduce the time and effort required to vote, which can significantly increase voter turnout among students and the surrounding community” he said.
However, early voting on campus is not just for UNM students. Although convenient for Lobos, any New Mexican can utilize the facility.
