The Sandoval County Commission expressed skepticism and concern over the handling of the election during Friday’s review of election results. Despite the general consensus amidst members on the commission that the election had been troubled by long lines, lack of parking and other difficulties, the commission voted unanimously to certify the election results. Commissioner Glenn Walters said he voted “yes” because the numbers of votes added up, but said he had serious concerns about “outstanding issues” regarding the election.
The problems with the long lines in Rio Rancho stemmed from not having enough automated voting machines, Sandoval County Bureau of Elections Director Eddie Gutierrez told the commission.
Rio Rancho was the only city in the county to have voting convenience centers with ballots being printed “on demand” rather than having stacks of pre-printed ballots, Gutierrez said. Lines collected as voters waited for ballots to be printed from one of the three machines located at each of the five polling locations in Rio Rancho.
Gutierrez said Rio Rancho was the only city in the county to have the voting convenience centers because such facilities are designed for larger populations. “The whole thing was to see if the VCCs could accommodate a big, populated area,” Gutierrez said. The decision was made to use voting convenience centers in Rio Rancho following the primary election, Gutierrez said.
Full Article: Commission certifies ballots despite concerns about election – Rio Rancho Observer: Local.