This past Friday and Saturday City Market hosted a Voter Registration Drive (VRD), at their store. Organizer, James Bird invited all citizens of Alamosa County to stop by the Voter Registration Desks to register to vote for the upcoming Alamosa local election on Nov. 5, and, to learn important county plans that will appear on the ballot. Voter Registration Desk volunteers will be at Walmart on June 21 from 3-6 p.m. and on June 22 from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m. Volunteers will once again be at City Market on July 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Many other opportunities to register at the VRD Desk will be available throughout the county this summer and fall. Look for dates and locations to appear in the Valley Courier.

The volunteers at the Voter Registration Desk can provide updates on local ballot Initiatives that may appear on the upcoming November ballot. Of great concern to Alamosa residents is the question of a sales tax increase for street improvements and two marijuana questions. In addition, there will be a voter question concerning City Council’s compensation, a non-resident advisory board question, the repeal of a provision regarding bonds and a voter question about public high-speed internet.

Not sure you are still eligible to vote? Or perhaps you didn’t receive a ballot in the last election? Volunteers staffing the VRD Desk can check voter information online as you pause on your way to shop. The Clerk and Recorder’s Office has indicated that residents who haven’t voted in the past two elections will not receive a ballot in the mail and are recorded as ‘Inactive’. Consequently, inactive status residents must personally verify their current addresses at the Alamosa County Clerk’s Office. A valid driver’s license is required to reinstate voter status indicating a resident is interested in voting in the November local election. Everyone 16 years of age are eligible to register to vote, but cannot vote until turning 18 before the Nov. 5 election.

The Alamosa County VRD Desk will be at both City Market and Walmart, as well as other locations throughout Alamosa County, will be available throughout this summer and next year until the November 2020 presidential election.