Albuquerque Public Schools
Democracy Rests on Our Shoulders
In her weekly message, Superintendent Blakey encourages everyone who is eligible to vote.
Election Day is just four days away, and if you haven’t already voted, I encourage you to do so.
This election hasn’t received the attention that elections in even-numbered years typically get because there’s no race for president or governor on the ballot, but it’s still critically important. This is your opportunity to elect your local leaders, including school board members, a mayor, city and village councilors, college board members and so many others. It’s also your chance to weigh in on a number of general obligation bonds on the ballot.
We have four Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education seats that will be decided in this election, along with a $350 million general obligation bond. By now, I’m guessing you’re familiar with the candidates and the bond, but if you need more information, here are some resources for you.
- Learn more about our board candidates by reading the questionnaires they filled out. They’re all available here.
- We have a 2025 Capital Election page that provides information on what the APS bond would pay for.
- And finally, if you need more information about early voting or voting on Election Day, go to the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office election page.
This is an important election for APS, so if you haven’t yet voted, please take the time to brush up on the candidates and the bond question and cast a ballot. Early voting is open until 7 p.m. on Saturday. Voters can also cast ballots on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This election is important for APS, the city, CNM and a number of other entities, but there’s another reason I’m urging everyone to vote. And it’s bigger than any one bond question or race on the ballot.
I used to teach government, and one of the things I would tell my students is that a representative democracy rests on the shoulders of voters. It’s only strong if voters take the time to familiarize themselves with the candidates and issues and make informed decisions at the polls. I still remember handing out voter registration forms to my students who were about to turn 18.
Being able to vote for our leaders, from the president to school board members, is a remarkable privilege. But it’s also an awesome responsibility. As educators, it’s up to us to set the example for our community and for our students.
Finally, I want to give a shoutout to our amazing students who created the artwork that is again being featured on this year’s “I Voted” stickers that Bernalillo County election workers are handing out. I was proud to be at the Bernalillo County Commission meeting on Tuesday evening when those students were recognized. I am grateful to Bernalillo County Clerk Michelle Kavanaugh for her partnership with APS in support of our students and their families.
We all have a role to play in our democracy, whether it’s designing stickers, voting or simply encouraging others to vote. Let’s do our part so that we can hand over a thriving democracy to those who will come after us.
Happy Halloween!