To the editor Sept. 18, 2026

Return of Domenici Conference

I was excited to see the Domenici Public Policy Conference was being resurrected after an eight-year hiatus. Given the long gap, I was prepared for an event that was slightly underdeveloped and only modestly attended.

Rebuilding a showpiece typically takes time. But not, apparently, in the hands of the people who were responsible for re-establishing this beacon of civility and bipartisanship.

We were told that 700 people registered, including 200 students. Both keynote speakers, President Heather Wilson of UTEP and US Senator Ben Ray Luján, did a masterful job of weaving the story of Senator Pete Domenici into their comments, providing critical context for those unfamiliar with “Saint Pete” and powerful memories to those who had known him.

Remarks by Nella Domenici honoring her father were particularly touching.

The morning sessions addressed critical issues facing us today, including the future of democracy, artificial intelligence, the value of soft power for national security, and the geopolitics of energy. Each of the speakers provided historical information to ground their explanations of where we stand today and how

we might move forward. The student panelists who asked questions after each talk had done their homework and were well prepared.

The afternoon sessions, which I was unfortunately not able to attend, included candidates for the gubernatorial and congressional races that are currently underway, and concluded with a bipartisan perspective on the 2026 midterm elections.

My one quibble is that the program only listed the speakers, student panelists, and sponsors, but not the remarkable team that resurrected the Domenici Public Policy Conference. Those individuals also deserve to be recognized for the excellent work they did in putting together such an impressive event.

Lynda St. Clair, Ph.D.

Las Cruces

Are you registered to vote for New Mexico’s general election?

We put countless things on our calendars these days – doctor’s appointments, school events, work deadlines, birthdays and more. There’s one more important date worth adding as we head into fall: Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

There is always an election around the corner and keeping track of when to vote is important. But before Election Day arrives, it’s even more important to make sure you’re registered and ready to participate.

Voting is one of the most important ways we can have a say in the policies and decisions that shape our state. Whether you vote in every election or are participating for the first time, your voice matters.

National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, Sept. 15. If you’re not sure whether you’re registered, or you need to register for the first time, now is a good time to check. New Mexicans can learn more about voter eligibility and register through the New Mexico Secretary of State’s voter services page. Early voting for the General Election begins Tuesday, Oct. 6, at county clerk offices statewide. Absentee ballots will also begin mailing to voters who requested them. 

At Observe New Mexico Elections, we are already gearing up for another successful election observation effort this November. Coming off the heels of our report findings recently released from the June primary elections, our observers are ready to build upon what we’ve learned this summer and carry it into our next observation effort this fall. 

Ahead of National Voter Registration Day, take a moment to make sure you’re registered, put Election Day on your calendar and make a plan to vote. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a say in who helps shape New Mexico’s future.

Carmen López

Co-Leader of Observe New Mexico Elections