Beyond the Vote: How to Stay Politically Plugged In All Year Long
by Shannon Yvonne Moreau
The 60-day state legislative session’s over. Now what? Legislation’s an ongoing process, so it’s never really over. Making a difference in your community begins small and is built over time. It’s never too early to think about who’s representing your neighborhood, district, city, county, and state.
Next Stop: Local Election 2025
The Regular Local Election is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Albuquerque’s looking at electing the next mayor as well as five City Council seats: Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.
See who’s running.
Your Vote, Your Voice: Registration Resources
Check your voter registration status.
Register to vote.
Neighborhood Associations: Your First Step Into Civic Life
Get to know your neighbors at your next neighborhood association meeting. Neighborhood associations often host Q&As with your current elected officials and candidates who are running in upcoming elections.
Locate your neighborhood association on this eye strain of a map designed to give you a migraine and zoom to 100 percent.
Once you find your neighborhood association, look up their website to see when the next meeting is, and sign up for email notifications.
City Council: Where Policy Meets the People
Nine (9) councilors represent the various districts and are elected on staggered terms every 4 years (see local election above).
Find your district and City Councilor.
District 6 Councilor Nichole Rogers encourages folks to show up at City Council meetings and sign up for public comment “to put something on our radar that we need to be thinking about.” You can provide comment in person, in City Council Chambers, or virtually, on Zoom Webinar.
Access City Council meeting schedule.
Sign up for public comment before 4pm on meeting day.
County Commission: Decisions Beyond the City Limits
The Bernalillo County Commission governs the county of Bernalillo, including Albuquerque, Tijeras, Isleta Pueblo, and more.
Access the District Map.
Albuquerque’s in District 3, and the County Commissioner is Adriann Barboa. Barboa’s Vice-Chair of the plan to implement $150 million in settlement funds to address damage done by the opioid epidemic.
Contact your County Commissioner.
Speak at a BernCo Commission Meeting
View the board meeting schedule and sign up to speak. You can also sign up over the phone at 505-468-7000.
Public Schools, Public Voices
The APS School Board, among other things, works with the superintendent to improve student outcomes.
View meeting schedules and sign up to speak at an APS Board Meeting: