RIO RANCHO, N.M. – A steady stream of Rio Rancho voters made their way to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballot in the 2024 city election. 

“For early voting we had about 2,200 of our registered voters, that is out of 74,000 registered voters, so that is about a 3% turnout thus far,” said Rio Rancho City Clerk Rebecca Martinez.

Martinez says non-presidential elections usually bring in about a 9% voter turnout, and people in Rio Rancho like to vote on Election Day.

“You get to speak your word on what you would like in your own community. That is why I am here, and I am glad to see that there are some more people voting in Rio Rancho, because it has always been very low on voting for people,” said Mike Raupp, a Rio Rancho voter. 

It was the first year the Rio Rancho MVD was a polling place. The Trujillo’s took advantage. 

“I think it is more of an example for our kids, just being involved and voting with our values,” said Joe Trujillo, a Rio Rancho voter.  

Voters decided on $10.6 million for roads, a $4.2 million for public safety and $1.2 million for quality of life. They voted 75%, 70% and 67%, respectively, in favor of the measures.

Registered voters in Districts 1, 4, and 6 also chose their next city councilors. Each councilor will serve a four-year term.

“The City of Rio Rancho city charter requires that anyone who is elected receives 50% plus one of the vote. So, the majority of the votes cast. If no one receives that 50% plus one, then we will have a runoff election in any of those districts,” said Martinez. 

Here are the official numbers for each city council race:

District 1

• Deborah S. Dapson: 412 votes (44%)
• Jim Owen: 398 (43%)
• Thomas N. Gentry III: 125 (13%)

District 4

• Paul M. Wymer: 582 votes (54%)
• Raymond Anthony Archibeque: 292 (27%)
• Alexandria C. Piland: 210 (19%)

District 6

• Nicole Dahn List: 579 votes (43%)
• Edward Lynn Paulsgrove: 379 (28%)
• Aleta P. Suazo: 325 (24%)
• Chris J. Vanden-Heuvel: 73 (5%)

Runoff elections in Districts 1 and 6 will happen April 9. Meanwhile, officials will swear Paul M. Wymer into his seat April 1.