On October 29, Brent Triolo, accompanied by her dog Felix, participated in early voting at Christian Life Santa Fe, where she experienced a streamlined process that left her pleasantly surprised. After casting her ballot, she collected several “I Voted” stickers, feeling empowered after the successful and relatively easy voting experience. Triolo is one of numerous residents from Santa Fe Suites, where many individuals and families are housed, who received assistance in getting to the polling site. Peer support worker Leesa Bloom, along with volunteers and staff from the S3 Santa Fe Housing Initiative Community, organized transportation to polling sites, enabling those in homeless shelters and transitional housing facilities to engage in the electoral process. Ericka Kidd, a program manager from St. Elizabeth Shelters, emphasized the importance of voter participation for marginalized populations, noting that many individuals experiencing homelessness often struggle to have their voices heard. This initiative not only fosters civic engagement but serves to empower these individuals by ensuring they fulfill their right to vote.
The efforts to support residents in exercising their voting rights have gained momentum since last year, with continued educational initiatives to help them register and understand the voting process. Many residents face barriers, such as lack of transportation and the absence of proper identification, which can complicate their ability to vote. Mary Hall, a volunteer from the League of Women Voters, has been instrumental in addressing these challenges by holding informational sessions to demystify the electoral process. Recognizing that ballots can be confusing, she has compiled materials to present the candidates and various local bond questions in an accessible way. These educational forums focus on issues pertinent to the residents, such as housing and transportation, facilitating informed discussions on topics that directly impact their lives.
Throughout her volunteer work, Hall has witnessed a keen interest among residents in understanding ballot initiatives—highlighting topics like local and state bonds designed to improve infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and housing assistance. Michele Williams, the manager at Consuelo’s Place, a shelter located on the former college campus, noted the high engagement of the residents in such discussions. Many individuals are eager to learn more about potential changes that could affect Medicaid and other benefit programs. The absence of personal vehicles among these residents indicates the critical necessity of transportation services, which Bloom and the volunteers have provided, ensuring individuals can access polling places with ease.
On voting day, the atmosphere at Christian Life Santa Fe was lively, with numerous residents participating in the electoral process. Kevin Burpee, who also rode with Bloom to vote, described the experience as “painless and very quick.” Election officials reported high turnout metrics, with hundreds of individuals casting their votes that day and thousands more participating throughout the extended early voting period. The New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office confirmed robust early voting numbers, showcasing a significant level of civic engagement among the state’s population. Election judge Peter Driscoll highlighted the integrity of the voting system, citing a report that ranked New Mexico’s electoral framework as among the best in the nation. Such affirmations contribute to public confidence in the voting process, further encouraging participation from all communities.
Ricky Olguin, another resident of Santa Fe Suites, had already voted early and reflected on his journey as a voter. At 65, he cast his first-ever ballot last year with the support of St. Elizabeth Shelters, which helped him not only with registration but also with overcoming personal challenges, such as literacy. Olguin admitted that his lack of reading and writing skills had previously deterred him from voting, making it feel intimidating and uncertain. However, with guidance and newfound knowledge, he felt more prepared this year. He expressed pride in voting for the second time, showing off his “I Voted” sticker with enthusiasm—a testament to his growth and the dedicated support from staff at the shelter.
Olguin’s story serves as an illustration of the broader impacts of organizational support on individuals facing various life challenges, including homelessness and addiction. His narrative emphasizes the importance of understanding that many residents at Santa Fe Suites have overcome significant obstacles, and there are numerous success stories among them. Despite prior struggles with substance abuse that led to his temporary departure from the shelter, Olguin has reclaimed his strength and self-worth over time. His experiences have highlighted how community programs, like those facilitated by St. Elizabeth Shelters and local volunteers, serve to uplift and empower individuals, ensuring they not only gain the ability to vote but also have access to essential support networks during their journey of recovery and reintegration into society.