Doña Ana County explains how write-in ballots are reviewed and counted
Doña Ana County election officials are reminding voters how write-in ballots are processed and what steps voters should follow to ensure their ballots are counted correctly.
Election officials say write-in ballots follow a separate review process to ensure voter intent is counted accurately and consistently.
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - The Doña Ana County Clerk’s Office is encouraging voters to understand how write-in ballots are reviewed and processed ahead of the upcoming election.
County officials said ballots containing write-in votes follow a slightly different procedure than standard ballots. Election workers securely separate ballots with write-in selections for review, while other ballots continue through the normal tabulation process.
Doña Ana County voters can expect to see three statewide write-in candidates on the Republican ballot. Voters in state House District 38 will also see a write-in candidate on the Democratic ballot.
“This review process is a standard part of election administration and helps ensure that every valid write-in vote is counted,” Chief Deputy Clerk Caroline Zamora said in a statement. “Adjudication does not mean a ballot has been rejected. It allows election officials to carefully review ballots with write-in selections or unclear markings.”
The Clerk’s Office encouraged voters casting write-in ballots to clearly write the candidate’s name in the designated area, completely fill in the corresponding oval and avoid stray marks or additional writing on the ballot.
Election staff also periodically remove ballots from secure write-in ballot containers throughout the day to reduce the risk of ballot tabulator jams or reading errors, according to the county. Officials said the containers typically hold about 200 to 250 ballots.
County officials described adjudication as a secure review process used to verify voter intent and ensure accurate ballot counting. During the process, election officials from different political parties review ballots together while maintaining chain-of-custody safeguards.
The Clerk’s Office said the procedures are routine safeguards designed to support accurate election results and maintain voter confidence.
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