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: Polls opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday across Taos County as voters headed to the polls for New Mexico's semi-open primary el...
06/02/2026

: Polls opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday across Taos County as voters headed to the polls for New Mexico's semi-open primary election.

Voting centers are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. County officials reminded voters that anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.

Voters may cast ballots at vote centers throughout the county. Locations include the Taos County Courthouse in Taos, the Peñasco Community Center, the Questa Municipal Village Hall Offices and the El Prado Water and Sanitation District Office. Election officials said voters in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote. (taoscounty.org)

As of Monday evening, 3,774 voters had already cast ballots through early voting and absentee voting. With 26,317 registered voters in Taos County, that represents a turnout of approximately 14.3% before Election Day voting began.

County election officials encouraged voters to verify their polling location before heading to the polls and to bring an acceptable form of identification.

Unofficial results will be released after polls close Tuesday evening and ballots are tabulated.



*Photo courtesy Associated Press.

: Efforts to restore reliable water service in Cerro reached a key milestone after the Cerro Regional Mutual Domestic W...
06/01/2026

: Efforts to restore reliable water service in Cerro reached a key milestone after the Cerro Regional Mutual Domestic Water Association successfully tested a well drilled in 2008, according to association representative Vilma Bailon.

The test confirmed the well is connected to the community’s older 2-inch water line, a development Bailon described as both encouraging and challenging as officials work through the next steps required by state regulators.

Following the successful test, the New Mexico Environment Department directed crews to drain the lines. The association is now awaiting state approval and the results of required water sampling before the well can be placed into service. Bailon said the process also requires coordination with the Office of the State Engineer regarding permits and regulatory approvals.

“The process is going to take a while but we’re working as swiftly as possible,” Bailon said in an update to community members.

Meanwhile, an 8,000-gallon tanker of drinking water remains available at the Cerro Community Center. The tanker was delivered by the New Mexico Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network, or NMWARN, as part of the emergency response to the ongoing outage.

Bailon emphasized that the water in the tanker is safe to drink and does not need to be boiled. She encouraged residents to use the available supply, noting that the current tanker must be emptied before NMWARN can provide a replacement.

Taos County Emergency Management also continues to provide bottled water to affected residents.

Bailon said community members should recognize the time, effort and expense involved in securing emergency drinking water for Cerro as the response continues.

She also clarified that leaks affecting the community’s water system have been traced to the older 2-inch water line rather than the newer 6-inch line. In addition, officials are contending with low groundwater levels, which have added to the challenges facing the system.

Despite the ongoing outage, Bailon said elderly residents who live alone are being cared for as response efforts continue.

Residents with questions are encouraged to contact Taos County Manager Brent Jaramillo or Taos County Commissioner Miguel Romero.

Taos County remains under a local emergency declaration approved by county commissioners in response to the water outage. The declaration allows the county to coordinate emergency operations, distribute drinking water and seek additional state and federal assistance while efforts to restore service continue.

05/31/2026

: Ashley Nelson is running for Taos County Magistrate Judge. As court manager for Taos County, she feels her first-hand experience can help in addressing critical gaps in the legal process. She says 4 out of 5 magistrate judges do not hold law degrees and it’s not required for this role. She believes her in-depth knowledge, expertise and principals make her the right candidate for the role.

05/31/2026

Watch the Questa Visitors Center Mural Unveiling and Celebration.

: Human remains have been positively identified as those of Melissa Casias, a LANL employee who disappeared nearly a ye...
05/31/2026

: Human remains have been positively identified as those of Melissa Casias, a LANL employee who disappeared nearly a year ago, New Mexico State Police announced in a news release Saturday, May 30.

State police said investigators were notified Thursday, May 28 after a hiker discovered human remains in the McGaffey Ridge area of the Carson National Forest, near the last place she was seen alive. Authorities also learned that a handgun was found alongside the remains.

Through coordination with the Office of the Medical Investigator, the remains were positively identified as Casias, who was reported missing on June 26, 2025.

The cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, and the remains will undergo further anthropological examination, state police said.

Casias was reported missing after she failed to arrive at work and did not return home after visiting her daughter at work. Family members later discovered that her purse, identification and cell phones had been left behind, prompting concerns for her safety and the launch of a missing person investigation.

Since her disappearance, New Mexico State Police have conducted what officials described as an extensive investigation that remains active and ongoing.

In a social media statement, Casias’ family confirmed the identification and said they intend to continue seeking answers.

“We confirm that the remains found in Rio Chiquito are Melissa,” the family said. “There will be more information to come but what we can tell you now is she was located in an area previously searched. This is a lot to process, our hearts are heavy and we fully intend to continue to pursue answers for justice.”

State police extended their condolences to the Casias and Mondragon families.

“The New Mexico State Police extend their deepest condolences to the Casias and Mondragon families during this difficult time,” the agency said.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact New Mexico State Police as the investigation continues.

05/30/2026

: Questa native and current Red River Marshal Jason Rael is running for Taos County Sheriff. He brings two decades of experience across the county and feels his most recent position has given him experience in administrative management over a department. He believes in collaboration with non-profits and community groups is vital to making the community stronger for residents, businesses, and tourists.

05/30/2026

: Celedon “Cele” Gallegos is running for Taos County Sheriff. He says he running because he wants to improve communications between various communities in the county, which could help increase responsiveness to issues.

05/30/2026

: Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo is running for house district 41 on the democratic ticket. She is running because she cares about protecting New Mexico’s acequias, clean water and land. She’s a former educator and behavioral health advocate. She says she wants to focus on bringing affordability, jobs and strong economic development to district 41 without creating economic inequality. She is focused on supporting schools an equipping them with the resources they need to thrive.

05/29/2026

: Marietta Fambro is running for Taos County Commissioner District I. She is running because she wants to ensure the Fire/ EMS tax is distributed across communities fairly and equitably. She is a retired Finance Director for the Town of Taos and feels her experience can help in equitably serving the whole community.

05/29/2026

: Matthew McQueen is running for Land Commissioner. He has served the New Mexico legislature for 12 years and has chaired the house energy, environment and natural resources committee. He is an attorney and says his 25 years of experience qualifies him to serve in this crucial role, to protect 9 million acres of state trust lands.

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