In a recent race, two candidates faced off. One was the incumbent with years on the job and much formal training. The other was completely unqualified. Moreover, the challenger failed to respond to the Albuquerque Journal, effectively hiding two DWIs, a lie of omission, at best..

How did that candidate get one third of the vote? What is wrong with people? Do they like the surname or gender or position on the ballot of the challenger or dislike those of the far-better-qualified incumbent? — who was really, the ONLY qualified candidate.

A potential disaster was avoided, in no thanks to thousands of ignorant voters. Not that it would have been the first such blunder.

Inform yourself before you vote. If you know little or nothing about a race, don’t vote.

Five candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Governor. The “winner” got roughly 35 percent of the vote (and that vote was a small percentage of regular voters — only 10% voting were under 35 years of age). More people didn’t vote. More people voted for someone other than the “winner.” Sincere congratulations to the winner, BUT who really won?

DEMAND Instant Run-off Voting. The Democratic Party should go on record supporting IRV and demanding it for our next primary, at the very least. Accept no excuses, no stalling tactics. IVV plus None of the Above. We might have a different and stronger candidate in such a case.

IRV would also allow more people to run without being spoilers, as in one judicial race were the “loser” and the very distant 3rd place had more votes than the “winner.” That 3rd place candidate really does seem to be a spoiler, but we’ll never know how many of his voters would have gone to the other candidates, as opposed to None of the Above.

I guarantee that IRV plus None of the Above would increase voter turnout and shake up complacent incumbents. DEMAND IT NOW!

I think all elections should have instant run-off voting, where you select a second, even third choice, among candidates. However, Republicans are never going to agree with anything Dems want.

The Democratic Party should be able to use IRV in its own primaries. Our governor’s race is a great example: five candidates are trailing Undecided. Under the current system, the winner will be someone the majority doesn’t want. How many people avoid voting under such circumstances?

There should also be a None of the Above so that all the candidates know the voters are unhappy with their options.

I would vote Morales, Rael, Webber, Lopez, and None of the Above. Let the party lead the way in our own primary.

Look for her at the bottom of the ballot. Your vote is vital.

Editorial: Recommendations in Metro-area judge races | Albuquerque Journal News

Bernalillo County Probate Court

Democrat – Willow Misty Parks

Judge Willow Misty Parks has been on the probate bench since 2010 and has a clear understanding of the limits of her court’s jurisdiction and an empathy for the non-lawyers who make up the majority of people who come before her. That understanding and empathy, combined with a law degree and MBA, have allowed her to streamline the court’s business even as its new case load has increased – from 612 in 2011 to 841 in 2013. That efficiency is good news for everyone who has business with the court.

Under Parks’ steady hand, the county’s part-time judgeship runs like a full-time professional business. There is no Republican challenger; the Journal recommends Democratic voters keep her on the bench.

Editorial: Recommendations in Metro-area judge races | Albuquerque Journal News