Three non-partisan organizations will co-sponsor a public forum for candidates running in the Doña Ana County District Attorney’s race for the Primary Election. The League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico (LWVSNM), the Doña Ana County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP-DAC), and the Southern New Mexico Bar Association (SNMBA) will hold the event at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 24 at the Las Cruces City Hall Council Chambers, 700 N. Main. The event is open to the public, event organizers announced.

Dr. Bobbie Green, president of NAACP-DAC, said the event will let voters know more about the candidates, their expertise, and how they would oversee this important office.

Candidates invited to participate are Ramona J. Martinez, Fernando R. Macias, Gerald Milton Byers, and Shaharazad Booth, all Democrats. Also invited is Michael E. Cain, the sole Republican candidate in the D.A. race.

Representatives from the non-profits will moderate the forum, ask questions of the candidates, and collect written questions from members of the audience.

Kathe Kanim, LWVSNM co-president, said guidelines will be followed on how the forum will operate, but the public will be able to ask questions about the issues significant to them.

“The legal community is invested in ensuring that the people of Doña Ana County hear from the candidates for the highest elected local executive office in this region,” added Israel Chávez, president of the SNMBA.

Early voting for the Primary election begins on May 7, 2024, and expanded early voting begins May 18. The last day of early voting will be June 1. On election day, Tuesday, June 4, voters will be able to cast their ballots at voting convenience centers, meaning voting can be done at any polling location throughout Doña Ana County.

Kanim encouraged residents to register to vote at the Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Boulevard, or online at www.nmvote.org. Voting information is also available at www.Vote411.org.$0