Clerk’s Office to unveil State-of-the-Art Mobile Voting Unit Aug. 2

The Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office invites you to the official unveiling of the new Mobile Voting Unit (MVU), a cutting-edge trailer, designed to enhance and improve the voting experience for all residents by making the voting process more accessible, convenient, and efficient. The grand reveal will take place this weekend, Friday, Aug. 2, at the Summer Concert Series and again on Saturday, Aug. 3 for the Los Alamos County Fair in downtown Los Alamos at Ashley Pond Park (2200 Trinity Dr.). Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the innovative new facility and speak with the County Clerk.

 

Through its efficient design, the MVU becomes compact and mobile for easy transport and quick set up. By offering location flexibility, it can increase voter participation and provide voting facilities in underserved and remote areas. The unit features three voting stations, and is climate controlled, for a comfortable environment for all users, regardless of weather conditions. The MVU is engineered to support voters of all ages and those with disabilities. The accessible design is equipped with features like ramps, handrails, and assistive technology.

The Clerk’s Office plans to utilize the MVU as part of a broader commitment to ensure every voter has access to a secure and convenient voting center, even in the face of emergencies. It will be deployed through a well-coordinated process to ensure effective reach to the intended locations and serve voters efficiently through planning, coordination, partnerships and collaborations with other organizations.

Acquiring the MVU was made possible through generous grants from the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Purchasing the MVU aligns with the County’s proactive approach to emergency preparedness and accessibility, ensuring voting remains uninterrupted and secure during any potential crisis, including those requiring evacuation.

County Clerk Naomi Maestas expressed her gratitude for the successful completion of this project, “We are incredibly proud to introduce the Mobile Voting Unit to our community. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Emergency Services Commander Beverley Simpson for her tireless efforts in securing the grants that made this purchase possible, the Los Alamos County Fleet and Communications & Public Relations Divisions for their assistance in acquiring the unit, and all the County employees who played a crucial role in bringing this important project to fruition.”

As the Clerk’s Office ramps up to the 2024 General Election this November, the MVU will become a frequent sight in the community, providing a convenient space for voter registration, early voting, and an opportunity to connect with Clerk’s Office staff to ask questions. Staff is evaluating potential locations for its deployment, with intentions to connect the service to local senior facilities, and high school and college campuses.

To learn more, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 505-662-8010, or email clerks@lacnm.us.