This year is a voting year, starting with our municipal elections. In the last mayoral race, there was exactly one candidate running for the position, a sure win. Four years later Artesia’s voters have five candidates running for that one position. Your vote will greatly matter.

If you live inside the city limits, you will need to hit the polls on March 1. Don’t want to wait?  Early voting is open if you are ready to select your candidates. For those of you who feel like you live in Artesia but reside outside the city limits and cannot vote, it is still important for you to pay attention. Get to know the candidates, talk to your friends and family, weigh in. The decisions our mayor and council make do affect you because, most likely, you shop, work, go to school, and receive other services right inside the city limits.

If you are looking for ways to engage the candidates, visit the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. The candidates have provided information about themselves for constituents to take home and read. Also look for opportunities to meet the candidates at the Chamber of Commerce. Find the Artesia Chamber on Facebook or send the Chamber your email address so it can be added to the Chamber Chat email blasts. The new district maps are available at the Chamber as well.

While many of the candidates focus on the same issues—police and fire, housing, growth, etc., they each have their own approaches to the issues and their own tones and vision for the future. They will have an impact on the direction of our community for the next four years. Right now, the choice is yours.

The mayor’s seat is not the only seat available. There are four council districts that have one of the two seats open in each district. To the right, you will find a list of candidates.

Hayley Klein

Executive Director, Artesia Chamber of Commerce