Valencia County Clerk

Rustin Porter

Age: 42

Occupation: Chief procurement officer

Education: AA - Liberal Arts

Previous elected political offices: None

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

1. What experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“To be elected as a county clerk there are no set qualifications in terms of experience needed to be elected. That being said, I believe I bring a fresh perspective, and I do not have bad habits which will allow me to get guidance and direction from the New Mexico Secretary of State and other election administrators. At the end of the day, the law is the law, and it should be followed.”

2. What would your priorities be during the four-year term?

“My priorities as county clerk would be voter outreach and transparency. I have witnessed elections in which misinformation has greatly affected voter participation. I will use publications, social media and community outreach events to get voter information out. Transparency should always be a goal in elections. I will use the same techniques to invite the voters of Valencia County to participate or witness important election processes so that we can build voter trust and participation.”

3. What would you do to ensure election integrity?

“To ensure election integrity, implement secure voter registration, use paper ballots with audit trails, and conduct risk-limiting audits. Strengthen cybersecurity for voting systems and allow transparency through observer access. Educate voters about their rights and ensure polling places are accessible. Train poll workers on procedures and address misinformation actively. These measures foster public confidence and promote fair, accurate elections.”

4. How would you combat disinformation about elections?

“To combat election disinformation, prioritize clear communication from credible sources about the voting process and changes. Establish fact-checking initiatives to address false claims quickly and effectively. Collaborate with social media platforms to identify and reduce the spread of misinformation. Encourage civic engagement and dialogue, empowering communities to discuss and share accurate information about elections.”

Mike Milam (I)

Age: 61

Occupation: Valencia County Clerk

Education: New Mexico Military graduate, Associate degree in applied science

Previous elected political offices: Valencia County Clerk

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

1. What experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“During my first term as Valencia County clerk, I completed studies and received certification as a New Mexico Certified County Clerk, Certified Public Official and Certified Advocate of Public Ethics. I have been very involved in the legislative process, working to ensure elections continue to be safe and secure, and passing legislation that enables better functionality in all areas of the clerk’s office.”

2. What would your priorities be during the four-year term?

“In my second term, I will work to create and pass election related legislation, insuring safe and secure elections, and continue to monitor the Valencia County voter rolls and remove ineligible voters per federal guidelines. I will continue to improve the public records program in the clerk’s office, enabling the public to view and purchase documents online.”

3. What would you do to ensure election integrity?

“My office will continue to administer elections per statutory requirements, and follow guidance and direction from the New Mexico Secretary of State.”

4. How would you combat disinformation about elections?

“Provide the public with accurate information through sources such as local media, the clerk’s page on the county website and social media. I invite the public to call or come into the clerk’s office with any questions regarding the election process.”