Preserving History and Democracy

What can old photographs, handwritten records, maps, and forgotten stories teach us about who we are today?

In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, we're joined by Victoria Contreas of the Archives of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University to talk about the Border Regional Archives Group and the upcoming Archives Bazaar.

We explore the stories preserved in archives across the border region, the importance of firsthand accounts, the history held within the Harry Warren collection, and how archives help communities connect with their past. Victoria also gives us a preview of this year's Archives Bazaar, including its "Living with the Land / Viviendo con la Tierra" theme and the many archives, museums, and cultural institutions coming together to share their collections.

Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Angelica Valenzuela Special Guest: Victoria Contreras Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

Because sometimes, the best way to understand where we are is to look at what was left behind.

What actually happens to your absentee ballot after you request it? How secure is voting by mail? And what does the latest Supreme Court decision mean for the 2026 election?

In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, we break down the big election news in plain language, talk about how New Mexico protects access to the ballot, and share some of the personal stories that make working in elections so meaningful. From first-time voters to longtime election workers, we're talking about why trust, accurate information, and participation matter.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EXECUTIVE ORDER 14399:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/03/ensuring-citizenship-verification-and-integrity-in-federal-elections/

NPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/09/14/nx-s1-5962190/supreme-court-mail-in-voting-trump Federal Register Notices:

https://pe.usps.com/FederalRegisterNotice?

Other sources:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/26A305?

https://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/opn/search-week?

Tune in and get ready for the 2026 General Election!

Hosted by: Amanda López Askin, Caroline Zamora

Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerks Office

Edited By: Jacob Slaughter

How do maps help preserve history, shape communities, and ensure voters receive the correct ballot? In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, GIS Supervisor Charles "Chuck" shares how Geographic Information Systems connect data, history, technology, and elections. From preserving historic maps to exploring the future of AI and mapping, discover the fascinating work happening behind the scenes at the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office.

Hosted by: Cynthia Diaz

Special Guest: Charles Saenz

Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy!

In this episode, County Clerk Dr. Amanda López Askin sits down with two of our summer interns, Chris and Fatima, for a conversation about their experiences working with the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office.

Chris and Fatima share what inspired them to take on an internship with the Clerk's Office, the lessons and experiences they've gained along the way, and what they've enjoyed most about their time with the team. They also talk about their future career plans, hopes, dreams, and the goals they're working toward as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

Join us for a fun and inspiring conversation that highlights the value of hands-on experience, mentorship, public service, and the importance of encouraging the next generation to dream big.

Hosted by: Amanda López Askin

Special guests: Fatima and Chris

Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

Season 6 has been packed with unforgettable stories, local legends, and fascinating history. Join Cynthia Diaz and Jacob Slaughter as they look back on 19 episodes featuring community leaders, historians, authors, election experts, and preservationists who helped bring Doña Ana County's rich past and vibrant present to life. From the history of Nopalito's Restaurant and the Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site to the Trinity Site, the New Mexico State Archives, election innovations, and the people preserving our community's stories, this special season recap highlights the moments that made Season 6 one of the podcast's most memorable yet.

Watch here.

Hosted by: Cynthia Diaz, Jacob Slaughter

Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

What did it feel like to witness the world's first atomic explosion? In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, historian and Trinity Site expert Jim Eckles takes listeners inside the dramatic story of the Trinity Test, from eyewitness accounts of the blinding blast to the lasting legacy of radioactive trinitite, Ground Zero, and the myths that continue to surround the site today.

Join us as we explore fascinating firsthand stories, little-known artifacts like Jumbo, the realities of radiation at Trinity Site, and the ongoing conversations surrounding downwinders and historical preservation. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about one of the most significant events of the 20th century, this episode offers a captivating look at the place where the atomic age began.

Watch here.

Hosted by: Cynthia Diaz, Jacob Slaughter

Special guest: Jim Eckles

Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

In this final pre-primary election update, Chief Deputy County Clerk Caroline Zamora and Communications Coordinator Cynthia Diaz break down everything voters need to know before Election Day 2026. From early voting deadlines and absentee ballot drop-offs to same day registration, write-in candidates, electioneering rules, and what to expect on election night, this episode is your quick guide to voting with confidence in Doña Ana County. Plus, hear the latest voter turnout numbers and important reminders before polls close.

Watch here.

Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Cynthia Diaz

Produced by: Doña Ana County Clerk's Office

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

In this first part of our special two-part series, we sit down with Jim Eckles. Eckles is an author and retired public affairs specialist at White Sands Missile Range. We sit for an in-depth presentation and discussion on the history of Trinity Site. From the origins of the Manhattan Project to the scientists and military leaders who made the first atomic test possible, Jim walks us through the events leading up to July 16, 1945, the moment the world changed forever. He also explores the real meaning behind the name "Trinity," the development of the bomb designs, and what witnesses and photographers captured in the moments immediately following the explosion. Part 2 will focus on the aftermath of the Trinity Test, what scientists learned, and how the atomic age reshaped the world.

Hosted by: Cynthia Diaz, Jacob Slaughter

Special Guest: Jim Eckles

Produced by: Doña Ana County Clerk's Office

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

In this episode, Chief Deputy County Clerk Caroline Zamora and Communications Coordinator Cynthia Diaz break down everything voters need to know about the upcoming 2026 Primary Election in Doña Ana County. They dive into New Mexico's new semi-open primary system, explaining what it means for Democrats, Republicans, qualified minor party voters and how decline to state voters can participate without changing their registration.

They also walk listeners through key voting options like early voting, absentee voting, and Election Day convenience centers, plus important deadlines leading up to June 2. To help ease first-time voter nerves, they give a step-by-step look at what to expect inside a voting location.

The conversation wraps with fun community highlights, including the popular "Tiny Ballot Bash" kids voting program and the county's employee-designed election sticker contest. Tune in for a practical, informative, and engaging guide to making your voice heard this election season.

Watch here.

Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Cynthia Diaz

Produced by: Doña Ana County Clerk's Office

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office welcomes David Davoust, founder and CEO of Robis Elections, for a behind-the-scenes conversation on election technology, security, and innovation in New Mexico elections. From cybersecurity and AI safeguards to new hand tally systems and semi-open primary changes, the discussion highlights how counties, vendors, and election officials work together to keep elections secure, accurate, and accessible for voters across New Mexico.

Watch here.

Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Janice Giron

Special Guest: David Davoust

Produced by: Doña Ana County Clerk's Office

Edited by: Jacob Slaughter