Preserving History and Democracy

Cynthia Mendoza

A podcast dedicated to teaching and informing our listeners regarding elections and the fascinating history of Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

  1. 5d ago

    Countdown to Election Day: Final Voting Reminders for the 2026 Primary

    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

    12 min

  2. May 21

    The Trinity Site Story - Part 1 ft. Jim Eckles

    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

    37 min

  3. May 14

    Ballots & Beyond: 2026 Primary Election Updates

    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

    19 min

  4. May 7

    Behind the Ballot with Robis Elections ft. David Davoust

    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

    31 min

  5. Apr 30

    Doña Ana County in the Texas Tech Archives ft. Kylie Kincaid

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="e7a0f5a3-13b4-4fa1-8478-5e91266b2e6b" data-testid="conversation-turn-3" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:d06d55a5-92af-48a3-83b3-3d7070b08cb0-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Step inside the vaults of the Southwest in this episode of Preserving History and Democracy. Cynthia Diaz and Bernardine Caporale are joined by archivist Kylie Kincaid from Texas Tech's Southwest Collection to explore how history is preserved, from rare books and music archives to ranching records and oral histories. Discover surprising connections to Doña Ana County, including 1800s mining documents, mysterious desert craters, and the stories hidden in everyday records. It's a fascinating look at how archives keep the past alive and why it still matters today. Watch on Youtube.  Hosted by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Diaz Special guest: Kylie Kincaid  Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office  Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

    26 min

  6. Apr 23

    Doña Ana Soil and Water Conservation District ft. Jennifer Kleitz

    In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, Cynthia Diaz and Bernardine Caporale are joined by Jennifer Kleitz, District Manager for the Doña Ana Soil and Water Conservation District, for an in-depth conversation on conservation, community partnerships, and the future of natural resources in southern New Mexico. From the legacy of the Dust Bowl to today's challenges with drought and climate change, Jennifer breaks down how soil and water conservation districts play a vital role in protecting our land, supporting local producers, and strengthening communities. Learn how innovative programs like NeighborWoods are transforming neighborhoods, from planting trees to cool streets, reduce erosion, improve mental well-being, and even help lower crime. Whether it's replanting trees after vandalism, helping farmers access critical grants, or bringing communities together through volunteer events, this conversation highlights the real, local impact of conservation work in Doña Ana County. Watch here.  Hosted by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Diaz Special Guest: Jennifer Kleitz Produced by: Doña ana County Clerk's office  Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

    37 min

  7. Apr 16

    On the Road: Inside the New Mexico State Archives Ft. Elena Pérez-Lizano and Jonathan Pringle

    This week, the Preserving History and Democracy team hits the road for a special behind-the-scenes episode at the New Mexico State Archives. Join state archivists Elena Pérez-Lozano and Jonathan Pringle as they reveal how history is preserved from centuries-old documents and rare voter rolls to mysterious crime scene sketches and records dating back to the 1500s. Explore the hidden stories within the archives, follow the journey of public records, and discover why preserving these materials is vital to protecting our shared history and our democracy. Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Angelica Valenzuela Special Guests: Elena Pérez-Lizano, Jonathan Pringle  Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office  Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

    39 min

  8. Apr 9

    The Hermit - The Journey of Giovanni Maria de Agostini Ft. David Thomas

    In the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy, we sit down with local historian and author David Thomas to explore the fascinating life of Giovanni Maria de Agostini, the mysterious hermit who traveled across South America before arriving in the Mesilla Valley. Drawing from his book Giovanni Maria de Agostini, Wonder of the Century: The Astonishing World Traveler Who Was A Hermit, David shares insights into Giovanni's global journey, his time in Doña Ana County, and his stay at the historic La Cueva. We also dive deeper into the myths and legends that surround Giovanni, separating fact from folklore, and exploring why his story continues to captivate the region today. From tales of solitude and spirituality to his unexpected impact on local history, this conversation brings new life to one of the most intriguing figures to ever pass through southern New Mexico. Watch here.  Hosted by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Diaz Special Guest: David Thomas Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office  Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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2 Ratings

About

A podcast dedicated to teaching and informing our listeners regarding elections and the fascinating history of Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

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