Why I Vote
by Nancy Wesemann
WSD Speakers Bureau Member
I grew up in the ‘60s – ‘70s. I saw Martin Luther King demonstrating for black people’s civil rights. I also saw Robert and John Kennedy continue this fight and then witnessed all three assassinated on TV.
In college, I protested for women’s rights and saw Roe vs. Wade pass. I also worked on a college radio station reporting on local causes such as the wrongful imprisonment of Antoine Calley, a black man. I attended Sunday “sit-ins” in Grant Park in Chicago, protesting the Viet Nam war.
Recently, all of these rights are being challenged again. Civil rights are being violated, this time against our immigrants. Roe vs. Wade was overturned. Reporters are being ousted and talk shows are being sued for “anti-government” agendas. And now, we are in another unprecedented war, this time in Iran.
Our basic democracy is at stake. Our systems of checks and balances, freedom of the press, and voting rights are all being challenged.
This is why our vote in this year’s election is so important. We must ensure that our democracy will exist for the benefit of future generations.
Join us for our annual Holiday Thank You Lunch on Saturday, November 21. This annual tradition is how we thank you, our members, for your support during the year. We’ll have a sumptuous meal, fellowship, and special entertainment. You can expect a few candidates to drop by, too.
We also have a special thank you for members who volunteered for Democratic candidate(s) in the West Side Challenge this fall – the opportunity to win M’Tucci’s gift certificate. Only members who volunteered for a candidate(s) this fall are eligible for the raffle. Email your info to info@westsidedems.com: your name, the name of the candidate(s), and date(s) you volunteered. Your name will be entered once for each time you volunteered.
The monthly TGIF social hours have been suspended for the upcoming holidays.
Another Way to Help our West Side Candidates in New Mexico
West Side ABQ Phone Banks! · Democratic Party of New Mexico Sign up for virtual phone banking by contacting jayrainamontoya@nmdemocrats.org.
Script and calling software will be provided.
Do you know who your state representative is?
Have you been canvassing or phonebanking or donating to help them win?
They are all running for (re)election on Nov. 3. With only a few days until the election (and early voting started on October 17), IT’S TIME TO STEP UP.
If you’re not sure who your representative is, click here to find out: Find My Legislator – New Mexico Legislature. Enter your address and decide how you want the info to be presented.
Here is the list of West Side Democratic State Legislators Running for Reelection in November. Find your representative, click on their website and volunteer! It’s that simple.
West Side Democratic Legislators
Running for Reelection in November
Sign-up now to volunteer!
(Go to website to learn more about the candidate and to volunteer)
NM Democratic Congressional Candidates with Districts on the West Side
Who are Running for Re-Election
Sign up to volunteer with Representative Melanie Stansbury · Democratic Party of New Mexico (Congressional District 1)
Gabe for Congress -
(Congressional District 2)
Ben Ray Luján for U.S. Senate
(US Senator, statewide)
Democratic Candidates for NM Statewide Offices
Support NM Democratic Candidates Who Will
Face Opponents in November
Find out about NM Democratic candidates who will face opposition in November. These candidates need your help to win. Blue Boosters for NM is a new activist/research group providing the information. Analysis provided by Indivisible ABQ and Santa Fe. Blue In NM — 2026 Candidates (Information from Indivisible ABQ.)
Our exclusive monthly WSD Newsletter only goes to paid members.
If you haven’t paid your 2026 dues, go here to join or renew your membership online.
Lynn Sarkany is organizing the Speakers Bureau. Contact her at info@westsidedems.org.
Upcoming Meetings:
Holiday Thank You Lunch: November 21
(includes M’Tucci’s gift certificate raffle)
All meetings held 12:30-2:30,
at the West Mesa Community Center, 5500 Glenrio Rd. NW, 87105
Recurring Local Protests
Albuquerque | Corner of Montgomery & Juan Tabo | 11am – 12pm
Rio Rancho | Corner of U.S. 550 & New Mexico 528 | 10am – 11:30am
Info and RSVP here.
(for LGBTQ+ adults and allies)
Albuquerque | Morningside Park | 10am – 11am
Info and RSVP here.
Albuquerque | Corner of 4th & Lomas | 9 to 10 am
Info and RSVP here.
Albuquerque | Corner of Montgomery & Juan Tabo | 11am – 12pm
Info and RSVP here.
Albuquerque | Corner of Paseo & Ventura | 12pm – 1pm
Info and RSVP here.
Santa Fe | Corner of Sandoval & West Alameda | 12pm – 1pm
Info and RSVP here.
Save our Elections in NM
Join Common Cause NM and the Election Protection coalition to protect NM elections from federal government overreach. Volunteers are nonpartisan. 2026 EP Field Volunteer Training Sign Up.
Tell Congress to stop funding Trump’s War on Iran. It’s escalating – again. Stop the National Defense Authorization Act in Congress.
ADD YOUR NAME: DEMAND THE SENATE VOTE DOWN THIS NDAA | VoteVets
No Illegal Partisan Attacks on Essential Programs
American Civil Liberties Union
New Sound System Arrives
At last – we have our new sound system.
We’ve been hearing about it for about a year – the limitations of the undersized current system, Executive Committee approval of an initial $1,000 to pay for a new one, the early attempts of small-change fundraising, updated needs analysis and cost, more serious fundraising, and some major donations.
“I’m thrilled we have the new sound system,” said Paul Evans, WSD volunteer A/V coordinator who did the needs analysis for the new system. “It will help WSD to continue our fight for our values on the West Side of town – at venues large and small. For small events, we can use the small speaker we already had. For big events, we can use the new, larger speakers.” He also recommended that WSD buy a cart to haul the system and bags to protect the speakers.
It all adds up to $2392.45 with two large speakers and two beefy microphones that will incorporate some components of our old system. Here’s how we paid for it:
- We budgeted $1,000 from our budget.
- We collected $1,100 from the DPBC and some area legislators, and we have $300 promised from area legislators. We will collect the remainder now that the 2026 Legislative Session has ended.
Audio/Visual Volunteers Needed Now
Paul Evans with the new sound system.
“Now that we have a larger sound system, we need help to run it... We also need someone to help me with the visual side by editing video footage,” Evans explained.
Contact Paul Evans at info@westsidedem.org to apply. Your “pay” is our gratitude and helping elect candidates who reflect our values!
Audio Technician
- Set up, operate, and troubleshoot sound equipment.
- Handle and transport heavy equipment.
- Team player supporting WSD’s mission.
Video Technician
- Edit short-form video for social media.
- Collaborate on footage needs and deadlines.
- Support WSD's digital messaging goals.
Paul Evans — Our A/V Mastermind
How did WSD lure an A/V expert with 40 years of experience?
The answer is simple: Recruit an expert who aligns with your values.
“I feel our democracy is at stake. Each of us needs to step up. We hold the keys. If we don’t do it, nobody will.”
5 Things About Paul Evans
- Roots: Raised in St. Paul, MN. He is deeply concerned about civil rights and believes we must protect our community locally.
- NM Journey: Came to NM in 1984. Amassed ~40 years in professional TV news and government videography.
- History Maker: Covered state government under four governors and visits from the Dalai Lama and various Presidents.
- Producer: Produced "Wild New Mexico" and the popular "Dance! Dance! Dance!" teen program.
- At the Meeting: See him behind the camera at WSD meetings and be sure to thank him for all he does!
Our Mission
To Serve the 88,000 Democrats
Living on the West Side
Democrats Care!
We encourage and support candidates who will work for the good of everyone in our community. We believe in a government that is truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people”…not just for corporations, Wall Street, or the rich.
United By A Common Goal…
Social justice and human rights are more important than corporate profits. We seek to improve the quality of life for all of our residents through grass-roots support of candidates who listen and work to implement liberal programs and legislation.
Get Involved…
Your candidates can’t win without your help. Canvassing, phone banking, word-of-mouth, volunteering, and donating are all ways to work together to achieve our common goals.