This November, voters throughout New Mexico will be asked to approve more than $131 million to 29 colleges and universities, including the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), by supporting General Obligation Bond C (GO Bond C). For many of our state’s colleges and universities, General Obligation Bonds are their only source of funding that allows for the upgrade and modernization of buildings and facilities, and voter support of this year’s bond will not raise taxes. In Santa Fe County, $5.5 million will create 55 new jobs—IAIA would receive $2 million for the Performing Arts and Fitness Center.

In addition to critical institutional upgrades and modernization projects, GO Bond C provides an important economic boost to communities impacted by voter-approved funding by employing builders, contractors, and architects. In fact, passage of GO Bond C will create more than 1,300 new jobs in communities around the state and provide an injection of spending in restaurants, grocery stores, and other local businesses.

GO Bond C Banner featuring IAIA Alumna Shondinii Walters (Diné) ’16

A strong and modern system of higher education is a critical component to the state’s long-term economic stability. Providing our students with the tools and resources they need to succeed will help ensure we attract the best and brightest student from around the world, which will, in turn, make New Mexico more attractive to innovative businesses and create meaningful career tracks that keep our students right here after graduation.

The 2016 general election ballot is expected to be exceedingly long in many communities which will include the Presidential election, the entire state Legislature, judges running for retention and statewide and local general obligation questions. On many ballots, GO Bond C will appear at the bottom and in many cases, on the back-side of a long ballot.

A vote on GO Bond C will help to improve higher education in New Mexico, create new jobs, and have a positive economic impact on communities around the state—all without raising taxes.

Absentee voting is now underway and will run up to Election Day when last minute absentee ballots can be returned to any polling location. Early voting will run until November 5 and Election Day is November 8, with polls open from 7 am–7:00 pm.