Election important one for Curry

New Mexico has 33 counties. Of those, only two — Curry and Roosevelt — are dry, meaning alcohol sales are not permitted in the unincorporated areas of the counties.

Over the past several years, Curry County has received phone calls, been approached by developers and has received inquiries as to why alcohol sales are not permitted in the unincorporated areas of the county.

And so the Curry County Commission earlier this year unanimously approved moving forward and putting before the voters three questions pertaining to alcohol sales.

A proposed sale of alcohol on Sundays was not approved by the County Commission and will not be on the ballot.

The questions that will be on the ballot are:

1. Do the residents of Curry County wish to allow the sale, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the unincorporated areas of Curry County? For or Against?

2. Do the residents of Curry County wish to allow interlocal option district transfers in the unincorporated areas of Curry County? For or Against?

3. Do the residents of Curry County wish to allow the issuance of restaurant beer and wine licenses in the unincorporated areas of Curry County? For or Against?

All persons who are qualified electors (registered voters) of Curry County are eligible to vote on all three of these questions.

Citizens have asked what is an interlocal option district transfer. That would be the transfer of an existing liquor license from another city or county in New Mexico to Curry County. That option, if approved, would be permitted if the first question listed above is approved by the voters.

Early voting starts on Tuesday and the election is Nov. 5.

If you have any questions, or would like any additional information, please feel free to contact a member of the County Commission or contact my office at 575-763-6016 or send me an email.

Most importantly, remember to vote. This election is important and will have an impact on potential future development in unincorporated areas of Curry County and our community.

Lance Pyle is the Curry County manager. Contact him at:

[email protected]