Here’s a look at some local news brought to you by Silver City Radio.

At the time of compiling this report, the New Mexico Department of Health, announced a total of 26,144 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases with 13,604 tested as recovered. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County has increased to 88 total cases with 40 recovered; Luna County increased to 341 total cases with an increase to 126 recovered; Hidalgo County increased to 98 total cases with 62 recovered; and Catron County increased to 11 total cases with 2 recovered.

The New Mexico Secretary of Health has issued some new public health order guidelines pertaining to social distancing restrictions in polling places during the fall election season. Polling locations will allow only 25 percent of the maximum occupancy of the location, or 4 voters at any one-time, whichever amount is greater. In addition, mobile unit polling locations are allowed only 2 voters at a time. Officials and staff working the polls are directed to ensure that all voters waiting in line to keep at least 6 feet of physical distance and avoid person-to-person contact.

The fall election season calendar has been announced to the public. Absentee ballots can be requested online through the Secretary of State’s website through the deadline of October 20th. Voters are reminded to mail in their completed absentee ballot no later than October 27th so that the ballot will be received by their county clerk no later than November 3rd. In addition, in-person early voting locations will be open starting on Saturday, October 17th, and remain open until Saturday, October 31st. Election day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3rd in polling locations throughout the state from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

The U.S. Census Service is offering free one-on-one assistance for individuals having problems filling out the 2020 census. Text CENSUSHELP to 313131, and a representative will contact you and help you complete the 2020 Census. Taking the census is easy and safe and will assure that the community receives valuable federal funding for the next 10 years. The deadline to submit the 2020 Census is September 30th.

This has been a look at some local news. Thank you for listening to Silver City Radio.