The United States Election Assistance Commission Ft. Chairman Donald Palmer
Preserving History and Democracy
Release Date: 08/21/2025
Season 5 Recap
Preserving History and Democracy
Welcome to the season finale of Preserving History and Democracy! In this special episode, Cynthia and Bernardine look back at one of the podcast’s most dynamic seasons yet—packed with history, community voices, and critical conversations about democracy. The season opens with , Countdown to the Vote, where Cynthia and Caroline break down key election dates and updates, emphasizing transparency and communication—a theme that echoes throughout the series. brings in County Clerk Amanda López Askin, Election Supervisor Janice Giron, and special guest Donald Palmer of the Election...
info_outline
2025 Regular Local Election Wrap Up
Preserving History and Democracy
Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin, Chief Deputy Clerk Caroline Zamora, and Elections Supervisor Janice take listeners behind the scenes of the 2025 Regular Local Election. From certification to canvass to brand-new pilot programs, the team explains exactly what happens after voters cast their ballots and why New Mexico continues to rank among the most trusted election systems in the country. The conversation begins with a deep dive into what “certification” actually means and why the post-election...
info_outline
Repatriate Colonies ft. Joel Gonzalez Parra
Preserving History and Democracy
Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, we take listeners on a captivating journey into one of the borderland’s most overlooked historical chapters. Our guest, Joel Gonzalez Parra—historian, researcher, and recent NMSU graduate joining us from Washington, D.C.—shares the compelling story of the repatriate colonies that emerged in the aftermath of the Mexican–American War. Joel unpacks how, when the border shifted in 1848, many New Mexicans found themselves suddenly living under a new flag and facing decisions that would reshape entire...
info_outline
Las Esperanzas Ft. Corrina Miramontes and Martha Rodriguez
Preserving History and Democracy
In this deeply enriching episode of Preserving History and Democracy, host Cynthia Mendoza and producer Bernardine Caporale sit down with two remarkable women at the forefront of cultural and historic preservation in Doña Ana County: Corrina Miramontes and Martha Rodriguez from Las Esperanzas Together, they take us on a captivating journey through the Mesquite Historic District—the original townsite of Las Cruces, platted in 1849 and still home to one of the most intact collections of historic adobe structures in the Southwest. Discover the powerful origin story of Las Esperanzas, a...
info_outline
The Converso Legacy Archives Ft. Sean Schifano
Preserving History and Democracy
Welcome to the latest episode of PRreserving History and Democracy! In this episode, we delve into the hidden history of the Conversos—the descendants of Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions—and trace their remarkable journey across centuries and continents. Our guest, Sean Schifano , historian and founding archivist of the the Crypto-Jewish Historical Archives at New Mexico State University, joins us to illuminate this little-known but profoundly important story of cultural survival, religious transformation, and rediscovered...
info_outline
Election Update #3 - Election Day 2025
Preserving History and Democracy
Welcome to a special bonus episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, County Clerk Dr. Amanda López Askin and Elections Supervisor Janice Giron share important final updates ahead of the 2025 Regular Local Election. They begin by covering key election dates and offering insights into early and absentee voting numbers. Then, they discuss why every vote matters—even if you don’t live within a municipality. Dr. López Askin and Janice also explain the Permanent Absentee List, how it impacts voters, and provide reminders about how to return absentee ballots safely and on...
info_outline
Shalam Colony Ft. Christopher Schurtz
Preserving History and Democracy
Welcome to another fascinating episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, hosts Cynthia and Bern sit down with historian Professor Christopher Schurtz to explore the remarkable — and often mysterious — history of Shalam Colony and the Faithist community that once called it home. Professor Schurtz begins by sharing how he first became interested in this unique chapter of American history before introducing John Ballou Newbrough, the visionary behind the Oahspe, a spiritual text that inspired the founding of the Faithist movement. He explains what the Oahspe taught, what...
info_outline
De-escalating Conflict at the Polls Ft. Tina Barton
Preserving History and Democracy
Welcome to a new episode of Preserving History and Democracy! This week, we're joined by Tina Barton, Senior Election Expert at The Elections Group, for a timely and important conversation about election security and the safety of election workers. Tina begins by sharing her personal journey and what drives her passion for protecting those on the frontlines of democracy. Together, we explore the challenges of ensuring safety for both voters and election workers during such a polarized time in our country. We dive into the crucial role of de-escalation at the polls, and Tina explains why this...
info_outline
2025 Regular Local Election Update Pt. 2- Expanded Early Voting Begins
Preserving History and Democracy
In this episode, County Clerk Amanda López Askin and Chief Deputy Clerk Caroline Zamora share the latest updates on the 2025 Regular Local Election. They kick things off by explaining how elections have evolved—and how consolidating elections has improved the process for voters across Doña Ana County. You’ll hear about: Expanded early voting: including all the locations opening this weekend Voting Convenience Centers: how they make voting more accessible for all eligible voters Same Day Registration: what it is, how it works, and what you’ll need to bring Curbside voting:...
info_outline
2025 Archives Bazaar Ft. Dennis Daily and Jennifer Olguin
Preserving History and Democracy
Welcome to a new episode of Preserving History and Democracy! This week, we’re thrilled to be joined by special guests Dennis Daily and Jennifer Olguin, who give us an inside look at the upcoming 9th Annual Border Archives Bazaar, hosted by the Border Regional Archives Group (BRAG). We begin with Dennis and Jennifer sharing the origins of BRAG and how a shared mission to help fellow archivists connect with resources and information brought the group together. Dennis then walks us through the history of the Border Archives Bazaar—from its humble beginnings to the dynamic event it has become...
info_outlineWelcome to a special episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, Dr. Amanda López Askin and Elections Supervisor Janice Giron are joined by Chairman Donald Palmer of the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of American elections. Chairman Palmer begins by sharing his background and what led him to the EAC, followed by an overview of the Commission’s creation and its vital role in supporting elections across the country. The conversation continues with Dr. López Askin discussing the importance of voting machine certification and her role on the Voting Security Certification Committee, emphasizing the need for secure, trustworthy election systems.
Chairman Palmer also explains the significance of the Help America Vote Act and how it shaped modern election practices. He highlights the value of interstate collaboration in sharing best practices and strengthening election procedures nationwide. Janice Giron reflects on the progress elections have made over the years and how technology continues to enhance the process. Chairman Palmer offers insights into the 2024 election and how election administrators rose to the occasion, ensuring a smooth and secure process.
The episode also explores what a typical Election Day looks like for Chairman Palmer, while Dr. López Askin underscores the importance of transparency and how it builds trust with voters. They also discuss creative ways to keep voters engaged—like offering “I Voted” stickers and celebrating first-time voters with symbolic moments. Dr. López Askin shares exciting updates about the new elections warehouse and what it means for the future of local election operations. Lastly, Mr. Palmer shares his final thoughts on elections and what voters can do to help ensure that elections run smoothly.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/wKXtyPlejD8
Hosted by: Dr. Amanda López Askin, Janice Giron
Special Guest: Donald Palmer
Produced by: Caroline Zamora, Cynthia Mendoza, Jacob Salughter
Edited by: Jacob Slaughter