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A new wave of civic energy is rising in Otero County as young residents organize to form the Young Democrats of Otero County, a local chapter aimed at empowering youth, combating disinformation, and building a trusted pipeline for political leadership.
The initiative is part of a broader statewide movement led by the Young Democrats of New Mexico (YDNM), a chartered affiliate of the Democratic Party and the Young Democrats of America. YDNM represents party members under the age of 35 and focuses on electing Democrats, advocating progressive policies, and training future leaders.
Bridging the Civic Education Gap
Organizers say the effort responds to a critical gap in civic education across New Mexico schools. “Many young people struggle to get involved in politics simply because they were never taught how,” said Fred Moran, a local organizer. “As party leaders, it’s our responsibility to pick up where our systems fail.”
The group emphasizes that participation and understanding go hand in hand. “People participate to the degree they understand, and understand to the degree they participate,” Moran added. “We want to demystify party structures and make political engagement accessible.”
Fighting Disinformation with Trust and Training
In an era of rampant misinformation, organizers stress the need for institutions young people can trust. The proposed chapter will offer training in campaign management, ballot access, and leadership development—whether for public office, party roles, or union representation.
“Young people trust other young people,” said Marcos Balido of YDNM. “That’s why this chapter matters. It’s not just about politics—it’s about building a community of accountability and action.”
Call to Action
All Democrats in Otero County are invited to support the formation of the chapter and help build a foundation for youth-led civic engagement. Interested individuals can contact:
• Fred Moran: fredjmoran@gmail.com
• Young Democrats of New Mexico: youngdemsnm@gmail.com
• Marcos Balido: marcosbalidoydnm@gmail.com
As the chapter takes shape, organizers hope to create a lasting legacy of youth empowerment, progressive advocacy, and community trust—right here in Otero County. To learn more visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DVsMFy22Ho5A-x-hchwbOrTYtnAjhI6N/view?usp=drivesdk
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