Victory for Voters!
New Mexico has reason to celebrate! The New Mexico Voting Rights Act (HB 4) has passed the Legislature and awaits signature by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
A complementary measure, SB 43 Intimidation of Election Officials to protect poll workers and administrators, has passed and goes to the Governor’s desk for signature.
Please urge Governor Lujan Grisham to sign both bills to ensure voters have safe and secure access to the polls.
“We are proud to have been a part of this multi-year effort on the part of many organizations and thank the sponsors, Reps. Javier Martinez, Gail Chasey, Wonda Johnson, Raymundo Lara and Sen. Katy Duhigg. We also appreciate the hard work of NM Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver and the many county clerks who worked on this bill,” – Graham continued.
Some key provisions of the NM Voting Rights Act:
- Includes the Native American Voting Rights Act, which provides better access to the ballot for people living in rural communities and respects the sovereignty of tribal nations.
- Simplifies and streamlines restoration of voting rights for New Mexicans who are leaving incarceration. By eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, we can more easily ensure these citizens have a voice and sense of belonging.
- Creates a permanent absentee voting list for New Mexicans who wish to receive a ballot in the mail, without the need to request one every election.
- Provides automatic voter registration for qualified electors through the Motor Vehicle Division and an easy opt-out process for anyone who does not wish to be registered.
- Makes Election Day a school holiday throughout the state.
Our communities and partner advocates have worked hard to advance this legislation!
Another bill to protect our democracy is SB 43, which extends the protection against intimidation and harassment already guaranteed to voters to include poll workers and elections administrators. At a time when political violence and election denialism is at an all-time high, including here in New Mexico, our essential poll workers deserve protection.
Without the civic service of poll workers, our democracy could not function.
We are grateful to our New Mexico State Legislature for leading the nation to provide access to a secure, fair, and equitable voting process.