Update from Heidi
Voter support and massive turnout promotion
Folks from Española Indivisible and Abiquiu-Youngsville Indivisible turned out at Española's first Common Ground event, where in addition to tabling with voting information, at least one member "even busted out some Punjabi / Bollywood dance moves - demonstrated by the Sikhs who encouraged everyone to join in." No photographic evidence, though.
Voter support at Common Ground event in Española. In picture at left, Lauren Reichelt is at far right with Wendy Dolci next to her. Blue Wave T-Shirts via Free and Fair Elections NM26.
In Truth or Consequences, the Free and Fair Elections NM26 Blue Wave T-shirts made an appearance at an event for Gabe Vasquez, who was in town to canvass as he works toward reelection as a New Mexico's Congress member from District 2.
Protecting Election Watching
In Santa Fe County, Land of Action won a court order directing the Santa Fe County Clerk to admit election watchers throughout Santa Fe County so long as they have taken online training from the Secretary of State and fulfilled other prerequisites set by state law. The Santa Fe County Clerk may not require separate in-person training. The ruling cleared the way for election watchers from Observe New Mexico Elections and party challengers as well for Land of Action Election Watchers. There have been some problems since the order was formally entered but we have been able to increase our presence at election locations in Santa Fe County. Land of Action will ensure that the Santa Fe County Clerk is in full compliance with the judicial order.
At the hearing on Land of Action's request for emergency relief, the judge prefaced his order to the County Clerk with an observation. He said that in 2023, when the New Mexico State Legislature expanded the scope of election watching, the Legislature joined a nationwide effort to augment election transparency. He noted that this transparency gives voters confidence that elections are conducted properly, and that therefore all and only eligible voters cast ballots which are then counted. Judge Ellington is exactly right. The only way for election watching to serve this purpose is if we use our statutorily recognized positions to attend election locations and see what happens.
Fortunately, Land of Action Election Watchers from throughout the state have performed their statutory role. Here are some comments from them.
I have watched twice, with no problems, the presiding judge is very receptive to my being there and even introduced me to several people there! I have signed up for 3 more days next week and on Election Day. I saw a first time voter, several families with small children, and this has been a very good experience for me.
I served in Pojuaque yesterday ... The [presiding] judge there welcomed me in and a little bit later verified that I was authorized. I had my certificate and letter, which she photographed. ... Everybody at my polling station was wonderful. There was a steady stream of voters coming in and most of the time the privacy boxes were full. The judge told me that earlier in the day she had some first-time voters. I saw all kinds of folks not just older retired people so that was very nice. I did also see one vision impaired person who with the help of the judge updated her address in the files and then her husband helped her with her voting. It was very comforting and reassuring to see democracy working.
Got to Abedon Sr Center in Espanola around 1:15 today. Check in was easy, no issues, TRO not needed. Pretty quiet here. Everyone friendly. There is a Challenger (Democratic) here for the afternoon, good to see.
Expanding Land of Action Election Watching
Earlier this month, Land of Action put out a call for election watchers for Otero County in southeast New Mexico. Very dedicated people responded. I am pleased to report that we will be fielding a team there on Election Day!
