We already have over 75 state-registered election watchers, who are keeping an eye on election locations and offering voter support. These watchers are organized into teams in every corner of New Mexico – except for the southeast. We have decided to form a special team for southeast New Mexico for Election Day, to show that New Mexicans care about every part of our state.
We are recruiting volunteers from across New Mexico for this special solidarity project. No matter where you live in New Mexico, if you are registered to vote and are willing to go through the process to become a state-registered Land of Action Election Watcher, we want to hear from you! If you live in or near Otero County, we would especially like to hear from you.
If you are not already familiar with what election watching is, you should watch this video. Ignore references to a September 9 deadline. That was for our original election watchers. It does NOT apply to this Election Day of Action team. The deadline for signing up is October 22, 2026, 3 pm. To sign up, complete this form.
Once you sign up, you'll work with a team leader from Land of Action who will be organizing the effort on the ground. You will also participate in a Land of Action Election Watcher Orientation via videoconference and take simple state-required training for election watchers.
In Other Election Activism News....
Report from Heidi Li Feldman on Land of Action Election Watching 2026
Land of Action Election Watchers in Rio Arriba, Valencia, Sandoval, and Grant Counties all got off to a good start on the first day of early voting in New Mexico, on October 6. Watchers were at and inside polling locations, where they were received cordially by Presiding Judges. The team leaders for these areas, Presiding Judges, and, when necessary, County Clerks' offices all worked well together. To quote one team leader from Española: "No problems, lots of voting."
So far, things have gone less smoothly in Santa Fe County. The County Clerk is not permitting election watchers access unless they meet separate requirements announced by the Clerk on September 29. Land of Action is working to resolve the situation. We need the process for election watching to be as free and fair as the election itself must be.
Celebration of Early Voting
Left: Susanne and Larry. Right: Maggie and Laurel.
The Free and Fair Elections NM26 campaigners want voting to be accessible and popular. At a time when some in our federal government have sowed fear, confusion, and anxiety about voting and whether the election results will be respected, one rejoinder is to celebrate democracy and the chance to exercise the right to vote. Abiquiu-Youngsville Indivisible threw a party on the first day of early voting. Cafe Sierra Negra was the venue and the owner co-hosted the event. They invited folks from all over northern New Mexico. People came from Cochiti Lake, Santa Fe, and Española and joined fellow pro-democracy activists and voters from Abiquiu and Youngsville. Cafe Sierra Negra was the venue. The owner co-hosted the event. On offer: food and drink, excellent conversation, and T-shirts for sale, with proceeds to benefit FFE NM26.
Welcome Indivisible San Juan
Land of Action publishes a directory of grassroots progressive groups and projects from all over New Mexico. We are delighted to welcome Indivisible San Juan and look forward to sharing news of their efforts and activities.
