Press Release
COMMON CAUSE, ACLU LAUNCH STATEWIDE ELECTION INTEGRITY PROGRAM
For Immediate Release: Thursday Oct. 1, 2020
Contact: Mario Jimenez, Common Cause, (575) 571-8507 or mjimenez@commoncause.org, or Micah McCoy, ACLU of New Mexico, (972) 740-6675 or mmccoy@aclu-nm.org
COMMON CAUSE, ACLU LAUNCH STATEWIDE ELECTION INTEGRITY PROGRAM
Local voting rights organizations implement voter hotline and unveil monitoring plan for state elections
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Common Cause New Mexico is teaming up with the ACLU of New Mexico to run a nonpartisan voter protection program this year to assist voters who encounter problems in voting, either by mail or in person. The organizations will operate teams on the ground to field questions and staff a hotline for voters to report problems.
The hotline number is 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) or, for Spanish speakers, 888-VE-Y-VOTA.
“This year presents unprecedented challenges for voters who want to exercise their right to vote and protect their health at the same time,” says Heather Ferguson, executive director of Common Cause New Mexico. “New Mexicans should feel secure that they can cast their ballot in a number of different ways, and that it will be counted as cast and anyone who interferes or tampers with elections will be held accountable.”
Common Cause New Mexico has been running an election protection program since 2008 to make sure that every eligible New Mexico voter who wants to vote can and that every vote is counted accurately. The program is not affiliated with any party, candidate or issue campaign.
The hotlines will be staffed by attorneys, law students and those with a legal background who are familiar with the NM Election Code, and will provide voters with live assistance if they encounter any irregularities. Trained volunteers on the ground will monitor voting at polling places and verify acceptance and counting of absentee ballots in coordination with attorneys.
“Due to the highly charged atmosphere and a coordinated campaign to undermine the democratic process and cast doubt on the integrity of our elections, it is essential that we have trained, non-partisan observers on hand throughout the election process here in our state,” said ACLU of New Mexico Policy Counsel Nia Rucker. “The ACLU has long fought for the voting rights of all Americans, and we are excited to join in this effort to safeguard the democratic process at this critical moment.”
Anyone who wants to volunteer to help in their own county as a poll watcher or monitor can sign up for training at http://protectthevote.net or by calling 575-571-8507. People with legal backgrounds who want to volunteer for the hotline contact https://electionprotection.wetheaction.org or call 575-571-8507.
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Common Cause is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; to promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard as equals in the political process.
For more than 50 years, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico has worked in New Mexico’s courts, legislature, and local communities to ensure the rights, humanity, and dignity of all people are respected and protected. Learn more about the ACLU of New Mexico’s work and mission at www.aclu-nm.org