New Mexican voters should feel safe and supported as they cast their votes. This year, Common Cause New Mexico is ramping up efforts and beginning to train volunteers over the summer in advance of early voting.
What follows could be a template for action in any state.
In 2008, Common Cause New Mexico created a nonpartisan voter protection program that seeks to ensure that every eligible New Mexico voter who wants to vote can and that every vote is counted accurately. Their Election Protection program is not affiliated with any party, candidate or issue campaign.
Voters who experience any difficulties while voting are encouraged to use the following hotlines to get live advice from our attorneys. These hotlines will be connected to response teams on the ground to address problems as they occur
(866-687-8683).
Trained poll watchers are an integral part of the project. Poll watchers are volunteers who assist voters in obtaining information about accessing the ballot box. After attending a one-hour training, they will have answers to voters’ frequently asked questions and have websites and toll-free numbers on hand to direct voters for additional assistance.
Sign up to learn more about the Election Protection program, or to find out about ways to volunteer at www.protectthevote.net.
You can sign up for one or more of the volunteer roles below:
Poll Watcher: Monitors the polling location from inside the poll site. Volunteers will be provided PPE to support voters at the polls in person.
Absentee Board Poll Watcher: Monitoring the acceptance of absentee ballots but the board as well as ensure ballots are properly qualified and counted.
Poll Monitor: Volunteers will be provided PPE to support voters at the polls in person and connect voters who are denied the ballot to legal resources and answer questions for voters.
Roving Poll Monitor: Use a checklist to drive (or bike!) between polling places and check on lines, signage, and poll preparation.
Social Media Monitor: Identify voters who are posting on social media about problems voting, connecting them to resources and support, and reporting vote-related mis/disinformation.
Voter Contact: Use text banking and phone banking tools to talk to thousands of voters to give them accurate voting information and support.
The right to vote is a privilege and a responsibility. The right to vote and have our voices heard is fundamental to our democracy. Our democracy is stronger when every eligible Americans participates, confident that when they cast a vote that it will be counted as cast, that the process is secure, and that anyone who interferes or tampers with our elections will be held accountable.