Election observers to fan out across NM. Here’s who to call if you have a problem.

A group of election observers will be stationed at polling places in eight New Mexico counties tomorrow to help voters cast their ballots successfully.

The 2022 primary election takes place tomorrow, featuring federal, state and local races. 

The 40 nonpartisan volunteers are from the state’s American Civil Liberties Union chapter, the Native American Voters Alliance and Common Cause New Mexico. They’ll be observing polling places in Bernalillo, Chaves, Doña Ana, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Santa Fe and Taos counties. 

N.M. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has approved the teams, the organization said. Common Cause has run an election protection program since 2008 to help ensure safe and accurate election proceedings.

The volunteers will have hotline numbers that connect voters with attorneys, law students and others familiar with the state election code. They’ll be ready to provide assistance to voters who encounter any “snafus or irregularities,” according to a news release from Common Cause. 

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, registered voters have the right to: 

• Be treated respectfully by election administrators
• Vote without intimidation
• Vote privately 
• Vote by emergency paper ballot if the machine is broken
• Ask for a provisional ballot if you’re not on the voter rolls 

Find more information on voter rights in English and Spanish.