Voters on Tuesday should expect to vote without being hassled, and to be treated courteously. You can push back if your experience is any different, or if anyone stands between you and your ballot.
There’s a history of voter intimidation in New Mexico, according to Common Cause, a nonpartisan watchdog organization that protects people’s rights on Election Day. Executive Director Heather Ferguson said in the last couple of years, police or Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have parked their cars outside of polling locations in certain districts.
"Even naturalized citizens and those who have been given the right to vote and are citizens of this country now sometimes can feel intimidated if they pull up and they see an ICE vehicle parked out front," she said.
Despite high early voting turnout, there haven’t been any problems so far this year, Ferguson says. It’s important to know you’re not required to show any form of ID this election cycle, and that only poll workers are supposed to talk to you, not outside poll observers or challengers. Plus, if you’re standing in line when the polls close at 7 p.m., you can still cast your ballot.
If you have any problems with intimidation or interference, nonpartisan lawyers are on standby to help immediately. You can reach them by calling 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
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