Accredited Nonpartisan Coordinators and Observers visit 24 Counties during early voting
Albuquerque, NM, November 4, 2024 – Observe New Mexico Elections (ONME), a nonpartisan observation effort designed to increase trust and transparency in elections, announced their findings of the 2024 general election during the early voting timeframe. ONME trained and accredited more than 50 observers who visited 82 unique voting locations in 24 counties across New Mexico during the early voting window of October 8-November 2, 2024.
ONME observed early voting election processes in Bernalillo, Catron, Cibola, Curry, De Baca, Doña Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Los Alamos, Luna, McKinley, Mora, Otero, Rio Arriba, Roosevelt, San Juan, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Sierra, Socorro, Taos, and Union counties.
ONME observers reported general consistency in adherence to election laws and procedures across the state with some isolated minor problems reported. The observers documented that election officials were well-prepared and followed established protocols for opening and closing voting locations, contributing to an efficient voting process and ensuring the security of election materials. Officials consistently verified the number of lifetime votes cast on tabulation equipment, performed ballot reconciliation to verify the number of ballots against the number of ballots cast, and ensured secure handling and sealing of ballot boxes and careful custody transfer to county clerks at appropriate stages in the process.
Reports indicated generally positive findings regarding physical access to voting locations. Election equipment functioned reliably and generally free from technical issues, contributing to a smooth voting process statewide. Observers noted three isolated cases where vote tabulators experienced temporary difficulties in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties. In these instances, officials addressed issues quickly, ensuring disruptions were minimal and did not impact the voting process or delay voters, highlighting the preparedness of election workers.
“The early voting process in New Mexico this year has been marked by strong adherence to established protocols and a dedicated commitment from election officials to ensure every voter’s experience is smooth, secure, and accessible,” said Barbara Vigil, former Justice of the NM Supreme Court and ONME Advisory Board member. “Our observers have seen firsthand the diligent efforts of election staff across the state, and we are encouraged by the level of professionalism that has defined this election cycle.”
“As we move forward, ONME remains committed to advocating for improvements in the election process,” added Garrey Carruthers, Former Republican Governor of New Mexico and ONME Advisory Board member. “While New Mexico has demonstrated a solid foundation of election integrity, there are always opportunities to enhance accessibility, reduce barriers, and refine our practices to ensure every voter has an equitable and positive voting experience.”
Observers noted that there were Democratic party poll watchers present in ten locations, Republicans in 23 locations, and Libertarians in two locations. In addition, the University of New Mexico had academic observers present in eight locations observed in Sandoval County. The majority of locations reported no party poll watcher presence. ONME observers reported only three official challenges to voter eligibility in the locations where they observed: one upheld in Rio Arriba against a voter wearing candidate gear in violation of the state’s electioneering laws. The individual in question was able to vote after leaving the location and putting on a jacket. Two challenges to voter eligibility were also reported in Doña County but neither challenge was upheld.
On Election Day, ONME will deploy more than 200 accredited, trained observers across New Mexico to observe the Election Day process. Observers will be equipped with detailed checklists to evaluate compliance with election laws and procedures. Updates will be provided as warranted during and immediately following the election. ONME will provide a thorough and impartial assessment of New Mexico’s election processes following canvassing and certification of ballots with the intent to enhance public confidence in the process.
Observation of County Clerk Poll Worker Trainings
Between September 17-November 2, 2024, ONME observed 22 training sessions that County Clerks conducted for poll workers. Observers reported that each training session included between 5-38 participants. ONME observers were the only ones present in the trainings, except for a challenge from an unidentified party in Doña Ana County, a Republican and Democrat observer in Roosevelt County and a member of the media in Curry County. Observers noted that many of the attendees were highly experienced, which at times resulted in a rapid training style with an emphasis on review that could make it hard for new volunteers to absorb content. Important training topics were addressed in all locations observed. Guidance was provided by Election Officials to poll workers on operating electronic tabulators, including – in most instances – instructions on how to troubleshoot commonly encountered errors. Other training topics included information on same day voter registration, standard voting procedures, voter eligibility, the issuance of provisional ballots and procedures to lock and store election equipment.
About Observe New Mexico Elections
Observe New Mexico Elections (ONME) is a nonpartisan observation effort designed to increase trust and transparency in our elections. The effort, led by and for New Mexicans, will assess whether statutory electoral procedures are consistently and accurately followed and will provide timely, comprehensive public information about the quality of the 2024 general election. The Observe New Mexico Elections effort is funded by The Carter Center, an organization with highly regarded global expertise in impartial election observation. For more information, visit www.ObserveNMElections.org.