Hundreds of volunteers are currently stationed at polling locations across all 33 New Mexico counties, monitoring the election process to bolster public trust in the state’s voting system. This non-partisan initiative, organized by the group Observe New Mexico Elections, involves approximately 300 individuals who will remain in place until all ballots are tallied.
Monitoring the Process
The volunteers are tasked with observing various aspects of election administration, ranging from the initial setup of polling sites to the secure handling of ballots. Craig Goldsmith, an observer working in the South Valley, explained that the role involves documenting specific procedural details. According to Goldsmith, the volunteers track how voters are checked in and verify that polling sites maintain proper accessibility for individuals with disabilities. He emphasized that the group focuses on objective reporting, stating, These are facts, right? So, we have all of these observers that are fanned out across the state. So, when the data comes out, if we say it was X, Y, and Z, we’re not making it up. It’s not an opinion.
Addressing Election Integrity
Observe New Mexico Elections, which was founded in 2024 with support from the Carter Center, aims to identify and address potential issues to improve voter confidence. Co-lead Carmen López stated that the presence of non-partisan monitors helps reassure the public, noting that research suggests public trust increases when observers can confirm the absence of fraud. While the group has reported that most elections in the state are well-managed, they have intervened when necessary. López cited a recent incident in Union County where poll workers improperly requested voter IDs from 152 residents; all affected individuals were ultimately permitted to cast their ballots.
Statewide Performance
Despite the need for occasional corrections, the organization maintains that the state's electoral processes are generally reliable. New Mexico previously ranked at the top of the country in an MIT study evaluating state election performance during the 2022 midterms. Reflecting on the current efforts, López noted, Overall, our findings are that elections in New Mexico are smooth, they are efficient, they are run well. The people who are supposed to vote can vote, and their ballots get counted and their voices heard.
