FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Contact: Camille Ward
Email: camille.ward@nmlegis.gov
Cell: 505-456-2226
The 2023 Voting Rights Act would protect and expand the right to vote for all eligible New Mexicans, and safeguard free and fair elections in the state
Santa Fe, NM – Today, the 2023 Voting Rights Act was announced by Speaker of the House Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Floor Leader Gail Chasey (D-Albuquerque) and Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver and numerous advocacy groups from across the state.
The Voting Rights Act would enact common-sense protections to ensure that all eligible New Mexicans can exercise their constitutional right to vote without unfair barriers while protecting the security of our elections. The bill is expected to be formally introduced on the House Floor later this week.
“While other states across the country are rolling back voter rights and restricting access to the ballot, New Mexico is working hard to remove unnecessary barriers so that all eligible voters can make their voices heard,” said Speaker Martínez. “Our government works better when all people, no matter their walk of life, have a voice in who represents them. The steps we are taking with this bill are critical to safeguarding our democracy.”
“With this bill, New Mexico has the opportunity to protect the right to vote and modernize elections in our state, and also to be a model of a healthy democracy for the rest of the nation,” said Majority Floor Leader Chasey.
“Voting restrictions disproportionately affect people of color, tribal communities, the elderly, and working parents – those that are often most deeply impacted by the policies established by elected leaders,” said Senator Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque), who will be a sponsor of the bill. “The Voting Rights Act will protect the health of our democracy by helping ensure that here in New Mexico every eligible voter has access to the ballot and that every vote is freely cast and fairly counted.”
“It’s more important than ever that we step up to protect New Mexicans’ right to vote,” said Secretary Toulouse Oliver. “The message we are sending with this bill is that your voice matters, your rights and fundamental freedoms are protected, and your elected leaders have your back.”
Included in 2023 Voting Rights Act are: protections for Native American voters who have been historically disenfranchised, enhancements to voter registration systems and voter data privacy, the restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals, creation of a permanent absentee list so voters can choose to vote by mail, and a proposed state holiday on Election Day.
The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2023 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.
###
