Common Cause New Mexico News:

• • • • • Hotline numbers are 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) or for Spanish speakers 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)

ALBUQUERQUE – Common Cause New Mexico is running a nonpartisan voter protection program this year to assist voters who encounter problems in voting during the primary election. The organization will operate teams on the ground to field questions and staff a hotline for voters to report problems on election day.

The hotline number is 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) or, for Spanish speakers, 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682).

Approximately 97 trained volunteers, wearing yellow t-shirts bearing the hotline number, 1-866-OUR VOTE, will be stationed at 89 polling sites in nine counties, including Bernalillo, Dona Ana, Sandoval and Santa Fe counties. In addition, volunteers will rove between polling places.

Mason Graham, who coordinated the voter protection program, said the training covered important changes in New Mexico election law.

“Procedures for this year’s election have changed to improve security,” said Graham, policy director of Common Cause New Mexico. “Two new laws, passed earlier this year make it a felony offense to intimidate voters and illegal to openly carry firearms within 100 feet of a polling place.”

“The changes are designed to protect voters and poll workers, but they may raise questions. Our trained volunteers are there to help,” he said.

Common Cause New Mexico has been running an election protection program since 2008 to make sure that every eligible New Mexico voter who wants to vote can do so and that every vote is counted accurately.  The program is not affiliated with any party, candidate or issue campaign.

The hotlines are staffed by attorneys, law students and those with a legal background who are familiar with the NM Election Code and will provide voters with live assistance if they encounter any snafus or irregularities.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; to promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard as equals in the political process.