Concerned voters line up early
Despite fears about fraud, officials remain confident in the election process
“Being that we have had such chaos in this country right now, voting in person seems like the safest way to have my voice heard,” said Sandra Tuttle while waiting in line to cast her ballot early at the Taos County Administration Complex, on Albright Street. She waited along with about 30 people – all wearing masks and standing a few feet apart.
Others were present because of a feeling of mutual unrest around the country.
“I felt like I needed to be out here,” said Jen Silverman, adding that the recent Senate hearings on the appointment of now-confirmed Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett led her to vote early.
It’s no surprise that voting this year
has been – and will continue to be – much different than voting in any other election in modern history, in part due to the ongoing pandemic and the unprecedented partisan divide. However, the Taos County Clerk’s Office and the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office say they are prepared to make sure the entire process goes off without a hitch.
Many Taoseños have already experienced the unique voting process this year, as early voting continues into its fourth week. Socially distanced lines of voters have become a near-daily sight outside of the Taos County Clerk’s Office, and many more are expected to cast their ballot by Saturday (Oct. 31) – which is the last day of early voting before Election Day on Nov. 3.
Despite high numbers of early voters in Taos and across the country, many people are still expected to pack the polls on Election Day. This year, polling places are only allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity, which will inevitably create longer lines.
Because of the unusual nature of this election, many people have found themselves more concerned with the election process itself, according to Alex Curtas, communications director for New Mexico
Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver. He explained that their Election Security Hotline – (866) 552-0004 – has been busier than in years past.
“We definitely are seeing higher call volume,” Curtas said, though he was quick to point out that it “doesn’t mean there are more shenanigans going on.
“I think people are just hypervigilant and are very willing and able to reach out and contact us when they see things that they think are amiss,” said Curtas. He noted that a lot of people seem to have a general misunderstanding about election laws. “A lot of people don’t know the local specificities,” he said.
Curtas went on to explain that despite concerns about voter fraud and mail fraud by the Republican Party, the secretary of state’s office remains confident in the election process. Concerning absentee ballots, he said that “people should trust their postal workers and their election administrators,” and to know that the election officials and United States Postal Service are continually in touch.
Curtas also promoted the new absentee ballot tracking system, which involved “intelligent mail barcodes,” and can be tracked online at NMvote.org through every step of the process.
“The voters should be confident in whatever way they choose to vote in New Mexico. We have mul
tiple easy, safe and secure ways to vote,” Curtas affirmed.
Despite the fact that the absentee ballot dropboxes in front of the Taos County Administrative Complex are closed, absentee voters can skip the line and drop them off straight at the county clerk’s office. “The new dropbox is now in the voting room [at the county clerk’s office],” said Taos County Clerk Anna Martinez. The dropbox closure only affected the county complex, and Martinez said that “the satellite sites are still open.”
What to expect at the polls
The election process at the polls has a cast of characters that keeps it all flowing smoothly. Here is a breakdown of what to expect, and a “who’s who at the polls.”
ELECTION BOARD MEMBERS (AKA POLL WORKERS):
These are workers hired by the county clerk’s office, who are in charge of running the polling stations. They are there to make sure
everything goes smoothly, and are the only ones who handle the ballots.
Each polling place has a presiding judge (or PJ) and two election judges at every polling place. The PJ and at least one election judge must be from different parties to allow for fairness. The PJ’s job is to keep general supervisory order, and will be the one to get anyone else involved, such as law enforcement.
Other credentialed staff, such as credited agents working for the county clerk or secretary of state’s office may be involved.
All staff will have appropriate badges.
WATCHERS:
“The Republican Party has not been shy about getting a lot of poll watchers to the polls this cycle,” said Curtas.
“Watchers are literally just watchers,” said Curtas. Watchers don’t retain any power or ability to interfere with any part of the polls – they are just there to watch. Watchers are limited to one per polling site this year.”
Watchers’ names have to be submitted to the secretary of state’s office. “Then we give them a letter granting them access,” said Curtas. They can also be chosen by election related organizations, such as the League of Women Voters, or Common Cause New Mexico.“They also have to be voters in the county.”
“We are definitely seeing more [watchers] this year. We are getting more watchers this year because of this push from the Republican Party – nationally and locally – to come out with specious allegations of voter fraud,” said Curtas.
Despite what it may seem, watchers are to remain nonpartisan. “If a group of three candidates gets together, they can appoint watchers,” Curtas said. “There’s a lot of concern down [in southern New Mexico] about those races. That’s where we’re seeing the real push for watchers.”
CHALLENGERS:
While watchers just observe the goings-on, challengers serve a slightly more interactive roll at
the polls.
“The challengers actually do have some power to interpose challenges to people that they do not believe to be eligible to be voters,” said Curtas. Challengers are able to question individuals’ ability to vote. “These people are appointed by county or state parties,” he added. Challengers also have to be voters in the county in which they are appointed.
Each party may appoint a challenger.
ELECTION OBSERVERS:
Observers are usually watching the polls internationally, for more scientific reasons. Nongovernmental organizations like the United Nations and others tend to make up the vast majority of election observers.
They have no authority to interfere with the election process, but are simply there to gather data.
LAW ENFORCEMENT:
Law enforcement at polling places is something that voters should not expect to see. If there are problems, the presiding judges of the polling locations can make determinations if they need to get law enforcement involved. Curtas said that “voters should be aware that there should not be a law enforcement presence at polling places – that is something that contributes to voter intimidation.”
“There have been concerns of large rallies happening, or people with guns standing around wanting to be vigilantes and watching the polls,” said Curtas of the public worry. He was quick to bring up various election laws. “Nothing can happen within 100 feet of the entrance of a polling location,” he said, adding that no party paraphernalia or representatives are allowed near the polls either. “If something does happen, the election officials are able to involve law enforcement if they need to.”
WHAT’S DIFFERENT?
There will be various plexiglass barricades to provide for physically distance voting.
Polls will be limited to 25 percent of regular inside capacity, meaning that outside lines may be longer this year.
As a result, officials urge citizens to vote early.