NEW MEXICO SECRETARY OF STATE
New Mexico’s chief elections officer, overseeing the entire election process. Regulates lobbyist activity and reporting of campaign finances, and maintains records vital to commerce and industry in New Mexico. Must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States, and have resided continuously in New Mexico for five years preceding his/her election. Four-year term with no more than two terms in succession.
1. What qualifies you to be Secretary of State?
Experience. I’ve been an election administrator for over 15 years, serving first as a County Clerk in Bernalillo County and then Secretary of State. As New Mexico’s Secretary of State, I served as President of NASS (National Association of Secretaries of State) during the 2020 election, and played a critical role in combating misinformation re: the election’s integrity. My record includes administering an election during the height of a pandemic, modernizing New Mexico’s registration processes, expanding ballot access, and creating and implementing a more transparent campaign finance system.
Mayna Erika Myers (Libertarian)
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I have bachelor degrees in Criminology, Spanish and Portuguese as well as a Master in Public Administration from the University of NM. I also have worked and volunteered at numerous jobs in the public, private and nonprofit sector, holding titles of Executive Director, President, Treasurer and Coordinator. In addition I have run my own state licenced businesses. I am also heavily involved in voter integrity efforts in NM including working with Rio Rancho commissioners and county clerks on sensible ways to secure our elections and build confidence in the voters.
2. What are your three top priorities?
My top priorities include defending democracy, combating dis- and misinformation, and continuing to administer free, fair, and secure elections. I believe the best way to defend democracy is to expand access to the ballot. In other words, as Secretary of State, I believe we should make it easier – not harder – for New Mexicans to vote. I believe my role as Secretary of State is to combat the lies about our elections that ultimately undermine confidence and participation. Lastly, under my administration, New Mexico is a national leader on election – I’d like to build on those successes.
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1) Bringing back election integrity 2) Bringing back transparency to the SOS office
3) Making sure every eligible NM citizen is able to vote.
3. What actions, if any, would you take to increase voter participation?
While so many states across the country continue to pursue legislation that restricts access to the ballot, I’m committed to legislation and initiatives that do the opposite. Most recently, I was in the Legislature every day providing expert testimony for a number of Bills that would expand ballot access and modernize New Mexico’s elections. I am eager for the opportunity to push these initiatives over the finish line and make them law so more New Mexicans can enjoy equal access to the ballot box.
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We must first bring back trust and confidence into our elections and increase access to voter registration by making it simple and secure.
4. What changes in New Mexico’s voting procedures would you support?
I would support changes to New Mexico’s voting procedures that address issues related to accessibility, both when registering and casting a ballot. For instance, New Mexico is a rural state, and therefore we should do our best to accommodate the unique needs of our rural voters – whether that is expanding vote by mail periods or opening voting convenience centers.
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#1 Voter ID
#2 Secure Access to ballot and voting polls. #3 More frequent Cleaning of voter rolls. #4 More frequent audits
#5 More training on procedures and rules. #6 Access to more voting locations in precincts.
#7 Will work and support efforts to improve and secure access to vote in the Navajo Nation.