Observe New Mexico Elections (ONME) is a nonpartisan observation effort designed to increase trust and transparency in elections. The effort, led by and for New Mexicans, will assess whether statutory electoral procedures are consistently and accurately followed and provide timely, comprehensive public information about the quality of the 2024 general election.

Approximately 170 observers have been deployed to voting locations statewide to observe the voting and counting process. As of 12:30 PM, ONME has gathered reports from observers on the opening and setup processes at 153 voting locations across 29 counties.

Context and General Observations
ONME Observers throughout the state reported that polls opened on time, poll workers served a large number of voters, and many first-time voters were able to register and cast their votes. They have also reported a largely calm and peaceful atmosphere at voting locations. When polls opened, observers reported that they had sufficient materials, equipment and staff to ensure a well-run process and critical pre-election security procedures were respected.

Observers noted technical difficulties throughout the day related to the statewide voter registration system, which resulted in long lines to same-day-register and – in some instances – voters leaving the polling location without voting or receiving instruction to come back later or being told to try to vote at a different location.

Voting Location Opening and Setup
Observers reported general consistency in adherence to election laws and procedures at voting locations. Election officials followed established protocols for opening and setup, ensuring the security of election materials. Electronic poll books and paper registers were used to ensure registered voters were permitted to vote at voting locations. Voter information about how to mark ballots and cast valid votes was posted in English, Spanish, Diné (Navajo), Ute, and Zuni.

ONME observers reported that all voting locations observed opened on time or within 5 minutes of the official start time. Voting locations were reportedly fully staffed by election officials with sufficient materials. Minor equipment setup delays were reported in six locations – two in McKinley County, and one each in Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Taos, and Union counties – however this did not significantly disrupt the voting process in any location.

Prior to the opening of voting locations, observers were able to personally witness election officials verifying and recording the number of lifetime votes cast on vote tabulation machines in 102 voting locations. The verification of lifetime votes cast is an important security measure to ensure that the machines have not been tampered with since undergoing rigorous pre-election testing and is also important for vote reconciliation purposes during the close of polls. In all but two of the remaining locations, observers did not arrive in time to witness the verification personally but confirmed with election officials that verification was completed.

In 98% of locations observed, observers noted that voting stations appeared to be arranged in a way that supported ballot secrecy. However, in four locations—one each in Cibola, Lea, Roosevelt, and Taos counties—observers expressed concerns that space limitations might make it challenging to fully guarantee voter privacy in the event the voting location reached capacity.

ONME's observers in 153 voting locations reported the presence of party appointees across the state, including from the Democratic Party at 48 voting locations, the Republican Party at 43 locations, the Libertarian Party at two locations, and the Green Party at one location. In addition, the University of New Mexico academic observers were present at three locations in Sandoval County and the United States Department of Justice observers were reportedly present at two locations in Bernalillo County and one location in Socorro County.

Incidents
While the voting process has functioned well, observers reported technical difficulties affecting the same-day-voter registration system in at least 15 counties: Bernalillo, Curry, Doña Ana, Eddy, McKinley, Mora, Otero, Rio Arriba, Roosevelt, San Juan, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Sierra, and Union counties. Observers across the state also reported same-day-voter registration system problems, resulting in voting delays in many locations and some voters leaving without casting a ballot. Observers reported that voters waited between 10 minutes and more than two hours to vote due to same-day voter registration delays. In some locations, voters were reportedly told to come back later in the day to complete registration or to go to a different location, such as the country clerk's office. In one location, voters were reportedly told to stand outside and wait for a phone call telling them they could enter to register to vote.

As of 3:30, technical difficulties and delays related to the same-day voter registration system persisted in a number of voting locations across the state. ONME will continue to gather details related to this issue throughout the day.

Beyond issues related to same-day registration:

At one location in Zuni Pueblo, election officials reportedly requested all voters to present photo IDs at the beginning of the day. ONME received later confirmation that the election official stopped requesting photo IDs.

In Grant County, an official reportedly flashed a concealed weapon during the opening of the voting location; when asked, an election official ensured that the weapon was immediately removed from the premises.

At one location in San Juan County, voters who received absentee ballots and were attempting to vote in person were reportedly turned away without being permitted to vote with a provisional ballot.

Conclusion
ONME encourages county clerks to issue provisional ballots to all voters who could not complete the same-day voter registration process due to wait times. Observers remain present at voting locations across the state and will continue to observe the voting, counting and closing processes. ONME commends the citizens of New Mexico for their patience and commitment to a participatory, collaborative democratic election and encourages electoral authorities, political parties, and voters to maintain the spirit of transparency, cooperation and patience observed thus far.

Media Notes: Full Statement ONME Website link: https://observenmelections.org/2024/11/06/onme-election-observation-mid-day-statement/

PDF Full Statement: https://nmnewswire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11.5.24-ONME-mid-day-statement-3.50-pm-FINAL.pdf

ONME Logo link: https://nmnewswire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ONME-Logo-3-Check2.png