Voters Speak Out On Election Issues
Hearing Scheduled Saturday, February 9, 2013
10:00 a.m. in the House Chamber

SANTA FE, NM – Voters will have a chance to express their concerns about the election process during a special hearing by the House Voters and Election Committee and the Senate Rules Committee.  Many complaints have been aired about the 2012 General Election and they have resonated loud and clear.  House Voters and Election Chair Rep. Mary Helen Garcia (D-Doña Ana-34) says New Mexicans deserve better. Our voting system should be free, fair, and accessible for all New Mexicans.
 
Rep. Garcia says, “Keeping faith with our democratic values means we should ensure that all eligible voters have a chance to have their voices heard.  Our committee looks forward to hearing from New Mexico voters about their experiences during the last election.”
 
“The freedom of our society is born from the right to vote,” says Sen. Linda M. Lopez (D-Bernalillo-11), Chair of the Senate Rules Committee. “Many people have fought and died so we may have that freedom.  It is our duty as elected leaders to ensure that the rights guaranteed by our constitution are vigilantly protected.”
 
Some of the complaints include: 

• Long lines at polling places
• Voters deleted from the rolls
• Voters who received their Absentee ballot too late to mail back
• Voters who were refused a provisional ballot
• Lack of appropriate access for people with disabilities
• ID illegally required from voters
• Lack of Spanish-language assistance
• Poll workers were not helpful
• Polling places were hard to find; had poor lighting; lacked signs to direct voters due to construction
• Voters unable to vote in a county different from their residence

Rep. Garcia would like to hear from anyone who had problems during Registration, Early Voting, Absentee Voting, and Election Day Voting.  People who speak will be limited to two minutes.  Those interested in testifying should meet at 10:00 a.m. in the House Chambers on Saturday, February 9, 2013.