ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Video above:‘Millions for prisoners New Mexico’ filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, the New Mexico Corrections Department and the office of the Bernalillo County Clerk. The 42-page lawsuit alleges all three departments are in violation of their constitutional right to vote. The grassroots organization includes New Mexicans with past felonies as well as others advocating on their behalf to restore voting rights and to ensure they can vote in the 2024 November election.
KOAT spoke with Selinda Guerrero with ‘Millions for Prisoners New Mexico’ on why they claim it’s an ongoing critical issue unresolved. KOAT legal expert John Day weighs in on the lawsuit. KOAT also reached out to the Secretary of State’s Office, the New Mexico Corrections Department and the office of the Bernalillo County Clerk regarding the lawsuit. The office of the Bernalillo County Clerk told KOAT they are currently reviewing the lawsuit and cannot further comment. Their statements are below.
“The plaintiffs are saying, ‘Look, there are a number of people who should be allowed to vote, but they’re facing roadblocks from county clerks, Secretary of state’s Cffice. They’re using outdated information from the corrections department. So, some of them have been turned away or rejected when they try to vote, claiming that even though the law changed and they’re no longer incarcerated, they’re not being allowed to register,” Day said…