U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

STATE News:

NAMBÉ – After hearing reports that Santa Fe County residents have faced significant problems in the absentee voting process ahead of the June 2 Primary Election, U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján is asking New Mexico’s Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver to extend the deadline for absentee ballots to be counted.

Specifically, Luján applauded Toulouse Oliver for her work in implementing a vote by mail system to deal with COVID-19 and is requesting that all statewide ballots be counted if they are postmarked by June 2, rather than only if they are received by June 2. 

“In recent days, amidst a surge in requests, there have been concerning reports of delays in receiving and processing absentee ballots, and some ballots that are missing altogether. As the June 2 primary quickly approaches, it’s clear that action must be taken to ensure that all voices are safely heard by extending the deadline for counting ballots,” Luján said. “Overall, our vote by mail system is working and is providing a critical option for voters to submit ballots by mail or in person. While the Secretary of State and County Clerks are working around the clock to ensure this primary is fair and high-functioning during COVID-19, there must be extra care to ensure everyone can vote safely, including vulnerable populations like people with disabilities, seniors, and Native communities who have been disproportionately affected.”