New Mexico Republicans Illegally Obtain Voter Registration Documents

[IndianaGreen]

New Mexico Republicans Illegally Obtain Voter Registration Documents

By PA Staff Writers

10-23-08, 4:56 pm

Voting rights groups demanded a criminal investigation this week into whether or not New Mexico's Bernalillo County Clerk's Office released confidential voter information to Republican Party operatives in violation of state privacy laws.

According to a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Wed., Oct. 22, local Republican Party officials released a press packet last week that contained photocopies of dozens of voter registration forms. Evidence on the completed forms showed that they were reviewed by the Bernalillo County Clerk's office before being handled by the Republican Party.

The ACLU said the evidence indicates that the completed voter registration forms were given to the Republicans by the Bernalillo County Clerk's Office.

New Mexico state law prohibits the release of voter registration materials to anyone other than the voter. If found guilty, officials at the County Clerk responsible for the transmission of sensitive documents could be charged with a 4th degree felony.

In a statement, ACLU Executive Director Peter Simonson said, "The evidence suggests to us a stunning disregard for the privacy of New Mexico voters and the laws of our state that ensure orderly elections."

http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/articleview/7619/