SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Poll watchers and poll challengers who monitor elections in New Mexico as a safeguard against fraud and unintentional problems are preparing for Election Day.
The New Mexico Secretary of State's Office ended its registration period Monday for poll watchers. Watchers track compliance with the state election code, while other monitors known as challengers can contest the eligibility of individual voters within parameters.
All monitors are prohibited from interfering with voting. Early balloting is under way in New Mexico ahead of the Nov. 6 election.
An election-related organization may appoint watchers with advance notice to the secretary of state.
A handbook to election monitoring in New Mexico says watchers and challengers must be qualified voters in the county where they conduct election monitoring. Challengers wear party-specific identification badges.