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The Roundhouse Report: Santa Fe County clerk calls senator's allegations 'totally inaccurate'
The Roundhouse Report: Santa Fe County clerk calls senator's allegations 'totally inaccurate'
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Santa Fe, New Mexico
The aftermath of the recent election in New Mexico has ignited controversy as Santa Fe County Clerk Katharine Clark found herself at the center of serious allegations made by State Senator Katy Duhigg. In a Facebook post, Duhigg accused Clark of improperly posting election results before polls closed and of having closed at least one polling location before the official 7 p.m. voting deadline, claiming these actions prevented some individuals from casting their ballots. The senator stated, Not only does all of this violate our state election laws, it's also just a crappy thing to do to people who are trying to vote at the last minute. Clark, responding to the accusations, labeled them as "totally inaccurate" and politically motivated, stating that her office found no evidence supporting Duhiggs claims. She pointed out that Duhigg is openly supporting her opponent in the Democratic primary for the secretary of states race, which she suggested influenced the senator's remarks. Clark emphasized that the attack was part of a pattern of misinformation directed at election officials since the 2020 elections, stating, "Election officials have been putting up with politically motivated attacks that are false since 2020. Our lives have been put in danger from false information ... and it's totally irresponsible. Completely irresponsible." The situation took on additional urgency as lawmakers prepare to return to Santa Fe for a one-day special session. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham called this special session not only to address the current election disputes but also to extend state-funded food benefits amidst an ongoing federal government shutdown, a move indicative of the pressing issues faced by New Mexico households. During the lead-up to the election, confusion loomed over the newly implemented ranked choice voting system, a subject that has stirred debate among voters and candidates alike. The New Mexican spoke to voters and local mayoral candidates about their thoughts on the transition to this voting model. Lonna Atkeson, a respected election expert and professor emeritus at the University of New Mexico, contributed insights into how voter confusion regarding ranked choice voting could impact election outcomes. Atkeson shared a report she was involved in that revealed findings from exit polls conducted during the first ranked choice voting election in Santa Fe in 2018. The data indicated that 16% of voters felt confused, with Hispanic voters reportedly experiencing greater levels of confusion compared to their white counterparts. The implications of such voter confusion can be significant, as noted in the report, which also pointed out that confused voters are likely to rank fewer candidates, possess lower confidence in the accuracy of ballot counting, and show diminished support for ranked choice voting. These findings raise questions about the equity and accessibility of the voting system, particularly for marginalized communities. Furthermore, the political landscape in New Mexico is further complicated by criticisms directed at U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujn by local elected officials. In a video shared on Facebook, State Senator Crystal Brantley expressed her frustrations with the federal representatives, accusing them of refusing to fund SNAP benefits and described the situation as holding New Mexicans hostage. Brantley's stance reflects broader sentiments among state officials advocating for more responsive governmental action. As election officials navigate this contentious environment, the need for transparency and calm amidst political turmoil has never been greater. Maintaining public trust in the electoral process is crucial, particularly in states with polarized political climates and complicated voting systems like ranked choice voting. The upcoming special session of the New Mexico Legislature could serve as a pivotal moment as lawmakers attempt to address not only the immediate political strife but also the broader implications of voter confidence and system accessibility. As these discussions unfold, the spotlight remains on election integrity and the responsibilities borne by those in public office.