Democracy for New Mexico

Court to Require ID From New Voters?

A hearing this Thursday in Albuquerque before State District Judge Robert L. Thompson will determine whether New Mexicans who have registered after July 1, 2003 will be required to show identification before being allowed to vote.

In addition, new registrants voting via absentee ballot would be required to submit a photocopied ID with their ballot. The only new voters who wouldn't need to show ID would be those who registered in person at a County Clerk's office or who registered before the July 1, 2003 deadline. The decision would affect at least 112,000 new registrants, including thousands whose registrations were submitted by voter registration groups.

According to an article in today's Albuquerque Journal, the Secretary of State's Bureau of Elections believes that many problems may arise if these requirements are applied:

College students might lack driver's licenses with current addresses, and rural residents, particularly Native Americans, might not have utility bills necessary for identification at the polls, elections bureau director Denise Lamb said in an affidavit filed Monday in a state District Court case.

Also, some absentee voters would be required to send in a photocopy of their identification with their ballot, Lamb said. And those "thousands and thousands" of people might have their votes invalidated, she said.

"If a voter mistakenly places the identification within the inner envelope of the absentee ballot, the county clerk employee cannot open that envelope without violating the privacy of the vote, and thus that vote is invalid," Lamb said in the affidavit.

An Albuquerque Tribune article reports on an earlier preliminary injunction and stay ordered by Judge Thompson, saying

Thompson had agreed with plaintiffs who claimed the state statute governing voter registration was clear and unambiguous, and today he again said he will likely not change his decision despite Thursday's hearing.

In the same article:

Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron and the state Democratic Party had argued that the statute does not provide for that and to require such identification would result in chaos and the disenfranchisement of thousands of voters.

Assistant Attorney General David Thomson, who is representing the Secretary of State's Office, also said it would be impossible now to differentiate as to how new voters have registered up until now.

Next thing you know, some Republicans will be pushing for ID chips to be placed in voters' foreheads and for background checks to clear people for the "privilege" of voting. Low-income and minority populations are especially vulnerable to intimidation at the polling place and, in a race this close, New Mexico Republicans know that ID requirements can be used to keep some likely Democratic voters at home.

Barbara Wold
DFNM-Albuquerque

Air America Radio Comes to Albuquerque

Air America Radio Network starts today in Albuquerque on KABQ-AM (1350). The format will include Al Franken from 10 AM to 1 PM, directly opposite Limbaugh on KKOB-AM (770).

The lineup will include:

- 6-9 AM - Morning Sedition, Mark Maron and Mark Riley
- 9-10 AM - Unfiltered, Lizz Winstead and Chuck D
- 10 AM-1 PM - Al Franken
- 1-4 PM - Ed Schultz
- 4-8 PM - Randi Rhodes
- 8-11 PM - The Lionel Show
- 11 PM-2 AM - Majority Report with Janeane Garofalo
- 2-5 AM - Mike Malloy

Air America is being broadcast temporarily as an experiment to see if it can get enough listeners here in Albuquerque, so tune in and encourage your friends to do the same. You can also contact the radio station to let them know you're supporting their trial run and encourage them to give Air America a permanent home:

Address: 5411 Jefferson St NE, Ste 100
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: (505) 830-6400
Fax: (505) 830-6543

The Albuquerque Tribune has a good story on this development. Thanks to Andrea and Mindy for the heads up!

You can go to the Air America website for more information on who'll be appearing on each day's shows, plus lots more.

March of the Coffins

This morning I've been browsing the coverage of yesterday's protest in NYC and enjoying the nonviolent but pointed and creative statements against Bush and his war. I read that the marchers stretched for 20 city blocks, or more than a mile. Despite the media's typical minimizing of the numbers, it seems clear there were at least 400,000 people marching. The silliest thing I read was that police were confiscating apples and oranges from people on the streets because they could be used as dangerous missiles! Here's a few of my favorite photos from the protest, including one of the very moving procession of flag-draped caskets representing troop deaths that moved solemnly down the march route. On several you can click on the photo for a larger version:

Kerry/Edwards Grand Opening in Santa Fe

Santa Fe's Kerry/Edwards campaign office will have its Grand Opening on Sunday, August 29 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Click on the graphic to get the details. Only 66 days until the election. You know what to do.

Voting in New Mexico in 2004

Here are a few facts that may surprise you as you anticipate voting in this year's election.

1. If you haven't voted in the last two general elections, or any of the smaller elections in the last 4 years, your name most likely has been removed from the voter rolls and you need to register again.

2. If you have moved, you need to register again. To get a voter registration form, contact your County Clerk or any well-run campaign offices.

3. If you are chomping at the bit to vote against George W. Bush, you don't have to wait as long as you may think. Every registered voter can cast their vote starting on October 5 at the County Clerk's office. You can vote using an absentee ballot at your County Clerk's office even if you have not applied for an absentee ballot. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. You can find the address and/or phone number of your County Clerk's office at https://web.state.nm.us/roster/Index-Ro.HTM .

4. Requests for absentee ballots are available online at https://www.sos.state.nm.us/Election/ABinfo.htm.
   

BIG Dates

October 5:

The first day to vote, and the last day to register -- registrations must be in the Clerk's office by 5:00 PM. Also the first day that absentee ballots are mailed to voters.

October 16th:

Early Voting begins. No statewide list of locations exists. If you call your County Clerk, they will be able to tell you the locations, including your County Clerk's office.

Early voting happens on the following schedule (call your County Clerk to confirm): Tuesday thru Friday: 12 - 8 PM; Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM.

October 28:

Last day to request an absentee ballot.

October 30:

Last day for early voting

November 2:

What?!? You still haven't voted? Well today is Election Day, the last of 23 days to cast a ballot. Absentee ballots must be in the County Clerk's office in their official mailing envelopes by 7:00 PM.

John McAndrew
Democracy for New Mexico/Santa Fe
democracyforsantafe@comcast.net
Santa Fe, NM

"In Democracies, we, the people, have the power to shape national and international policy -- to seek the good and shun evil... To have this power and fail to use it makes us accomplices of the killers. The job now is to spread the word and inspire the public confidence that the good we want can prevail." --Archbishop Desmond Tutu

SOUND OFF: Bush Ignores Cleland But Cacti Rule

I was angry this morning because the Albuquerque Journal decided that the misuse of saguaro cactus images was more important than the fact that the distinguised vet and ex-Senator, Max Cleland, was refused entrance to Bush's pseudo-ranch yesterday. Bush was there when Cleland came calling, but Max wasn't offered even the courtesy of a cold glass of ice tea. Turned away at the gates.

The saguaro story captured the top headline on the Journal front page, color picture and all. Cleland's trip to Crawford was relegated to the inner pages and a black and white photo. I guess they thought no-one would be interested in a story about Cleland personally carrying a letter to George to demand that he order his minions to stop running the dishonest and dishonorable swift-lie ads. This, despite the fact that the letter was cosigned by 8 US Senators, including Congressional Medal of Honor winner, Sen. Daniel Inouye, as well as fellow veterans Sens. Tom Harkin (IA), Ernest "Fritz" Hollings (SC), Jack Reed (RI), Tom Carper (DE), Jon Corzine (NJ) and Frank Lautenberg (NJ). Here's the text of the letter.

So I thought I'd provide a nice color photo here of the obviously dangerous Cleland being confronted by one of those Kevlar-wearing "security" personnel so much in evidence these days. Kevlar stock must be soaring. You can see more of these incredible photos at another of my favorites blogs, Daily Kos.

Meanwhile, the media keep showing that swiftboat ad for free. Here's a nice site where you can check out what these "truth-tellers" are saying vs. what really happened: SWIFTly VET the Slander

To read Kerry's complete testimony before the Senate committee in 1971, go here: Kerry Testimony

For a taste of the stories told by the "Winter Soldiers" at a meeting in Detroit that Kerry was relaying at the hearing, go here for a Salon article, or access the transcripts of the soldiers themselves.

I was also very disappointed in the Journal's coverage of the Veterans for Kerry gathering at the courthouse downtown yesterday. They didn't mention the credentials of the main rally speaker -- Wade Sanders, who commanded swift boat PCF-98 in Vietnam from 1968-1969 and patrolled the delta alongside John Kerry near the Cambodian border. Anything to minimize the credibility of Kerry's backers. I guess the Journal agrees with Bush that the truth is something to hide.

Barbara Wold

Join Jane Fonda in ABQ on 8/30

Laura Harris of Americans for Indian Opportunity (and a long-time Dean supporter) passed along this notice:

Please help us spread the word about this exciting event on Monday, Aug. 30th to mobilize infrequent women voters to the polls and to celebrate the 84th anniversary of women's right to vote. To RSVP or get more information, contact Cecily at info@prochoicenm.org or 505-243-4443.

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Join Jane Fonda in Celebrating the 84th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote and Launch “New Mexico Women Vote 2004”

What: A Birthday Party to celebrate the 84th anniversary of women’s right to vote. Join Jane Fonda for birthday cake and balloons. Pledge to vote and sign up to volunteer with our program.

When: Monday August 30, 2004, 11:00 AM

Where: YWCA Training Center, 4317 Lead SE (Washington/Lead), Albuquerque, NM

Why: NM Women Vote will motivate women to make a difference this election by exercising their right to vote, and by helping other women Get Out To Vote.

Marking the 84th anniversary of the 19th amendment to the US Constitution, which gave women the right to vote, NARAL PCNM Foundation is launching its “NM Women Vote 2004” program to increase voter participation among infrequent women voters in New Mexico. Join Jane Fonda, LaDonna Harris and other women for the birthday party and launch of the NARAL PCNM Foundation voter participation program on Monday, Aug. 30th at 11:00 AM at the YWCA Training Center at 4317 lead SE in Albuquerque.

Thousands of women in NM did not vote last election, and the presidency was decided by just 366 votes in our state. “NM Women Vote 2004” will motivate women to make a difference this election by exercising their right to vote, and by helping other women Get Out To Vote. Through this celebration, NARAL PCNM FOUNDATION will provide volunteers with information about the campaign and give them immediate opportunities to get involved.

Cecily Vix, Field Director
NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico
Office: (505)243-4443, Cell: (505) 620-0869
www.prochoicenm.org

August 26 Events

George Bush will be in Las Cruces, Farmington and Albuquerque on Thursday, August 26th. The League of Conservation Voters and ACT NM are coordinating a protest in Albuquerque on that day.

Get Information

John Edwards will be in Las Cruces on Thursday, August 26th.

Swift Boat Vet and NM Vets to Call on Bush to Denounce Smear Campaign Today

On Wednesday, August 25, Wade Sanders, who commanded swift boat PCF-98 in Vietnam from 1968-1969, will lead a group of NM veterans in demanding that George W. Bush denounce the Republican-backed smear campaign against John Kerry, and urge his supporters to stop running the ads during his visit to New Mexico. Sanders patrolled the delta in patrols alongside John Kerry near the Cambodian border. General Mel Montaño (retired) of New Mexico, State Sen. (and veteran) Richard Romero, and Jim Buhaug, New Mexico Coordinator of Veterans for Kerry will lead the group of veterans.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 25, 2004; 11:00 AM MT.

WHERE: Bernalillo County Metropolitan Courthouse, 401 Lomas NW, Albuquerque

WHY: Across New Mexico veterans are outraged of the lies being broadcast by George W. Bush’s supporters. Their claims have been discredited, yet their attacks continue.

Kerry supporters and others concerned about the truth are urged to attend this event. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the NM Victory 2004 Coordinated Campaign (505) 256-2570.

About Wade Sanders: Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, distinguished combat veteran, and retired Navy Captain, is much published on matters of national security in major newspapers and the Naval Institute Proceedings. He is also a news commentator for NBC News. His imaginative and innovative initiatives were key elements in the transformation of the Reserve Components of the Armed Services from Cold War mobilization assets to relevant providers of contemporary support. He presently is senior partner of a law firm dedicated to matters of corporate governance, ethics, and specializing in employee owned companies, as well as providing government relations assistance to major corporations.

Bush's Superficial Wounds in the Vietnam Era

If you don't check out Juan Cole's website, "Informed Comment," regularly, you're missing an excellent source of news and opinion. He's a history professor at the University of Michigan and an expert on the Middle East with lots of contacts there. His very popular website reveals alot of day-to-day details about what's really happening in Iraq. In this piece, he comments on the Swiftboat Vets situation and compares Kerry's experiences during the Viet Nam war with those of young Georgie:

The debate that a handful of Texas multi-millionnaires close to the Bush family have cleverly manufactured over John Kerry's war record is absurd in every way. The charges that they have put some vets up to making against Kerry are false and can be demonstrated by the historical record to be false. Most of those making the charges have even flip-flopped, contradicting themselves. Or they weren't eyewitnesses and are just lying.

But to address the substance of this Big Lie is to risk falling into its logic. The true absurdity of the entire situation is easily appreciated when we consider that George W. Bush never showed any bravery at all at any point in his life. He has never lived in a war zone. If some of John Kerry's wounds were superficial, Bush received no wounds. (And, a piece of shrapnel in the forearm that caused only a minor wound would have killed had it hit an eye and gone into the brain; the shrapnel being in your body demonstrates you were in mortal danger and didn't absent yourself from it. That is the logic of the medal). Kerry saved a man's life while under fire. Bush did no such thing.

What was Bush doing with his youth? He was drinking. He was drinking like a fish, every night, into the wee hours. For decades. He gave no service to anyone, risked nothing, and did not even slack off efficiently.

Click here to read the rest of this story, including an NPR interview with people who worked at the campaign in Alabama where Georgie worked while allegedly on National Guard duty down there: Juan Cole: Informed Comment