Our observers are everyday New Mexicans who believe in fair and transparent elections. They come from many different political backgrounds, but they share a commitment to democracy and a promise to remain impartial.

What they do

• Attend training on election law, observation methods, and nonpartisan conduct.
• Observe polling places, training sessions, and certification meetings without interfering.
• Record what they see using a structured checklist.
• Submit reports that are reviewed and compiled to show how elections were run statewide.

What they are not
ONME observers are not partisan poll watchers, campaign volunteers, or candidates. They do not advocate for any party or interfere in the election process.

Why they do it
Observers join because they want to strengthen trust in elections, protect voter rights, and give back to their communities. As one observer shared: “I want people in my community to know that elections are fair, and that their vote really counts.”

Being an ONME observer is both a responsibility and an opportunity to serve democracy in action.