What is meant by the term “voter suppression”?

Voter suppression, in general terms, is when people are prevented from voting in elections. This can be done through a variety of means, such as preventing people from registering to vote, making it difficult to access the polls, or making it hard to know when and where to vote. In New Mexico, voter suppression is illegal and any attempts to stop someone from exercising their right to vote are punishable under state laws. Voter suppression can include tactics like spreading false information about people’s eligibility to vote or the dates of an election, as well as requiring voters to show ID or present an affidavit to prove their identity or registration status. Another tactic is to put obstacles in the way of voters who are likely to vote for a certain candidate or political party, such as closing polling places in neighborhoods with a high proportion of people of color. Voter suppression is an issue that has been on the rise in recent years, and it is often targeted at certain communities, such as communities of color, low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and those who have difficulty speaking English. It is important for everyone to be aware of their rights to vote and be informed of any changes or requirements that may be in place. New Mexico has implemented measures to help prevent voter suppression, such as providing language assistance to those with limited English proficiency. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all eligible people in New Mexico have access to the polls.

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