New Mexico Criminal Legal Reform & Voting Rights Advocates Gather at State Capitol to Demand Lawmakers Expand Voting Rights
Participants will champion legislation that would restore voting rights for people with felony convictions among other measures.
Related to: Voting Rights, State Advocacy
[Santa Fe, New Mexico] – On Monday, February 10th, 2025 at 2:30pm MST, Millions for Prisoners NM, the ACLU of New Mexico, and other impacted advocates will gather at the New Mexico State Capitol to host a rally and press conference urging state lawmakers pass critical legislation that would expand the state’s access to the ballot and bring vital protections for New Mexicans.
The press conference will follow a full day of advocacy by formerly incarcerated people and advocates to end mass incarceration. Press are welcome to attend early portions of the End Mass Incarceration Day.
For decades, mass incarceration has plagued New Mexico – draining resources and destabilizing communities, without delivering meaningful community safety benefits. These policies have been particularly destructive for families and communities of color.
During “End Mass Incarceration Day,” participants will advocate for a number of bills that would help address gross disparities in the criminal legal system, including House Joint Resolution 10 which would eliminate felony voting bans – restoring the voting rights of over 5,000 New Mexicans who are currently serving a felony sentence.
Other legislation advocates are pursuing would eliminate involuntary servitude in the State of New Mexico; improve voting access for eligible incarcerated voters; reduce the use of solitary confinement; provide comprehensive civics education to New Mexico communities, schools, correctional facilities, and juvenile detention centers; invest in resources that help prevent entry into the criminal justice system.
WHO:
Media is encouraged to attend the event and speak with directly impacted people, advocates, legislators, and experts, including:
- Selinda Guerrero, Millions for Prisoners New Mexico
- Justin Allen, Millions for Prisoners New Mexico
- Bob Libal, The Sentencing Project
- Dennis Febo, Abolition Network
WHAT:
A press conference featuring state legislators, advocates and impacted community members to push for policies to end mass incarceration and address injustices in New Mexico’s criminal legal system.
WHERE:
New Mexico State Capitol Roundhouse
490 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87501
WHEN:
Monday, February 10th 2025 at 2:30pm MST.
