Maggie Toulouse Oliver Secretary at New Mexico | Official website
Maggie Toulouse Oliver Secretary at New Mexico | Official website
New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver appeared before the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on House Administration, discussing election confidence and preparations for the upcoming 2024 General Election. The hearing, titled "American Confidence in Elections: Looking Ahead to the 2024 General Election," addressed declining public trust in election processes.
Toulouse Oliver highlighted her concerns about decreasing confidence in elections, noting that it used to be a quieter affair where outcomes were accepted without much controversy. She stated, "The alarming decline in public confidence about the administration and outcomes of elections in our country is of great concern to me both as an election administrator and as a citizen of our great nation."
In her testimony, she outlined three objectives: addressing misunderstandings about election administration, detailing practices to improve trust in New Mexico's elections, and discussing broader strategies for enhancing voter confidence. She emphasized that misinformation has led to increased threats against election workers and political violence.
The Secretary also noted efforts in New Mexico to provide factual information through partnerships with institutions like the University of New Mexico. Their research revealed significant knowledge gaps among voters, particularly regarding ballot privacy.
Toulouse Oliver pointed out that misinformation about noncitizen voting impacts voter confidence. She cited studies showing minimal instances of noncitizen voting nationwide over two decades but acknowledged misconceptions persist among voters.
To combat misinformation, New Mexico created a "Rumor vs. Reality" page on their website to provide accurate information. Additionally, they launched a media campaign called "Your Vote Counts, New Mexico!" featuring local election officials speaking directly to voters.
She expressed pride in New Mexico's ranking by MIT's Elections Performance Index as number one for its transparency and security measures. These include post-election audits and various methods for casting ballots while maintaining security.
In closing her testimony, Toulouse Oliver stated, "I hope my testimony is helpful for the Committee and your future work."
Alerts Sign-up