Karen Montoya is committed to ensuring that every eligible voter has equal access to the voting process. The New Mexico Voting Rights Act, signed into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, includes significant provisions to strengthen voter rights and protections. One key provision restores the voting rights of previously incarcerated individuals upon their release. If elected, Karen Montoya will implement several initiatives to promote inclusivity and accommodate the diverse needs of the community, with a special focus on informing felons of their restored voting rights. Karen Montoya believes that everyone's voice needs to be heard and is committed to fostering partnerships and leveraging resources to promote inclusivity and ensure that every voice is heard in the democratic process.

Outreach to Felons for Voting Rights Awareness

Education and Awareness Campaign

Many felons are unaware they can register to vote and participate in elections. To address this concern, Karen Montoya proposes a comprehensive outreach program to inform and empower felons about their voting rights.

• Informative Materials: Develop brochures, flyers, and a dedicated webpage detailing felons' voting rights in New Mexico.

• Public Service Announcements (PSAs): Partner with local radio stations, TV channels, and social media platforms to broadcast PSAs.

• Workshops and Seminars: Organize workshops in community centers, libraries, and other accessible locations.

Partnership and Collaboration

To leverage resources and networks for broader reach, Karen Montoya proposes the following actions:

• Non-Profit Partnerships: Collaborate with organizations that work with formerly incarcerated individuals, such as the ACLU, local reentry programs, and legal aid societies.

• Faith-Based Groups: Engage with churches, mosques, and other religious institutions for support and access to their communities.

• Probation and Parole Offices: Distribute informational materials and conduct presentations.

Voter Registration Drives

Making voter registration accessible and straightforward is crucial. To achieve this, Karen Montoya will:

• Mobile Registration Taskforce: Create a task force of employees from the Clerk's office to visit neighborhoods and community events to assist with voter registration.

• Registration Booths: Set up booths in strategic locations such as grocery stores, job fairs, and public transportation hubs.

• Online Registration Assistance: Provide step-by-step guides and virtual assistance for online voter registration.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

Building a supportive community and advocating for voter rights involves:

• Storytelling Campaign: Share success stories of individuals who have reclaimed their voting rights to inspire others.

• Peer Ambassadors: Recruit and train formerly incarcerated individuals to become ambassadors who can advocate and spread the message within their communities.

• Town Hall Meetings: Hold regular town hall meetings to discuss voting rights issues and gather feedback from the community.

Follow-Up and Support

To ensure continuous support and engagement, Karen Montoya will:

• Reminder Systems: Implement systems to remind registered voters about upcoming elections and deadlines.

• Transportation Assistance: Create a program like the "Take a Ride on Us" program to offer discounted Uber rides to polling places during early voting and election day.

• Post-Election Follow-Up: Conduct surveys to gather feedback and improve future outreach efforts.

By implementing these initiatives, in collaboration with city, state, and local agencies, Karen Montoya will ensure that voting in Bernalillo County is accessible to all residents, regardless of their individual needs or circumstances. Working with various stakeholders, Karen Montoya can effectively address the unique challenges faced by individuals. Karen Montoya believes that everyone's voice needs to be heard and is committed to fostering partnerships and leveraging resources to promote inclusivity and ensure that every voice is heard in the democratic process.