Federal judge rules against discrimination in New Mexico voter info access

A federal judge in Santa Fe, New Mexico, ruled that state election regulators and prosecutors discriminated against the Voter Reference Foundation, a Republican-backed group, by denying them access to voter registration information. This ruling, made on a Friday, prohibits the state from withholding voter data, which the foundation aims to use to create a comprehensive database of registered voters. The database is intended to help identify potential irregularities or fraud in the electoral process. The Voter Reference Foundation operates the VoteRef.com website, which includes voter information from over 32 states and the District of Columbia. The site provides details such as street addresses, party affiliations, and voting participation without revealing whom individuals voted for, thus maintaining confidentiality for vulnerable populations like victims of domestic violence. Despite the ruling, state prosecutors have announced plans to appeal, indicating ongoing tensions between state authorities and the foundation. Concerns have been raised by election officials and privacy advocates regarding the potential misuse of voter rolls by conservative groups, fearing that such access could lead to voter intimidation and disenfranchisement. Judge James Browning previously determined that New Mexico's refusal to provide voter rolls violated public disclosure provisions of the National Voter Registration Act. This decision highlights the ongoing debate over voter data access and the balance between transparency and privacy in the electoral process.