Election threats not prevalent in local area

ALBUQUERQUE — Election workers and officials in Curry and Roosevelt counties have been spared the kind of threats that have plagued their colleagues nationwide, leading to a federal pledge to investigate and prosecute such threats, according to both county clerks.

“It has not been a big concern” in Roosevelt County, Mandi Park, the Roosevelt County Clerk, said on Friday.

There have been no threats to poll workers or any elected officials, she added, but she said she was aware that such threats have occurred in the state’s most populous counties, Bernalillo and Dona Ana.

Curry County Clerk Annie Hogland said, “We have not had those concerns,” when asked about threats to election workers.

In a news release Thursday, the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office announced they will vigorously investigate and prosecute threats against New Mexico election workers and officials, even if federal candidates are not on the ballot in November.

“The FBI wants to make it absolutely clear we will not tolerate threats against any federal, state, or local election worker who is only trying to do their job of serving our democracy,” Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the Albuquerque FBI Division said in the news release.

In July, the federal Department of Justice announced a law enforcement task force that includes the FBI to address the rise in threats against election workers, administrators, officials, and others associated with the election process, the news release stated.

To report suspected threats or violent acts, the public can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).