Citizens For Change New Mexico
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---- NEW LEADERSHIP ----
---- NEW PURPOSE ----
------NEW EMAIL-- cfcnm@abq-nm.com -----
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The CFCNM Board expresses its thanks to Ms. Judith Levine who visited with us yesterday, July 28. Her two hour visit was positive and productive and her questions surely create new paths for discussion and direction for CFCNM and its members.
We also thank those who attended. We realize everyone has busy lives and we greatly appreciate the fact that you value CFCNM enough to have carved out a bit of extra time from your day.
We hope you feel a bit more empowered and a bit more encouraged. As was reflected we each have different talents and ablities needed for the continued success of CFCNM. Now is the time to rise to the occasion and become even more active in your contribution to our fine group and its noble effort. As Vince stated, "in five years I want CFCNM to be the 'go to' group for support, education, and policy".
Thanks again to each and every one!
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This is a copy of an article in the Deming Headlight.
Bost champions for rights of felons
By Matt Robinson Headlight Staff
Those who have committed felonies and completed their court-ordered mandates may vote, a point of which many are not familiar, a local advocate says.
Faces of New Mexico -- a prisoner rights-advocacy group -- member Elena Bost, a local, says that with the November general election fast approaching, those incarcerated because of felonies should know they do have the right to vote.
"Like all laws and statutes, it's written rather ambiguously," Bost said of the New Mexico code No. 31-13-1. "We're not sure what they're saying. That's why I called to get clarification."
She made several calls to various government entities, including the Luna County Clerk's Office, to clarify the statute she had read.
"What actually happens, a voter would come in and register to vote," Luna County Clerk Karen Smyer explained. "If they inform us they have a felony conviction, they are required to provide us with a document, a certificate of release, or something to that effect, saying they have completed all of the requirements of their parole, and they've completed their sentence in every way, and then, they're eligible to vote."
She later added: "I think the theory behind it is that they served their sentence imposed by the court, and they should be entitled to all the rights of citizenship."
Bost says it is a common misconception that those who have been convicted of a felony will not longer be eligible to vote. Much of her work centers on helping register individuals and providing support wherever needed.
"So far, nobody has called and said they've had a problem," she said. "Some of it's (the process) is rather ambiguous, that's why I always try to be very careful that I verify everything."
Smyer reminded that the deadline to register to vote before the general election is 5 p.m. on Oct. 5.
Individuals may visit her office in the Luna County Courthouse, 700 S. Silver Ave. Deming NM, to register. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 4.
"We will be happy to explain to anyone having any questions about their status as a voter or their right to become registered to vote, if they want to give me a call at the office," she added.
Contact your local County Clerks Office for requirements
and address where to register in your county
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CFCNM is now a registered
non-profit corporation
in
the
State of
New Mexico
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CFCNM is a registered
Charitable Organization
with the Attorney Generals Office
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Call:
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First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out
because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
because I was
not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me—
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
Martin Niemoller
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America, The Land of Second Chance?
"In the past, we have worked together to bring mentors to the children of
prisoners, and provide treatment for the addicted, and help for the homeless.
Tonight I ask you to consider another group of Americans in need of help. This
year, some 600,000 inmates will be released from prison back into society.
We know from long experience that if they can't find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit more crimes and return to prison.
So tonight, I propose a four-year, 300 million dollar Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative to expand job training and placement services, to provide transitional housing, and to help newly released prisoners get mentoring, including from faith-based groups.
America is the land of the second chance, and when the gates of the prison open,
the path ahead should lead to a better life."
President George W. Bush-State of the Union Address for 2004
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Last Updated July 29, 2010
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