Letter to the Editor in response to GOP gubernatorial candidate Dow backs federal lawsuit on voter roll transparency: average New Mexican getting 'shut out'

Editor: 

I am truly shocked that New Mexico does not allow access to the voter rolls. 

I have lived in two southern states, both places where segregation and voter discrimination were once problems, and in both states, Virginia and North Carolina, one can access the rolls simply by filing a request with the local registrar. Said official will even tailor the request -- just Republicans, just Democrats, all voters, etc. It takes only minutes and is done electronically. 

We who use the rolls for campaigns have spotted errors and inaccuracies that are often helpful to the officials who are charged with the responsibility of keeping the records correct and precise. 

There is no reason for the rolls to be confidential other than to allow for mischief!

William James lives in Reidsville, North Carolina but often visits the Land of Enchantment to see his married daughter, who lives in Albuquerque.