New Mexico Secretary of State, Maggie Toulouse Oliver, has been the target of harassment and threats on social media after verifying President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory. Toulouse Oliver expressed her concerns during a legislative panel where she also discussed certifying the vote tally and the surge in same-day voter registration. The threats have prompted her to contact law enforcement, as the state has laws protecting election officials from intimidation. Toulouse Oliver tried to dispel conspiracy theories with a social media post stating Trump’s victory, leading to accusations of treason and threats.
Following the incident, she switched off public access to her account and is working with authorities to address the threats. Toulouse Oliver pointed out Republican state Rep. John Block as someone who encouraged negative comments online. Block, in turn, condemned online harassment during the committee hearing. Toulouse Oliver also expressed plans to advocate for increased security measures to protect state and local election workers.
Despite Trump’s loss in New Mexico to Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, Democratic candidates secured victories in congressional and Senate seats. Meanwhile, Republicans made some gains in legislative races but remain in the minority in the state House and Senate. The heightened tensions come amidst a national and statewide political divide, with over 52,000 people using same-day registration procedures to vote in New Mexico. The incident underscores the current polarized political climate and highlights the need for increased security measures to protect election officials.
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