SPPI Sues New Mexico Secretary of State for Greater Government Transparency

Albuquerque, NM – The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI), a non-profit organization dedicated to better living through better policy, has initiated a crucial lawsuit against the New Mexico Secretary of State, Maggie Toulouse Oliver. This legal action, centered on a failure to promptly respond to a public records request, underscores SPPI’s dedication to government transparency and accountability.

In January 2024, SPPI, acting as a voice for the public, sought access to logs related to the e-nomination petition software, a request grounded in the public’s right to transparent and accountable governance. The failure to receive a complete response has prompted SPPI to file a complaint under the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), seeking answers to reinforce the principle that transparency is the foundation of public trust in government.

“Our lawsuit underscores a simple, vital truth: transparency is the bedrock of democracy. We’re committed to ensuring Americans have the access and oversight necessary to foster trust and accountability in our government,” said Patrick M. Brenner, President of the Southwest Public Policy Institute.

This lawsuit is not about questioning election outcomes or engaging in unfounded theories; it is about ensuring that the government’s actions remain visible and available to scrutiny by the public. SPPI, a non-partisan organization, does not subscribe to baseless claims of election fraud and is focused solely on the principle that transparency is paramount in a healthy democracy. Our action is rooted in a commitment to open government, a value transcending political affiliations and beliefs.

The need for this legal intervention was highlighted in a recent story by Fred Lucas of The Daily Signal, detailing SPPI’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency within New Mexico’s government. SPPI appreciates the coverage of its advocacy for open governance and sees it as an essential part of its mission to inform and engage the public on matters of policy and management.

As this legal process unfolds, SPPI remains dedicated to fostering better living through better policy, advocating for a government that operates with openness and integrity. Through this lawsuit, we can contribute to a culture of transparency that benefits all New Mexicans, regardless of political belief.

This press release is also available as a PDF.