Republicans have moved to impound ballots in Dona Ana and Sandoval counties where there were tight general election races for seats in the Legislature. The requests to district courts by Republicans will ensure that ballots and other election materials are taken into custody for safekeeping by courts in the counties.
Rep. Terry McMillan, a Las Cruces Republican, said Thursday he sought protection of the ballots in his southern New Mexico legislative district to ensure the integrity of pending recount. He and Democrat Joanne Ferrary tied in the general election.
GOP state Senate candidate David Doyle was among those seeking protection of ballots in Sandoval County, where there were long lines to vote on Election Day in Rio Rancho.
The GOP and its candidates can seek to inspect the impounded ballots.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.