New Mexico is preparing to swear in a new secretary of state to oversee elections and campaign finance regulations.
Democrat Maggie Toulouse Oliver is taking office on Friday afternoon, under regulations allowing for the early replacement of the office's interim leader.
The Democrat and long-time Bernalillo County clerk campaigned on promises to encourage voter participation and reform a scandal plagued agency.
Toulouse Oliver will serve out the final two years of a term vacated by Republican Dianna Duran, who resigned in 2015 and was convicted on embezzlement and money laundering charges. Duran acknowledged using campaign funds to fuel a gambling spree.
Albuquerque City Councilor Brad Winter served as secretary of state for the past year under an appointment by Gov. Susana Martinez.
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