We change the laws to change their lives. Formed in October 2002, Animal Protection Voters (APV), a social welfare [501(c)(4)] organization, lobbies and engages in political activities that promote animal protection in New Mexico. One of the most important tools to reduce animal suffering is create systemic change by passing laws that better protect animals. In order to pass local, state and federal laws, APV strives to build a force that our lawmakers cannot ignore. Making animal issues important to lawmakers involves extensive lobbying, helping to elect good candidates to all kinds of public offices and holding those officials accountable for how they vote on animal issues.