Bill > HB308

This bill removes conservancy districts from the Local Election Act and establishes new, independent procedures for conducting conservancy district elections. The bill comprehensively revises how these special districts hold elections by defining new terms like "qualified elector" (primarily property owners within the district), establishing specific election timing (typically on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in October of odd-numbered years), and giving conservancy district boards more autonomy in managing their own election processes. Key changes include allowing boards to contract with election directors, create their own qualified voter lists, set election rules, and conduct elections using paper ballots or electronic voting machines. The bill specifies that candidates must be property owners who have owned land in the district for at least six months, must file declarations of candidacy with a specific number of elector signatures, and must reside within the district. The legislation also removes most standard local election requirements, giving conservancy districts more flexibility in how they organize and conduct their electoral processes. The bill declares an emergency, meaning it would take effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=308&year=25