Bill > HB174

This bill makes several key changes to local elections in New Mexico: 1. Establishes a single election day and uniform processes for certain local government elections, including municipal, school board, community college, and special district elections. All will be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years. 2. Requires ballot measure elections that are held at times other than regular local elections to be conducted by mailed ballot. It also requires special statewide ballot question elections to be conducted by mailed ballot. 3. Prohibits the inclusion of nonbinding or advisory questions on the ballot. 4. Provides for recall elections for commissioner-manager municipalities. 5. Creates a local election fund to reimburse counties for the costs of conducting regular local elections and to cover administrative costs for the Secretary of State. This fund will be supported by annual assessments on local governments. 6. Allows municipalities to opt out of certain provisions of the Local Election Act, such as the standard election date and procedures for runoff elections, but requires them to still follow the Act's other requirements. The bill aims to standardize and streamline the administration of local elections across New Mexico, while also ensuring that ballot measures and special elections are conducted equitably. The new local election fund is intended to provide consistent funding and support for local election administration.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=174&year=17