This bill amends various sections of New Mexico's election laws to allow voters who have not designated a political party affiliation on their registration certificates to participate in primary elections. Specifically, it enables these voters to affiliate with a major political party by requesting that party's ballot during the primary election process. The bill outlines that such voters will not have their registration changed to reflect a new party affiliation unless they explicitly request it. Additionally, it includes provisions for mailed ballot applications, ensuring that voters who have declined to designate a party affiliation can request a ballot for a participating party in the primary election.

The bill also makes conforming changes to the conduct of elections, including how voters are verified at polling places and the procedures for provisional ballots. It emphasizes that voters who choose to affiliate with a major political party for the primary election must request that party's ballot, and it clarifies the responsibilities of election officials in confirming voter registration and eligibility. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 1-4-15, 1-6-4, 1-6-22.1, 1-12-7, 1-12-7.1, 1-12-7.2, 1-12-20, 1-15A-2
Final Version: 1-4-15, 1-6-4, 1-6-22.1, 1-12-7, 1-12-7.1, 1-12-7.2, 1-12-20, 1-15A-2