This bill amends existing New Mexico election laws to allow voters who have not designated a political party affiliation on their voter registration 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 voter 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 primary election ballot from a participating major political party.

The bill also makes conforming changes to various sections of the New Mexico election code, including the conduct of elections and the handling of voter lists. It clarifies that voters who have not designated a party affiliation can choose to affiliate with a major political party for the purpose of voting in primary elections. 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