The bill amends various sections of the New Mexico Election Code to enhance election administration and security. It establishes a process for public officials and election administrative staff to keep their home addresses confidential, exempting them from public disclosure. The Secretary of State is tasked with implementing a certification program for county clerks, requiring them to be certified within twelve months of their appointment or election. Additionally, the bill introduces new procedures for election day operations, provisional ballot requirements, and the handling of vacancies on primary and general election ballots. It also removes the Elections Security Program from the Bureau of Elections and mandates the creation of a secure internet application for gathering electronic signatures for political party qualifications.

Moreover, the bill updates candidate declaration procedures by eliminating references to "preprimary convention designation," allowing candidates to file directly with the appropriate filing officer. It requires written notification to candidates regarding the status of their registration and candidacy documents before their names can appear on the ballot. The Secretary of State is also mandated to mail voter notifications for statewide elections at least forty-two days prior, providing essential election information. The bill clarifies the use of provisional ballots and introduces new provisions for the certification of presidential candidates, including deadlines for political parties. It streamlines election processes, enhances voter accessibility, and establishes emergency election procedures to ensure elections can proceed effectively during crises.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 1-1-27.1, 1-2-5, 1-2-12, 1-2-34, 1-7-2, 1-8-6, 1-8-7, 1-8-13, 1-8-18, 1-8-21, 1-8-26, 1-8-27, 1-8-29, 1-8-33, 1-8-39.1, 1-8-40, 1-10-6, 1-10-13, 1-11-4.1, 1-12-8, 1-12-25.4, 1-14-24, 1-19-26, 1-19A-2, 1-19A-3, 1-19A-7, 1-22-3, 1-24-3