The bill proposes to amend the election procedures for conservancy districts in New Mexico by removing them from the Local Election Act and establishing specific timelines and procedures for their elections. It redefines local elections by excluding conservancy districts from the definition of "local government" and introduces new provisions for compiling a list of qualified electors, which includes property owners within the benefited area. The bill streamlines the election process by eliminating certain requirements related to absentee voting, election notices, and polling locations. Key amendments include scheduling elections for conservancy district board members on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in October in odd-numbered years and allowing the board of directors to adopt necessary procedures for conducting elections.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the voting rights of electors, stating that every resident who owns real estate within the district is entitled to one vote for a director-at-large, while each elector in the municipal voting precinct has one vote for a municipal director. It also introduces new candidacy requirements, mandating candidates for the office of director to file a declaration of candidacy along with a petition signed by at least ten qualified electors. The board of directors is empowered to establish rules and procedures for elections, including public notice, polling places, absentee voting, and certification of results. The bill emphasizes the urgency of these changes to ensure public peace, health, and safety.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 1-22-2, 73-14-20, 73-14-20.1, 73-14-24, 73-14-25, 73-14-28.1
JC substitute: 1-22-2, 73-14-20, 73-14-20.1, 73-14-24, 73-14-25, 73-14-28.1, 73-14-57, 73-14-61, 73-14-62, 73-14-71, 73-14-73, 73-14-74, 73-14-78, 73-18-27, 73-18-28, 73-18-34, 73-18-41
Final Version: 1-22-2, 73-14-20, 73-14-20.1, 73-14-24, 73-14-25, 73-14-28.1, 73-14-57, 73-14-61, 73-14-62, 73-14-71, 73-14-73, 73-14-74, 73-14-78, 73-18-27, 73-18-28, 73-18-34, 73-18-41