The bill proposes significant changes to the election procedures for conservancy districts in New Mexico by removing them from the Local Election Act and establishing specific timing and procedures for their elections. It amends definitions related to local elections, specifically excluding conservancy districts from the definition of "local government." New provisions are introduced for compiling a list of qualified electors, including definitions for "qualified elector" and "qualified elector's list." The bill streamlines the election process by eliminating certain requirements for absentee voting, election notices, and polling locations.

Key amendments include a new election timeline, with elections for conservancy district board members scheduled for the first Tuesday after the first Monday in October in odd-numbered years. The board of directors is granted the authority to adopt necessary procedures for conducting elections, including the selection of election judges and managing absentee voting. The bill also clarifies voting rights for residents who own real estate within the district and introduces requirements for candidates to file declarations of candidacy. Additionally, it empowers the board to create rules for election administration, emphasizing the immediate necessity for the bill's enactment 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