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 timing 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, specifically targeting 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, while establishing a new election timeline for conservancy district board members to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in October in odd-numbered years.

Key amendments include the stipulation that every resident who owns real estate within the district is entitled to one vote for a director-at-large, and each elector residing in the municipal voting precinct has one vote for a municipal director. The bill also outlines the candidacy process, requiring candidates to file a declaration of candidacy along with a petition signed by at least ten qualified electors from their precinct. Additionally, it empowers the board of directors to establish rules and procedures for elections, covering public notice, polling places, absentee voting, and certification of election results, emphasizing the immediate necessity for 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