The bill amends the New Mexico Election Code to establish emergency voting procedures and create absentee voter assistance units, enhancing the voting process for individuals in secure congregate facilities such as jails and nursing homes. It outlines the responsibilities of county clerks and commissioners in designating polling places, consolidating precincts, and establishing voter convenience centers. The legislation allows absentee voter assistance units to operate within these facilities, ensuring eligible voters can access absentee ballots and same-day registration. Additionally, it provides criteria for polling place operations, emphasizing accessibility and technology, and allows county clerks to relocate polling places in emergencies without a court order.

Moreover, the bill amends Section 1-6-22.1 NMSA 1978 to enable county commissioners to designate a precinct as a mail ballot election precinct if over fifty-five percent of active registered voters are on the permanent absentee list, thus improving mail ballot election management. It also establishes a notification process for voters in these precincts regarding the absence of polling places and absentee ballot procedures. Furthermore, Section 1-11-18 NMSA 1978 is amended to require county clerks to assess election supply needs at secure congregate facilities at least ninety days before an election, ensuring adequate resources are available for eligible voters.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 1-3-2, 1-3-4, 1-3-5, 1-3-7, 1-4-8, 1-6-22.1, 1-11-18