The bill amends the New Mexico Election Code to establish emergency voting procedures and create absentee voter assistance units, enhancing voter access and participation, especially in emergencies. It introduces new responsibilities for county commissioners and clerks regarding polling place designation, ensuring accessibility for individuals with physical mobility limitations, and consolidating precincts for voter convenience. A significant provision allows for the establishment of absentee voter assistance units in secure congregate facilities, facilitating absentee voting and same-day registration while maintaining proper chain of custody for ballots.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing regulations on voter convenience centers, providing more operational flexibility and clarifying the process for adjusting polling places during emergencies. It amends Section 1-6-22.1 NMSA 1978 to permit county commissioners to designate mail ballot election precincts under specific conditions, such as low voter numbers or a high percentage of voters on the permanent absentee list. The county clerk is tasked with notifying voters in these precincts about the absentee ballot process. Furthermore, Section 1-11-18 NMSA 1978 is amended to require the county clerk to assess election supply needs at secure congregate facilities at least ninety days before an election, ensuring adequate resources for fluctuating voter populations.

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