New Mexico Voting Rights Act Heads to Governor’s Desk
House votes to concur with Senate amendments in final legislative step for House Bill 4
Santa Fe, NM - The New Mexico Voting Rights Act, House Bill 4, cleared its final legislative hurdle today as the House of Representatives voted 42-25 to concur with Senate amendments to the bill. The bill is now headed to the desk of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to be signed into law.
HB 4 is a robust package of voting accessibility and election security measures, which includes:
Voting protections and improved access for Native American voters
Enhancements to voter registration systems and voter data privacy
Restoration of voting rights for formerly-incarcerated individuals
Creation of a permanent absentee ballot list, allowing eligible voters to opt-in to automatically receive mail-in ballots
Automatic voter registration when changing address or presenting documents at the MVD or other state agencies
Designation of Election Day as a school holiday
House Bill 4 is sponsored by Speaker of the House Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), House Majority Floor Leader Gail Chasey (D-Albuquerque), Senator Katy Duhigg (D-Albuquerque), Representative D. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock), Majority Caucus Chair Ray Lara (D-Chamberino), Rep. Derrick Lente (D-Sandia Pueblo), and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque).
“The New Mexico Voting Rights Act will empower our diverse communities to participate in our elections, strengthen democracy, and make our government more representative of its people,” said Speaker Martínez.
“With this legislation, New Mexico is poised to become a national model for voting, election fairness, and ballot access,” said Leader Chasey. “We are not only removing barriers, we are encouraging civic engagement and participation for all eligible New Mexicans.”
“The New Mexico Voting Rights Act will protect fair and open access to voting for our historically-disenfranchised tribes, pueblos, and sovereign nations across our state,” said Representative Johnson. “I am proud that we are taking such important steps to protect this fundamental freedom for all eligible New Mexicans.”
“Every eligible New Mexican, regardless of where they live, has the right to participate in our democracy,” said Chair Lara. “The commonsense provisions in this bill will go a long way to expanding voting access, especially in rural communities like mine.”
The House also passed a bill today to protect election workers today with broad bipartisan support. Senate Bill 43, which would make intimidation of election officials and workers a fourth-degree felony, is also headed to the Governor’s desk.
The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2023 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.
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