Online voter registration will soon be a reality if a bill that passed the Senate and House becomes law with the signature of Governor Martinez. Senator Lisa Torraco sponsored SB 643, where three other bills were rolled into one.
“We are making registering to vote easier, more convenient. New Mexicans can simply go on-line to register to vote or change their address. We are saving them a trip down to their county clerk’s office,” Senator Torraco said. “And for the men and women who serve in the military, we want them and their families to be able to vote on ballots just as if they are at home. Other changes mean there will be more integrity in our voter rolls. We want every vote to count.”
The three bills rolled into one include:
· SB643- SOS to begin allowing on-line voter registration by July 1, 2015
· SB617-Makes amendments to the state Election Code- Among other things, change school board term limits from six year to four years, limit special school district elections to ballot questions, not member elections
· SB 165- Bring NM into compliance with amendments to the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizen absentee Voting Act. Provides that the ballot for military personnel, a spouse or dependent be the same as a ballot just as if voting in person.
· HB62-Authorizes the SOS to exchange information deemed necessary to maintain the statewide voter registration list with the chief election officer.
Information from NM Senate Republicans