45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2001

RELATING TO ELECTIONS; REQUIRING VOTER IDENTIFICATION BY SIGNATURE VERIFICATION; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. A new section of the Election Code, Section 1-12-8.1 NMSA 1978, is enacted to read:

"1-12-8.1. [NEW MATERIAL] VOTER IDENTIFICATION BY SIGNATURE VERIFICATION--PROCEDURE--EXEMPTIONS.--

A. The signature rosters at each polling place shall contain digital facsimile signatures of each registered voter on the roster.

B. Each voter shall sign the signature roster before casting a ballot on election day. If the actual signature of a voter on election day is significantly at variance from the digital facsimile signature on the signature roster and no member of the precinct board has personal knowledge of the identity of the voter, the voter shall vote on an emergency paper ballot.

C. In determining the validity of a signature, the precinct board may consider factors such as the age or disability of the voter.

D. A voter qualifying for assistance pursuant to Section 1-12-12 NMSA 1978 is exempt from the requirements of this section.

E. Counties with digital facsimile signature capability shall comply with the provisions of this section commencing with the 2002 primary election. All counties shall comply with the provisions of this section on or before the 2004 primary election."

Section 2. APPROPRIATION.--Two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the secretary of state for expenditure in fiscal years 2002 and 2003 to assist counties in purchasing digital facsimile signature scanners. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2003 shall revert to the general fund.