HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 10

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Trujillo and Gerald Ortiz y Pino and James E. Smith

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING CONGRESS TO PASS THE FIX IT AMERICA CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

     WHEREAS, there is broad bipartisan support for fair elections and governance in New Mexico and across the United States of America; and

     WHEREAS, there is agreement on the underlying principle that the role of money in elections and governance should be transparent, prevent corruption and protect against the buying of access to or influence over representatives; and

     WHEREAS, there is further recognition that district lines drawn to intentionally or unduly favor or disfavor a political party undermine the most basic principles of fairness in elections and governance; and

     WHEREAS, the proposed fix it America constitutional amendment provides:

"Section I. Congress and State Legislatures shall regulate the role of money in elections and governance to ensure transparency, prevent corruption, and protect against the buying of access to or influence over representatives. No such regulation shall be deemed in violation of freedom of speech rights in the Constitution of the United States or its Amendments.

Section II. Legislative districts or districting plans shall not intentionally or unduly favor or disfavor any political party.";

and

     WHEREAS, the proposed fix it America constitutional amendment expressly empowers congress and state legislatures to maintain fairness when it comes to these issues;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the fix it America constitutional amendment be submitted to the United States congress with a request that it be passed by the required two-thirds' vote and submitted to the states for ratification; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of New Mexico's congressional delegation.

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