HOUSE BILL 20
47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005
INTRODUCED BY
Justine Fox-Young
AN ACT
RELATING TO ELECTIONS; REQUIRING VOTER IDENTIFICATION BY SIGNATURE VERIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR PROCEDURES; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:
Section 1. A new section of the Election Code is enacted to read:
"[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 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 a provisional paper ballot. The voter's provisional paper ballot shall be counted only if the voter presents to the precinct board or county clerk an acceptable form of identification before 7:00 p.m. on election day.
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 2006 primary election. All counties shall comply with the provisions of this section on or before the 2006 general 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 2006 and 2007 to reimburse counties for purchasing digital facsimile signature printers. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2007 shall revert to the general fund.