HOUSE BILL 501

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Zachary J. Cook

AN ACT

RELATING TO ELECTIONS; PROVIDING THAT ONLY QUESTIONS HAVING THE FORCE OF LAW MAY BE PLACED ON THE BALLOT.

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

     SECTION 1. Section 1-16-8 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1969, Chapter 240, Section 380, as amended) is amended to read:

     "1-16-8. OTHER QUESTIONS--FORM--ADVISORY QUESTIONS PROHIBITED.--

          A. The form for ballots on questions other than proposed constitutional amendments to be submitted to the voters of the entire state shall be prescribed by the secretary of state. The form for ballots on those questions not statewide in application to be submitted to the voters of the county shall be furnished by the county clerk, and a copy of the resolution proposing [such] the question shall be sent by the county clerk to the secretary of state not less than thirty days prior to the election. In each case, the ballots shall conform as nearly as practicable to the form required for ballots on proposed constitutional amendments.

          B. In no case shall the secretary of state place a question on the ballot, nor shall a county submit to the secretary of state a question for inclusion on the ballot, that is nonbinding and merely advisory in nature."

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