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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Secretary of State

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Floor Substitute for House Joint Resolution 11 proposes to amend the Constitution of New Mexico to allow for, but not require, runoff elections in all elections other than primary elections.

Significant Issues

The joint resolution alters the constitution to allow runoff election systems if they are provided by law. The Legislature may provide by law for runoff elections for all elections other than primary and municipal elections. Also, the joint resolution provides that a municipality that has not adopted a charter pursuant to Article 10, Section 6 of the Constitution of New Mexico may provide for runoff elections by ordinance. Also, if a municipality has adopted a charter, then it may provide for runoff elections if a charter amendment to allow for runoff elections is adopted by a majority of the qualified electors.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

There is no appropriation associated with this bill. There is a $30.0 cost to the Secretary of State related to the publishing, printing, advertising and translation of constitutional amendments. This cost is absorbed in the agency's operating budget.

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