Measures address emergency election procedures, federal interference limits and proposed constitutional amendment on school elections

Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver is highlighting the passage of multiple election-related bills approved during the 2026 legislative session, including measures focused on election security, emergency procedures and a proposed constitutional amendment affecting school elections.

The legislation includes Senate Bill 264, which establishes processes for maintaining election access and security during declared emergencies and strengthens provisions intended to keep elections free from intimidation, interference or improper federal involvement.

The bill also outlines restrictions on the presence of federal military or civil officers at polling places, modeled after existing federal law, and allows enforcement through civil action by the attorney general, secretary of state, county clerks or voters.

Toulouse Oliver urged Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to sign the measure into law.

The Legislature also approved Senate Joint Resolution 1, a proposed constitutional amendment that will go before voters in the November 2026 general election. The amendment would remove outdated language dating back to a time when women could vote only in school elections and would allow school districts to place ballot questions on general election ballots.

If voters approve the amendment, school districts would continue electing officials during nonpartisan regular local elections in odd-numbered years but could avoid holding separate special elections for bond questions and other measures.

Lawmakers also approved funding for the Secretary of State’s office in the fiscal year 2027 budget, including support for cybersecurity, elections administration and business services.

Toulouse Oliver said additional work remains to stabilize the office’s recurring budget, but described the approved funding as an important step toward supporting election and business administration in New Mexico.