The LEA was passed by the New Mexico Legislature in 2018. Effective July 1, 2018, the LEA provides for consolidated local election to be conducted in New Mexico.
The LEA repealed the Municipal and School Board Election Codes and requires all elections that fall within the impacted districts to follow the uniform procedures of the Election Code. LEA also establishes two new statewide elections which include: a Local Election to be held every November of odd-numbered years for non-partisan officers and local government ballot questions and a Municipal Officer Election every March of even-numbered years.
The timelines below provide a visual overview of the current election schedule under the election statute revisions.
This timeline illustrates activities specific to the upcoming Regular Local Election and Municipal Officer Election.
The following impacted districts are required to hold their elections during the Regular Local Election which is held in November of the odd-numbered years:
- School Districts including public school boards and community colleges
- Soil & Water Conservation Districts
- Arroyo Flood Control Districts
- Water & Sanitation Districts
- Special Hospital Districts
- Special Zoning Districts
- In 2023: Conservancy & Watershed Districts
Municipal districts have the option of opting-in to the Regular Local Election by January 30, 2019. Impacted districts and those that opt-in are required to pay an annual assessment to the Local Election Fund. The Local Election Fund is a predictable annual assessment, and is paid by all special districts to the Secretary of State to cover the costs of the Regular Local Election. The purpose of the fund is to reimburse the counties for the costs of conducting and administering Regular Local Elections and paying the administrative costs of the Secretary of State associated with the Local Election Act.
Local Elections Act Resources
Local Elections Act Training Guide
2019 Special Election List of Statutory Deadlines
Local Elections Act Training Schedule
Local Elections Act Training Presentation
LEA FAQ’s
2019 Special Election Voter Guide
Contact Information
Bureau of Elections
Email: sos.elections@state.nm.us
Phone: 505-827-3600