1-3-1. Nature of a precinct; maps.
347 words·~2 min read·
/nm/chapter-1-elections/article-3-precincts-and-polling-places/1-3-1·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
A. Each precinct as nearly as practicable shall be composed of contiguous and compact areas having clearly definable boundaries. All precinct boundaries shall comply with the provisions of the Precinct Boundary Adjustment Act [1-3-10 to 1-3-14 NMSA 1978].
B. A precinct shall be divided or its boundaries adjusted if the precinct has had more than:
(1)seven hundred fifty votes cast by voters of that precinct at a general election, based on the two most recent general elections; or
(2)two thousand five hundred persons residing within the boundaries of the precinct, based on the most recent federal decennial census.
C. A precinct may be combined with another precinct or its boundaries adjusted if the precinct has had less than:
(1)one hundred votes cast by voters of that precinct at a general election, based on the two most recent general elections; or
(2)five hundred persons residing within the boundaries of the precinct, based on the most recent federal decennial census.
D. A precinct shall not be combined with an adjoining precinct as provided in Subsection C of this section if the combination of the two precincts would:
(1)violate the maximum votes cast or population requirements of Subsection B of this section; or
(2)cross any local, state or federal district or districted boundary lines.
E. The secretary of state shall provide and maintain a suitable map showing the current geographical boundaries with designation of each precinct, local government, representative district and senatorial district in the county. The size and form of such maps shall be prescribed by the secretary of state. A word description of the geographical boundaries shall be attached to each map, along with a description of the changes from the previous map of the area. The map, with attached description, is a public record.
History: 1953 Comp., § 3-3-1, enacted by Laws 1969, ch. 240, § 50; 1975, ch. 255, § 27; 1977, ch. 64, § 1; 1984 (1st S.S.), ch. 3, § 1; 1991 (1st S.S.), ch. 6, § 1; 1995, ch. 126, § 1; 2019, ch. 212, § 35.