Senate unanimously restores special-election process for conservancy districts

The Senate unanimously approved House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 308 with an emergency clause, returning vote authority for two conservancy districts — Arch Hurley Conservancy District and another conservancy district noted by sponsors — to their specialized election procedures.

Senator Woods, sponsor of the bill, told colleagues the Local Election Act of 2018 consolidated local elections into a single framework that did not fit the special voter composition in conservancy districts, where voters are property owners and water service charge payers rather than precinct‑based electorates.

Supporters, including Senator Padilla, said the measure would make conservancy elections practicable and maintain board representation for Central New Mexico areas such as the South Valley and North Valley. Sponsor statements said the change preserves three seats on the board for Central New Mexico constituencies while enabling the conservancy districts’ own voting rolls to determine elector eligibility.

The bill passed on a recorded voice/hand vote announced by the chair: “By a vote of 38 in the affirmative, 0 in the negative.” The sponsor said the bill returns the districts to “their special election” rules to ease election administration for county clerks.

— End —