Committee backs constitutional amendment to let school ballot questions appear on general election ballot
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Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 1 would remove a century‑old constitutional restriction so school bond and mill levy questions may be placed on the general election ballot, giving districts a voluntary choice intended to reduce costly special elections and increase turnout.
A House committee gave a due pass to Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the New Mexico Constitution to allow school bond and mill‑levy questions to be placed on the general election ballot instead of forcing special or off‑cycle elections.
Sponsors said the change would reduce administrative burdens and the significant costs school districts pay for special elections (testimony cited potential costs from about $125,000 up to $250,000 for large districts) and would align school election timing with other local governments.
Support came from the New Mexico Coalition of Education Leaders and the New Mexico School Boards Association, whose representatives said allowing a voluntary choice to use the general election could increase participation, reduce districts' special‑election costs and help districts avoid construction cost escalation caused by waiting for available election dates.
Committee members asked about potential ballot clutter and whether placing school questions on a general election ballot could complicate voter information and decision‑making in large jurisdictions. Sponsors and the secretary of state's office clarified the change is voluntary for districts; it would not force questions onto general ballots and leaves the local election act and local procedures intact.
The committee moved and seconded a due pass and, seeing no opposition on the floor of the committee, the chair announced the resolution would be reported with a due pass.