What’s on Your Ballot? The League of Women Voters Guide Is Here

By Karen Wentworth, League of Women Voters of Central New Mexico

It began in 1956. Members of the League of Women Voters put together a list of candidates, asked them questions and put together their first Voter Guide in Albuquerque. Lacking a distribution system, they set up tables at polling places throughout the city and handed them out. Distribution has improved over the years. Today you can sit at your computer and download a Voter Guide at LWVCNM.org or you can look at the candidates and issues on your ballot at VOTE411.org. This year the League is distributing 30,000 printed guides for Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties. You can pick up a guide at your local community center or public library or in many businesses. League members pay most of the cost, but we welcome any donation, which you can do by visiting our website.

For 70 years, the League of Women Voters has had the reputation of being older women in tennis shoes. We wear it proudly and yes, we are almost always in tennis shoes.

Here are the issues you need to know more about before you vote, including arguments for and against each constitutional amendment and what a yes or no vote means on the Albuquerque questions. Your ballot lists statewide questions first, then county and city questions, and we’ve followed the same order below. The City of Albuquerque questions appear only on Albuquerque ballots.

State of New Mexico Constitutional Amendments

Constitutional Amendment 1

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 4, SECTION 22 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO PROVIDE VETO MESSAGES ON ALL BILLS VETOED IN WHOLE OR IN PART AND TO PROVIDE THAT ALL BILLS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE AND NOT ACTED ON BY THE GOVERNOR WILL BECOME LAW.

Explanation:

This proposed amendment would remove the “pocket veto.” The pocket veto occurs when the governor does not sign a bill that was passed during the last three days of the legislative session, stopping the bill from becoming law. Under the proposed amendment, a bill sent to the governor during the last three days of the session would automatically become law unless the governor vetoes the bill within 20 days after the legislature’s adjournment. Also, the governor would be required to provide a written, substantive explanation for any veto.

Arguments For:

• Requires the governor to give a written explanation about why any legislation is vetoed, so that the legislature can reintroduce legislation in the future to address the governor’s concerns.
• May bring greater balance among branches of government because lawmakers could ask the courts to determine whether the governor has provided a substantive explanation.

Arguments Against:

• The term ‘substantive explanation’ is undefined and may lead to court action between the legislature and the governor.
• The governor’s office might be burdened after the session by a large number of bills that would need a ‘substantive explanation’ of their veto.
• It is unnecessary since the legislature could eliminate the pocket veto simply by enacting important legislation earlier in the session.

Constitutional Amendment 2

PROPOSING TO AMEND ARTICLE 7, SECTION 1 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT SCHOOL ELECTIONS BE SEPARATE FROM PARTISAN ELECTIONS.

Explanation:
This amendment would allow school districts the option to add bond and mill levy questions to ballots in a partisan election, such as the regular general election. It would also give the legislature the authority to allow local school board elections to be held during the same election cycle as partisan elections.

Arguments For:

• Currently school districts can only place bond issues and mill levy questions in local nonpartisan elections, which are held in odd numbered years. If the proposed amendment passes, school boards have the option to place bond issues or mill levy questions on the ballot in any election cycle, giving them more flexibility to manage their capital needs.
• Allowing school districts to place a bond or mill levy question on the ballot during partisan general elections may increase the number of voters who participate in school elections, better reflecting the voice of the community.
• School districts still have the option to hold special bond elections if these better suit their needs.

Arguments Against:

• Adding school questions to the general election ballot may create voter fatigue and increase the cost of elections if a longer ballot is needed.
• The importance of school issues on a partisan general election ballot may be diminished due to the high number of issues and candidates on the ballot.

Constitutional Amendment 3

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 12, SECTION 13 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO ESTABLISH NOMINATING COMMITTEES TO PROVIDE LISTS OF NOMINEES TO THE GOVERNOR FOR APPOINTMENT OF NONSTUDENT MEMBERS TO THE BOARDS OF REGENTS OF STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS; PROVIDING THAT STUDENT MEMBERS OF BOARDS OF REGENTS SHALL BE APPOINTED FROM A LIST PROVIDED BY AN ELECTED STUDENT GOVERNING BODY OF THE INSTITUTION; PROVIDING THAT, EXCEPT FOR A STUDENT MEMBER, MEMBERS OF THE BOARDS OF REGENTS SHALL NOT HAVE CHANGED THEIR POLITICAL PARTY REGISTRATION IN THE TWELVE MONTHS PRECEDING APPOINTMENT.

Explanation:
A board of regents governs each of the ten state educational institutions. Currently, the regents for each of these institutions are appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate. The amendment would:

• Require the governor to appoint:
  • regents from a list of candidates selected by a nonpartisan nominating committee established by the legislature; and
  • student regents from a list provided by each institution’s student government, not the institution’s president.
• Disqualify any non-student regents if they changed political party registration in the 12 months before being appointed.

Arguments For:

• A regent nominating committee should ensure that nominees will best serve the interests of the particular institution, thereby providing more accountability in its control and management.
• Since the nominating committee would be nonpartisan, nominees would more likely be best qualified and would not be appointed based on their relationship with the governor or the governing political party.

Arguments Against:

• This amendment would dilute both the governor’s constitutional authority to appoint regents and the senate’s power to advise and consent.
• The Governor and the Senate are directly responsible to voters, whereas a regent nominating committee would not be.

Constitutional Amendment 4

PROPOSING TO AMEND ARTICLE 4, SECTION 10 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO ALLOW LEGISLATIVE COMPENSATION THAT IS LIMITED TO THE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME FOR NEW MEXICO, TO REQUIRE LEGISLATIVE COMPENSATION TO BE REDUCED IF THE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME FOR NEW MEXICO FALLS, TO ALLOW LEGISLATIVE COMPENSATION TO BE INCREASED ONLY IF THE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME FOR NEW MEXICO RISES AND TO PROVIDE FOR DELAYED IMPLEMENTATION.

Explanation:
Currently, New Mexico state senators and representatives only receive daily limited compensation for mileage and per diem for meals and lodging.

This amendment would allow legislators to receive a salary equal to the median household income for New Mexico, currently approximately $68,000. This amount could be adjusted by the legislature in the future. The amendment would go into effect in January 2029.

Arguments For:

• A more diverse group of people might run for the legislature if they have less financial pressure to prioritize their other jobs and don’t have to choose between earning a living and public service, giving voters more candidate choices that better represent communities they serve.
• Positions the legislature to serve as a co-equal branch of government with the governor and judicial branches since they will be able to dedicate more time to their duties.
• Legislators work year-round beyond the 30 or 60-day sessions, by serving on interim committees, drawing up legislation, and handling constituent needs.

Arguments Against:

• The salary proposed is higher than many other states, especially considering the number of days the legislature is in session and the poverty level in the state.
• Legislators receiving salaries would have an unfair advantage against opposing candidates who must campaign and raise funds that could require them to lose employment income, while incumbent legislators would be paid while they run for office.
• Paying legislators would add more than $7 million each year to public spending.

General Obligation Bond Questions

A bond represents money borrowed by a government to finance capital improvement projects. The bonds are called general obligation (GO) bonds because payment of the debt (principal plus interest) is a general obligation of the governmental entity issuing the bond.

GO bonds are sold to bond investors, subject to voter approval of separate bond questions as a way to generate revenue for capital projects. GO bonds must be sold within a specific time after voter approval. They must be fully spent on capital (bricks and mortar) projects or equipment, not on daily operations or maintenance. Bond money cannot be transferred from one category to another.

State of New Mexico General Obligation Bond Questions

Aging and Long-Term Services

The 2026 Capital Projects General Obligation Bond Act authorizes the issuance and sale of senior citizen facility improvement, construction and equipment acquisition bonds. Shall the state be authorized to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed twenty-one million five hundred eighty-two thousand two hundred thirteen dollars ($21,582,213) to make capital expenditures for certain senior citizen facility improvement, construction and equipment acquisition projects and provide for a general property tax imposition and levy for the payment of principal of, interest on and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the bonds and the collection of the tax as permitted by law?

For________________ Against___________________

Library Acquisitions

The 2026 Capital Projects General Obligation Bond Act authorizes the issuance and sale of library acquisition bonds. Shall the state be authorized to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed nineteen million three hundred twenty-four thousand one hundred eighty-eight dollars ($19,324,188) to make capital expenditures for academic, public school, public and tribal library resource acquisitions and provide for a general property tax imposition and levy for the payment of principal of, interest on and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the bonds and the collection of the tax as permitted by law?

For________________ Against___________________

Capital Improvements and Acquisitions at Institutions of Higher Education, Special Schools and Tribal Schools Statewide

The 2026 Capital Projects General Obligation Bond Act authorizes the issuance and sale of higher education, special schools and tribal schools capital improvement and acquisition bonds. Shall the state be authorized to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed three hundred fifty-two million two hundred twenty five thousand three hundred seventy-nine dollars ($352,225,379) to make capital expenditures for certain higher education, special schools and tribal schools capital improvements and acquisitions and provide for a general property tax imposition and levy for the payment of principal of, interest on and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the bonds and the collection of the tax as permitted by law?

For________________ Against___________________

Bernalillo County Bond Questions

Library General Obligation Bonds

Shall Bernalillo County, New Mexico, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds, in one series or more, in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $2,500,000 for the purpose of purchasing materials and resources for libraries within Bernalillo County, New Mexico, said bonds to be payable from general (ad valorem) taxes, and to be issued and sold at such time or times and upon such terms and conditions as the Board of County Commissioners may determine and as permitted by law?

FOR LIBRARY BOND_________

AGAINST LIBRARY BOND __________

Public Safety Facilities, Fleet and Other County Building General Obligation Bonds

Shall Bernalillo County, New Mexico, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds, in one series or more, in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $8,900,000 for the purpose of acquiring property, planning, designing, upgrading, constructing, remodeling, purchasing, furnishing, equipping, repairing and otherwise improving, County facilities and fleet, including but not limited to health and public safety facilities, fire station and law enforcement facilities, jail and detention center facilities, courthouse facilities, youth and family service center and learning facilities, visitors center facilities, necessary redevelopment of facilities, and replacement of fleet vehicles and heavy equipment, and construction and improvements required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, said bonds to be payable from general (ad valorem) taxes, and to be issued and sold at such time or times and upon such terms and conditions as the Board of County Commissioners may determine and as permitted by law?

FOR PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES, FLEET AND OTHER COUNTY BUILDING BONDS ________

AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES, FLEET AND OTHER COUNTY BUILDING BONDS ________

Parks and Recreation General Obligation Bonds

Shall Bernalillo County, New Mexico, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds, in one series or more, in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $20,384,920 for the purpose of acquiring property, planning, designing, upgrading, constructing, remodeling, furnishing, equipping, repairing and otherwise improving park and recreational facilities within the County, including but not limited to parks, aquatic centers, community centers, playgrounds, ball fields, open spaces, cultural and educational facilities, community recreation centers and pools, and necessary redevelopment of facilities, and construction and improvements required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, said bonds to be payable from general (ad valorem) taxes, and to be issued and sold at such time or times and upon such terms and conditions as the Board of County Commissioners may determine and as permitted by law?

FOR PARKS AND RECREATION BONDS _______

AGAINST PARKS AND RECREATION BONDS __________

Transportation General Obligation Bonds

Shall Bernalillo County, New Mexico, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds, in one series or more, in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $6,215,080 for the purpose of acquiring property, planning, designing, upgrading, constructing, rehabilitating, furnishing, equipping, repairing and otherwise improving transportation facilities within the County, including but not limited to roads, non-motor vehicle pathways, bridges, traffic calming facilities, guardrails, bike lanes, trails, sidewalks, transit improvements, paving, landscaping, traffic signals and other street improvements, and necessary construction and improvements required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, said bonds to be payable from general (ad valorem) taxes, and to be issued and sold at such time or times and upon such terms and conditions as the Board of County Commissioners may determine and as permitted by law?

FOR TRANSPORTATION BONDS ________

AGAINST TRANSPORTATION BONDS ___________

Storm Drainage and Utilities General Obligation Bonds

Shall Bernalillo County, New Mexico, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds, in one series or more, in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $1,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring property, planning, designing, upgrading, constructing, rehabilitating, equipping, repairing and otherwise improving drainage and utility infrastructure, including but not limited to storm sewer and drainage, wastewater, water and drainage systems and facilities within Bernalillo County, New Mexico, said bonds to be payable from general (ad valorem) taxes, and to be issued and sold at such time or times and upon such terms and conditions as the Board of County Commissioners may determine and as permitted by law?

FOR STORM DRAINAGE AND UTILITIES GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS ________

AGAINST STORM DRAINAGE AND UTILITIES GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS __________

Housing General Obligation Bonds

Shall Bernalillo County, New Mexico, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds, in one series or more, in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $6,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring property, planning, designing, upgrading, constructing, remodeling, rehabilitating, furnishing, equipping, repairing and otherwise improving housing facilities within the County, said bonds to be payable from general (ad valorem) taxes, and to be issued and sold at such time or times and upon such terms and conditions as the Board of County Commissioners may determine and as permitted by law?

FOR HOUSING BONDS ________

AGAINST HOUSING BONDS __________

Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control General Obligation Bonds (AMAFCA)

Shall the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority be authorized to issue its General Obligation Bonds in principal amount not exceeding $30,000,000 for the Extension, Betterment, Alteration, Reconstruction, Repair and Other Improvements of the Authority’s Flood Control System?

FOR FLOOD CONTROL BONDS ________

AGAINST FLOOD CONTROL BONDS ________

City of Albuquerque Ballot Issues

Voter Approval of Performing Arts Center

Shall the Charter of the City of Albuquerque be amended to repeal Article XI, Section 7, which requires voter approval before the City may appropriate more than $10 million for a performing arts center so that future funding of any amount would no longer require a separate vote?

“YES” means you support repealing this requirement. The City could appropriate any amount for a performing arts center without a separate voter approval.

“NO” means you want to keep the requirement. The City would still need majority voter approval before appropriating more than $10 million for a performing arts center.

Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Chief Appointment

Shall the Charter of the City of Albuquerque be amended to designate the Director of Albuquerque Community Safety as the "ACS Chief" and require that this position be appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council, subject to the same confirmation, employment agreement, and removal terms currently applied to the Police Chief and Fire Chief?

"YES" means the ACS Director would become the "ACS Chief" and would need Council confirmation to be appointed, would serve under an employment agreement expiring at the end of the mayor's term, and could be removed by the mayor for cause or by a two-thirds-plus-one Council vote. This is the same structure that already governs the Police Chief and Fire Chief.

 "NO" means the ACS Director position would keep its current status, which is appointed by the mayor without requiring Council confirmation, and without the fixed-term employment agreement or the added removal process that applies to the Police Chief and Fire Chief.

Public Safety Gross Receipts Tax Dedication Update

Shall the City of Albuquerque amend the Public Safety Gross Receipts Tax to divide funds amongst updated city services? The money would be divided as follows: Police 35%; Fire 38%; Albuquerque Community Safety 8%; Health, Housing, and Homelessness 8%; Prisoner Transport 6%; and Code Enforcement 5%. This would not increase the tax rate. 

"YES" means the tax rate would stay the same. The money would be divided as follows: Police 35%; Fire 38%; Albuquerque Community Safety 8%; Health, Housing, and Homelessness 8%; Prisoner Transport 6%; and Code Enforcement 5%.

"NO" means the tax rate would stay the same. The money would continue to be divided as follows: Police 34%; Fire/Emergency Preparedness 34%, Corrections 6%; Crime Prevention and Intervention 26%.

Karen Wentworth, 1^st Co-VP of the League of Women Voters of Central New Mexico, is a former journalist and worked as a reporter/producer at KOAT.

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