New Mexico Constitution Article VII - Elective Franchise
New Mexico Constitution – Article VII: Elective Franchise
Article VII of the New Mexico Constitution governs the right to vote, voter eligibility, and election-related procedures within the state. It ensures fair democratic participation by outlining who can vote, how elections are conducted, and rules regarding disqualifications and voter registration.
🔷 Key Provisions of Article VII:
Section 1 – Qualified Electors
Every U.S. citizen who is:
At least 18 years old
A resident of New Mexico
Properly registered to vote
is considered a qualified elector.
Section 2 – Voting Rights and Registration
Provides for voter registration.
The legislature may regulate voter registration but cannot deny voting rights to qualified electors except as otherwise provided in the Constitution (e.g., criminal disqualification).
Section 3 – Exclusions from Voting
Persons who are:
Mentally incapacitated, as determined by a court, or
Convicted of a felony and currently serving a sentence
Section 4 – Election by Ballot
All elections by the people must be by secret ballot to ensure voter privacy and security.
Section 5 – Residency and Voting
Requires voters to be residents of the political subdivision (e.g., city, county, district) where they intend to vote.
The legislature may enact laws to define residency for voting purposes.
Section 6 – Educational and Literacy Requirements
Prohibits any literacy test or educational qualification as a condition to vote.
This aligns with federal protections under the Voting Rights Act.
🧾 Purpose and Impact:
Article VII is designed to:
Protect voting rights for all eligible New Mexicans
Prevent discrimination or suppression
Enable the state to regulate the administration of elections while ensuring accessibility and fairness
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