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SJR 1 and SB 264 - Election Legislation Passed in 2026 NM Session

The New Mexico Secretary of State announced the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 1 (SJR 1) and Senate Bill 264 during the 2026 legislative session. SJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate discriminatory provisions from the era when women could only vote in school elections and modify school bond election timelines, subject to voter approval in November 2026. SB 264 prohibits the presence of federal military officers at polling places and provides emergency procedures for election continuity during declared disasters, now awaiting the Governor's signature.

State Canvass Board Certifies 2025 Regular Local Election Results, Orders 34 Automatic Recounts

New Mexico's State Canvass Board unanimously certified the official results of the 2025 Regular Local Election on November 25, 2025. The Board also ordered automatic recounts in 34 races throughout the state. A follow-up certification meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2025 at 2:00pm.

John Lewis Youth Leadership Award 2025 Nominations

The New Mexico Secretary of State's Office is accepting nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award 2025, a program established in 2021 by the National Association of Secretaries of State to honor civic-minded young people demonstrating leadership and commitment to social justice. Eligible nominees must be 25 years or younger and recognized for improving their New Mexico community, particularly through work on civil rights and voting rights issues. Nominations must be submitted by 5pm November 3rd, 2025.

Automatic Voter Registration Launches in New Mexico MVD Locations

The New Mexico Secretary of State announced successful implementation of Automatic Voter Registration at Motor Vehicle Division locations statewide. The program launched July 1, 2025, and registered 8,487 voters or updated existing registrations in the first 10 days. Eligible customers are automatically registered when obtaining or renewing driver's licenses, while ineligible individuals are screened out.

Secretary of State Urges Mississippi Voters Prepare for March 10 Primary

Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson is urging voters to prepare for the March 10 primary election, which includes races for U.S. Senate and U.S. House seats. The deadline for in-person absentee voting is Saturday, March 7, 2026, and all mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day. Watson discussed proposed legislation regarding absentee ballot envelopes and voiced support for the federal SAVE Act requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship.

Simon Defends Minnesota Voting Against Executive Order

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon issued a statement on March 31, 2026, defending Minnesota's mail voting practices against a Presidential Executive Order on election administration. Simon characterized the order as unconstitutional federal overreach, stating it exceeds presidential authority and that his office is exploring legal options to challenge it. The statement emphasizes that Minnesota's mail voting system includes security measures such as ID matching, signature verification, witness requirements, and digital ballot tracking.

SAVE America Act Virtual Press Briefing, March 19, 2026

Senators Alex Padilla and Amy Klobuchar joined Secretaries of State Steve Simon (Minnesota), Steve Hobbs (Washington), and Stephanie Thomas (Connecticut) for a virtual press briefing on March 19, 2026, to discuss the SAVE America Act. The briefing addressed potential impacts on voters, election administrators, and new costs that would be imposed on states under the proposed legislation.

Secretary Simon Updates Lawmakers on Business Identity Recovery Program

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon provided an update to the Minnesota House State Government Finance and Policy Committee on the Business Identity Recovery Program. The program launched January 1, 2026 and has received 54 requests to review wrongful business filings, resolved 24 cases, and has 29 claims currently under review. The program creates a free administrative process for business identity theft victims to correct fraudulent filings without going to court.

Secretary Simon Statement Opposing SAVE America Act Before Congressional Vote

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon issued a statement on February 11, 2026, urging Congress to vote against the SAVE America Act, scheduled for a House vote that same day. The statement warns the proposed legislation would impose documentary proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration, require government-issued photo ID at polling places, end online voter registration, and restrict mail-in voting. Simon contends the bill would shut out millions of eligible voters, upend ongoing 2026 midterm elections, and threaten election workers with immediate lawsuits and criminal prosecution.

Idahoans for Open Primaries Initiative Qualifies for November 2024 Ballot

The Idaho Secretary of State certified on July 10, 2024, that the Idahoans for Open Primaries initiative has qualified for the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot. Organizers submitted 62,895 valid petition signatures, meeting the statutory 6% threshold of registered voters. Signatures were verified across at least 18 legislative districts as required by Idaho law. The measure proposes replacing party primaries with a top-four primary and implementing ranked-choice voting for general elections.