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New Mexico Statutes Chapter 1. Elections § 1-20-17. Obstructing the polling place

Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

A. Obstructing the polling place consists of a person other than an authorized individual approaching nearer than fifty feet from the door through which voters may enter to vote at a polling place or a person who willfully blocks access to a monitored secured container or the entrance to a polling place so as to prevent free ingress and egress.

B. A person conducting lawful, non-election-related business nearer than fifty feet from the door through which voters may enter to vote is not guilty of obstructing a polling place, provided the person does not willfully block access to a monitored secured container or the entrance to the polling place.

C. As used in this section, “authorized individual” means an individual who is not electioneering and who is:

(1) a voter offering to vote;

(2) a member of the election board;

(3) a lawfully appointed watcher, challenger or election observer;

(4) an individual giving assistance to a specific person offering to vote;

(5) an election official or contractor having business in the polling place;

(6) an attorney representing the county or state, a political party or a candidate having business in the polling place; or

(7) a language translator where required by federal law.

D. Whoever obstructs the polling place is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - New Mexico Statutes Chapter 1. Elections § 1-20-17. Obstructing the polling place - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/nm/chapter-1-elections/nm-st-sect-1-20-17/

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