ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico voters will decide whether to approve four constitutional amendments this November, including a proposal to pay state lawmakers about $68,000 a year.
KOB 4 reviewed a sample ballot ahead of the election and found voters will also weigh three statewide bond questions. Some counties also have separate local bond questions.
The ballot also includes races for state senators and representatives, governor and lieutenant governor and multiple other state offices.
The proposed amendements
The first constitutional amendment would change the governor’s veto process. It would require the governor to include a message on any bill the governor vetoes in full or in part.
The second amendment would remove the requirement that school elections stay separate from partisan elections. Right now, school board elections do not show party affiliation. The amendment would change that.
The third amendment would change how board of regents members for state educational institutions are nominated. The stated goal is to avoid a political imbalance on boards of regents and create a nominating committee to present candidates to the governor. Right now, the governor chooses candidates independently and sends them directly to the Senate for confirmation.
The fourth amendment would establish pay for New Mexico lawmakers. They are currently the only lawmakers in the country who do not receive a base salary. Lawmakers would be paid about $68,000 dollars a year, which is based on the median household income for New Mexico.
