In a special legislation session that is primarily intended with a budget shortfall due to the COVID-19 shutdown of the economy and lower than projected oil and gas prices there is little to report from Day 1. The biggest news was a rejection of a proposal to distribute absentee ballots directly to registered New Mexico voters without a request or application. Absentee ballots will continue to be available only by request in New Mexico. An amended election reform proposal advanced to the Senate floor that would allow additional time before an election to request an absentee ballot, more explicit instructions on mail-in deadlines and bar code tracking to trace ballots through the mail.
Also expected to be addressed in the special are tax relief, assistance for small businesses and local governments that have been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, civil rights and public safety reform.
