Section 1-12-40 - Conduct of election; voting machine; duration of locking and sealing. - New Mexico Statutes

1-12-40. Conduct of election; voting machine; duration of locking and sealing.

A.     On the voting machine, the machine return sheet is the official vote tally for that precinct.   

B.     If in the district court's opinion a contest is likely to develop, it may order a voting machine to remain locked and sealed for such time it deems necessary, which period of time shall not interfere with or prohibit the use of the machine at a subsequent election.   

C.     The county clerk shall break the seal for purposes of lawful investigation when ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction, the state legislature or the governing body of a local government calling the election. When the investigation is completed, the voting machine shall again be sealed and across the envelope containing the keys shall be written the signature of the person having broken the seal.