Section 3-8-52 - Conduct of election; paper ballots; signature rosters; disposition. - New Mexico Statutes

3-8-52. Conduct of election; paper ballots; signature rosters; disposition.

A.     After the counting and tallying of ballots is completed and after all certificates have been executed, the precinct board shall place the voter checklist and one copy of all certificates and tally sheets in the stamped, addressed envelope provided for that purpose by the municipal clerk and immediately mail it to the district court.

B.     The signature roster, all certificates, tally sheets and all ballot box keys shall be returned to the municipal clerk.  The signature roster, certificates, tally sheets and ballot box key shall not be placed in the ballot box.

C.     After paper ballots used in lieu of voting machines are counted and tallied, the precinct board shall place the following in the ballot box:

(1)     the bundles of counted paper ballots used in lieu of voting machines; 

(2)     the envelopes containing spoiled ballots; and 

(3)     the envelopes containing rejected ballots.

D.     After the required items have been placed in the ballot box, the ballot box shall be closed and locked.

E.     The locked ballot box containing those materials required by law, the election returns and all other election materials shall be delivered to the municipal clerk by the precinct board within twenty-four hours after the polls are closed.  If such delivery is not timely made, then the vote in the precinct shall not be canvassed or made a part of the final election results except upon order of the district court after finding that the delay in the delivery of materials was due to forces beyond the control of the precinct board. 

F.     Once the ballot box is locked, it shall not be opened prior to canvassing.