New Mexico Constitution Article XIX - Amendments
New Mexico Constitution – Article XIX: Amendments
🔹 Overview:
Article XIX of the New Mexico Constitution outlines the procedures by which the constitution may be amended or revised. It establishes both legislative and citizen-led pathways for making constitutional changes.
🔸 Key Sections & Summary:
Section 1 – Proposal by Legislature
The Legislature may propose amendments to the constitution by a majority vote of each house.
Proposed amendments must be:
Published in newspapers across the state prior to the election.
Submitted to voters at the next general election.
If approved by a majority of voters, the amendment becomes law.
Section 2 – Convention to revise or amend
The Legislature may submit the question to voters:
“Shall there be a convention to revise the constitution and propose amendments?”
A two-thirds vote of the Legislature is required to submit this question.
If voters approve, a constitutional convention may be called to revise the constitution.
Section 3 – Limitation on amendments
Limits the number of constitutional amendments submitted at a single election to no more than three, unless two-thirds of each house votes to exceed the limit.
Each proposed amendment must be voted on separately.
✅ Purpose and Importance:
Ensures the constitution can evolve while maintaining order and transparency.
Balances legislative authority with direct democracy via voter approval.
Prevents overloading ballots with too many complex constitutional changes.
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