REDUCE EARLY VOTING TIME

SB 485 would shorten early voting in New Mexico by reducing the period during which voters can cast ballots before Election Day. The bill requires early voting to start 15 days before an election (down from 28 days) and mandates all locations to close at 7:00 p.m. daily (instead of 9:00 p.m.), reducing daily voting hours from 14 to 12. County clerks would no longer be allowed to adjust hours without written approval from the Secretary of State. This change would directly affect voters relying on early voting access, potentially limiting their opportunities to cast ballots during the shortened window.