ELECTION NOMINATING PETITION CHANGES

HB 135 modifies New Mexico's election petition rules to make it easier for candidates to qualify. It allows voters to sign multiple nominating petitions for the same office (previously limited to one), reduces the signature requirement for independent candidates, and permits unaffiliated voters to sign petitions in primary elections. These changes directly affect voters, independent candidates, and minor party candidates by lowering barriers to candidacy. The bill focuses on concrete procedural updates to signature collection and eligibility, without altering party registration requirements or election timing.