Know Your Vote – New Mexico

Heads the executive branch of the federal government. Serves for four years with a two-term maximum.

• Proposes the federal budget for approval by Congress.
• Has the power to veto (reject) bills passed by Congress; Congress can overturn a veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
• Serves as the Commander-inChief of the armed forces.
• Appoints federal judges and makes lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court.

Can take executive action to move Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy or establish work-leave policies for federal contractors.

Recommends funding levels for programs such as childcare, healthcare, and domestic violence services.

Nominates lifetime appointments of judges to Supreme Court who rule on issues such as equal rights, programs such as DAPA and DACA, and women’s access to a wide range of reproductive healthcare.

There are 435 members of the US House of Representatives. All seats in the House are up for re-election every two years. The number of representatives from each state is based on population. Currently New Mexico has three representatives

• Makes and passes federal laws.
• Decides amount of money that will be spent on federal programs in yearly budget.
• Determines federal tax guidelines.
• Can propose changes to the Constitution.
• Has the power to declare war.

Approves funding levels for federal programs such as Head Start, Medicaid, Cash Assistance, Social Security, relief for victims of natural disasters, military spending, childcare, healthcare, and domestic violence services.

Creates all federal-level policy, including laws governing immigration, healthcare, criminal justice, education, labor, and environmental protections.

New Mexico’s chief elections officer. Elected every four years.

• Oversees the entire election process in New Mexico.
• Ensures state government is run ethically and in compliance with NM laws.
• Regulates lobbyists, campaign financing, and political action committees.

Tests and evaluates voting machines.

Informs voters where to vote, how to request an absentee ballot, and how voters with disabilities or language access needs can request assistance in voting.

Regulates utilities, telecommunications, insurance, and transportation industry. The state is divided into five districts. Each district elects one commissioner every four years and they are elected in staggered terms.

• Regulates natural gas, electric, telephone, insurance, transportation, water, and sewer companies in New Mexico.
• Regulates and ensures safe transport of oil and gas through NM pipelines.

Decides what utilities cost to consumers.

Influences funding levels for subsidies to provide telephone and internet access for rural communities.

Sets rates for ambulances and determines where ambulances can go.

The state is divided into 42 State Senate districts and each district elects one senator. Senate seats are elected during presidential election years.

• Enacts state laws in areas such as state taxes, education, childcare, and conservation of natural resources.
• Shares budget-making responsibilities with the governor.
• With a three-fifths vote, can compel the governor to open a special session for state emergencies.

Makes decisions about state funding priorities, such as for public schools and CHIP/Children’s Medicaid.

Can change regulations governing healthcare clinics, including dental clinics.

Can pass laws affecting tax credits for families.

There are 70 State House districts. Each district elects one representative. All State House seats are up for election every two years.

Same as above.

Same as above.

Three or five elected members who together head county government. Commissioners are elected by residents in specific districts every four years and at least one seat is up for election every two years.

• Approves annual county budget.
• Oversees county provision of metropolitan services like county health clinics, public housing, and libraries.
• Appoints individuals to fill vacancies within the New Mexico State Legislature.

Influences the level of financial support for programs and services such as community centers, libraries, road projects, and public transportation.

Makes zoning decisions that affect the affordability of housing as well as water use and access.

Sheriffs are the only locally elected law enforcement positions. Elected every four years by citizens of the locality.

• In charge of crime investigation and crime prevention.
• Responsible for all locally operated jails.
• Responds to calls ranging from felony crimes to civil disputes and traffic control.

Decides level of collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and can limit or expand ICE’s access to detainee information.

Decides if someone should remain in county jail based solely on suspicion that they may be undocumented.

The state is divided into 13 judicial districts. District Attorneys are elected every four years by members of the district.

• Screens, files, and prosecutes all criminal cases and some civil cases.
• Has discretion about which cases to pursue and how to pursue them.
• Responsible for providing victim advocacy services to victims of crimes.

Decides what to charge when prosecuting cases, from domestic violence to drugs.

Decides if cases should be referred to drug court or an alternative sentencing program that includes supervision and treatment.

Responsible for prosecuting police officers charged with excessive use of force.