House passes voter registration bill amid procedural disputes

SANTA FE — New Mexicans would be automatically registered to vote when they get a driver’s license or ID at the Motor Vehicle Division — unless they specifically opt out — under legislation that passed the House late Tuesday.

Approval of the bill came after three hours of intense debate and procedural skirmishes.

Republicans repeatedly tried to amend the proposal.

Democrats, in turn, tried to close debate on the measure early, triggering howls of protest from GOP lawmakers.

The motion to end debate after an hour, rather than the typical three hours, failed.

Tuesday’s flare-up centered on House Bill 84, which would revise voter registration procedures at MVD offices.

Now, drivers can “opt in” and be registered to vote, but the bill would change that to an “opt out” — meaning people who are qualified to vote would be registered automatically, unless they deliberately declined.

It ultimately passed 44-22 and was sent to the Senate.

Republicans opposed the measure and raised the prospect of ineligible people being added to the voter rolls, especially immigrants living in the country illegally.

Democrats said adequate safeguards are in place to thwart unqualified voters. County clerks review new voter registrations and remove anyone who isn’t eligible to vote, state election officials said.

The bill also would direct the Secretary of State’s Office to conduct an annual audit to verify that people on the rolls are qualified to vote and direct county clerks to remove any ineligible voters.

The debate triggered a tense moment, as Democrats moved to close debate after about an hour.

“This is inappropriate,” said House Minority Whip Rod Montoya, R-Farmington.

Under House rules, there’s typically a three-hour limit for debate on any one piece of legislation. After three hours, a simple majority vote can be used to close debate and have a final vote on the bill.

The rules also provide a second way to end debate, with no requirement for the full three hours. But such a motion requires approval from two-thirds of the members.

Democrats fell one vote short Tuesday of the required two-thirds.