New Mexico § 1-2-19 - Oral assistance for language minority voters
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 1-2-19 — Oral assistance for language minority voters, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1-2-19. Oral assistance for language minority voters
A. In those polling places designated by the secretary of state as being subject to
the provisions of the 1975 amendments to the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, 1 oral assistance shall be made available to assist language minority voters who cannot
read sufficiently well to exercise the elective franchise. As used in the Election Code, “language minority” means a person who is an American
Indian or of Spanish heritage and “inability to read well enough to exercise the elective
franchise” means inability to read the languages in which the ballot is printed or
the inability to understand instructions for operating the voting machine. B. In those precincts where oral assistance is required, the position of election
translator is created. The election translator shall be an additional member of the regular precinct board
unless oral assistance to language minorities can otherwise be rendered by a member
of the regular precinct board. The election translator shall be appointed by the county clerk in the same manner
as other precinct board members are appointed, except that the county clerk in appointing
American Indian election translators shall seek the advice of the pueblo or tribal
officials residing in that county. The election translator shall take the oath required of precinct board members and
shall meet the same qualifications as other precinct board members. In precincts where election translators are required, an election translator shall
represent each political party as required by law for precinct boards. C. Each county clerk shall compile and maintain a list of standby election translators
to serve in those precincts on election day when the appointed election translator
is unavailable for such service. D. Each county clerk shall provide to the secretary of state no later than thirty
days before any election a list of appointed election translators and a list of appointed
standby election translators, together with the precinct numbers to which each election
translator has been appointed. 1
42 U.S.C.A. § 1973 et seq.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 1-2-19
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 1-2-19 cover?
Section 1-2-19 ("Oral assistance for language minority voters") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Mexico § 1-2-19?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 1-2-19" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Mexico law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.
How does New Mexico § 1-2-19 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.