New Mexico § 34-2-1 - Supreme court justices; number; election by position; election of chief justice

§ 34-2-1. Supreme court justices; number; election by position; election of chief justice

A. There shall be five justices of the supreme court. B. In any election where more than one justice is to be nominated or elected for a

term of the same length, the officer issuing the election proclamation shall designate

as many positions, numbered consecutively, as there are places to be filled for terms

of the same length. Each of these places shall be identified by the position number in all nominations

and elections. C. At their first meeting in April of each even-numbered year, the justices of the

supreme court shall, by a majority vote, designate one of their number, not appointed,

to serve as chief justice. In the absence of the chief justice, the senior justice present at the seat of government

shall exercise the powers of chief justice. Seniority shall be determined by the length of present continuous service on the

supreme court. In the event of a vacancy in the office of chief justice, the justices shall, by

majority vote, designate one of their eligible number to serve for the remainder of

the term.