New Mexico Statutes 1-20-17. Obstructing the polling place
A. Obstructing the polling place consists of a person other than an authorized individual approaching nearer than fifty feet from the door through which voters may enter to vote at a polling place or a person who willfully blocks access to a monitored secured container or the entrance to a polling place so as to prevent free ingress and egress.
Attorney's Note
Under the New Mexico Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| petty misdemeanor | up to 6 months | up to $500 |
B. A person conducting lawful, non-election-related business nearer than fifty feet from the door through which voters may enter to vote is not guilty of obstructing a polling place, provided the person does not willfully block access to a monitored secured container or the entrance to the polling place.
C. As used in this section, “authorized individual” means an individual who is not electioneering and who is:
(1) a voter offering to vote;
(2) a member of the election board;
(3) a lawfully appointed watcher, challenger or election observer;
(4) an individual giving assistance to a specific person offering to vote; (5) an election official or contractor having business in the polling place;
(6) an attorney representing the county or state, a political party or a candidate having business in the polling place; or
(7) a language translator where required by federal law.
D. Whoever obstructs the polling place is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.