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CHARTEROFTHE
CITYOFALBUQUERQUE
PREAMBLE
We,thepeopleoftheCityofAlbuquerque,underthelawoftheStateofNewMexico,do
ordainandestablishthisformofgovernmentfortheCityofAlbuquerque,NewMexico.
(AdoptedatSpecialElection,June29,1971.)

ARTICLEI. INCORPORATIONANDPOWERS
ThemunicipalcorporationnowexistingandknownastheCityofAlbuquerqueshallremain
andcontinuetobeabodycorporateandmayexercisealllegislativepowersandperformall
functionsnotexpresslydeniedbygenerallaworcharter. Unlessotherwiseprovidedinthis
Charter,thepowerofthecitytolegislateispermissiveandnotmandatory. Ifthecitydoesnot
legislate,itmayneverthelessactinthemannerprovidedbylaw. ThepurposeofthisCharteris
toprovideformaximumlocalselfgovernment. Aliberalconstructionshallbegiventothe
powersgrantedbythisCharter.
(AdoptedatSpecialElection,June29,1971.)

ARTICLEII. ELECTIONS
Section1. ELECTIONDATES.

TheCouncillorsrepresentingevennumberedDistrictsshallbeelectedbythevoterstofour
yeartermsattheregularmunicipalelectionheldonOctober7,1975. TheMayorandthe
CouncillorsrepresentingoddnumberedDistrictsshallbeelectedbythevoterstofouryearterms
attheregularmunicipalelectionheldonOctober4,1977. Thereafter,regularmunicipal
electionsshallbeheldonthefirstTuesdayafterthefirstMondayinOctoberofoddnumbered
years.
Section2. REFERENCETO STATELAW.

(a) TheMunicipalElectionCode,Chapter3,Articles8and9,NMSA1978,asamended
andassupplementedfromtimetotime,shallgoverntheconductofallaspectsofmunicipal
elections,exceptwhereinconsistentwiththetermsofthisCharter,inwhicheventthisCharter
shallcontrol.
(b) AnyordinanceadoptedsubsequenttotheeffectivedateofthisSectionbyamajorityof
theentiremembershipoftheCouncilplustwoadditionalmembersthereofvotinginfavorof
suchordinance,andsaidordinancebeingotherwisegovernedbyArticleXIofthisCharter,

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whichordinanceexpresslyprovidesthatitistotakeprecedenceovertheMunicipal Election
Code,shalltakeprecedenceoversuchCodeexceptwheresuchordinanceisinconsistentwiththe
termsofthisCharter,inwhicheventthisChartershallcontrol.
Section3. QUALIFICATIONSFORMAYORANDCOUNCILLORS.

PersonsdesiringtobecomecandidatesforMayorshall,beforebeingplacedontheballot,file
withtheCityClerkapetitioncontainingsignaturesoftwopercent(2%)ofregisteredcityvoters.
PersonsdesiringtobecomecandidatesforDistrictCouncillorshall,beforebeingplacedonthe
ballot,filewiththeCityClerkapetitioncontainingsignaturesoftwopercent(2%)ofthe
registeredvotersresidinginthedistrictwhichthepersondesirestorepresent.Thenumberof
registeredvotersshallbedeterminedasofthedatepetitionsmaybegintobecirculated.
(AmendedataSpecialElectionheldinconjunctionwith aRegularMunicipalElection,October
5,1999,asQuestion#3.)
Section4. DESIGNATIONOFCANDIDATES.

Theballotsshallbeprintedbythecityandshallcontainthenamesofthecandidateswithout
partyorotherdesignation.Incityelections,paperballotsmaybeusedexclusivelyiffoundmore
expedientordesirable.Wherevotingmachinesareused,anyreferencestoballotswillapply
equallytovotingmachines.
Section5. DEFINITION.

Theterm"elector"or"voter"whenusedinthisChartermeansapersonwhoisaresidentof
thecityandwhoisentitledtovoteforcandidatesformunicipalofficeinamunicipalelection
undertheConstitutionandstatutesofNewMexicoasamendedandsupplementedfromtimeto
timeandwhoisregisteredpursuanttotheapplicablestatutesofNewMexicoasamendedand
supplementedfromtimetotimeorwhoisregisteredpursuanttoanyordinanceoftheCouncil
whichexpresslyprovidesthatitistotakeprecedenceoversuchstatutesandwhichisenacted
aftertheeffectivedateofthisSection.
Section6. FORTY PERCENTMINIMUMVOTE.

ThosepersonswhoarecandidatesforMayororCouncillorandreceivethelargestnumberof
votescastfortheofficeinquestionareelected,providedthenumberofvotesequalsorexceeds
40%ofthetotalnumberofvotescastfortheoffice.
(SeenoteatendofArticleII,Section7)
Section7. RUNOFFELECTIONS.

(a) Ifnocandidatereceives40%ofthevotescastfortheparticularofficeinquestion,a
runoffelectionshallbeheldwithinfortyfivedaysaftercertificationoftheresultsoftheelection
inquestionasnowprovidedbylawandasamendedandsupplementedfromtimetotime.
UnlessotherwisespecifiedinthisCharter,thetwocandidateswhoreceivethehighestnumberof

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votescastfortheofficeinquestionshallautomaticallybecomethecandidatesattherunoff
electionandthefilingofdeclarationsofcandidacyisdispensedwith.
(b) TheCouncilshallbyresolutionfixthedateoftherunoffelectionandspecifythe
officestobefilledandthenamesofthecandidatestherefor. Theresolutionshallbepublished
once,atleastsevendaysbeforetherunoffelectiondate.Otherwise,nopublicationsarerequired
inconnectionwithrunoffelections.
(c) Onlysuchvotingprecinctsandprocedureswillbereactivatedforarunoffaswillbe
required,onacitywidebasisifofficialstobevotedonbytheentirecityelectorateareinvolved,
otherwiseonlysuchDistrictCouncillordistrictsasmay beinvolved.
(ArticleIIamendedatRegularMunicipalElection,October3,1989,aspartofProposition#1.)
(TheSecondJudicialDistrictCourtoftheStateofNewMexico,inthecaseof Campbellv.
Santillanes,CV9704851,declaredtheportionofSection6concerningtherequirementof
obtaining40%ofthetotalvotescastandSection7concerningrunoffelectionsviolativeof
ArticleVII,Section5,oftheNewMexicoConstitution. Thisrulingwasnotappealed.)

ARTICLEIII. RECALLELECTIONS,REFERENDA
ANDDIRECTLEGISLATION
Section1. RECALL.

(a) Anyelectiveofficerofthecityshallbesubjecttoarecallelectionatanytime,exceptas
hereinafterprovided. Arecall maybeinitiatedbythefollowingprocedures:
1. Noticeofintenttocirculateapetitionforrecallmustbesignedbyfivequalified
votersandfiledwiththeCityClerk
2. Thenumberofqualifiedvotersrequiredtosignthepetitionshallbeanumbermore
than25%ofthetotalnumberofvotescastattheelectionoftheofficerwhoserecallisproposed
3. Beforeanysignaturesareaffixedthereon,theformofsuchpetitionmustbeapproved
bytheCityClerkasprovidedbylawandthedateoffilingthenoticeofintentshownthereon
4. Nosuchpetition,oranypartthereof,maybefiledmorethansixtydaysafterthedate
offilingthenoticeofintent
5.

Theelectionmustbeheldwithinninetydaysafterthedateoffilingthepetition.

(b) Atsuchelection,thereshallbeaspecialballotcontainingthenameoftheofficer,the
positionwhichtheofficerholds,andthedatesofthebeginningandterminationoftheofficial
term. Belowthenameoftheofficershallbethetwophrases"FortheRecall"and"Againstthe
Recall",onebelowtheother,withaspaceaftereachfortheplacingofacrossoracheckwhere
desired.

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(c) Ifamajorityoftheballotsandanumberequaltoamajorityoftheballotscastatthe
electionoftheofficerwhoserecallisproposed,showavotefortherecall,theofficeinquestion
shallbethenceforthvacant.
(d) Ifanofficerisrecalledasprovidedforabove,theofficershallnotbeeligibleforre
electionuntilthetermforwhichtheofficerwasoriginallyelectedshallhaveexpired.
(e) Ifarecallelectionresultsinafailuretosecureamajorityofvotesinfavoroftherecall,
theofficerinquestionshallnotagainbesubjectedtorecalluntilaftertheexpirationofsix
monthsfromthetimeatwhichthefirstrecallelectionwasheld.
(f) Vacanciescreatedbyarecallelectionshallbefilledinthesamemannerasisprovided
forthefillingofvacanciesintheofficeofCouncillororMayorduetoothercausesprovided,
thatifalltheCouncillorsarerecalledatoneelection,theCityClerk,oriftherebenoCityClerk,
theJudgeoftheDistrictCourtoftheCountyofBernalillo,shallwithinthreedayscallan
electiontobeheldinaccordancewiththeprovisionsspecifiedinthisCharterfortheelectionof
Councillorsatregularelections.
(g) WhenaCouncillorissubjectedtorecallproceedings,onlyvotersregisteredasresiding
intheDistrictwhichtheCouncillorrepresentsmayparticipate,signpetitionsandvoteinthe
recallproceedings.
Section2. REFERENDUM.

(a) Exceptasprovidedin(d)ofthisSection,anyordinancemaybesubjecttoareferendum
onsuchordinanceasfollows:
1. Ifsuchordinanceisnotanemergencymeasure,thefilingofsuchpetitionshall
suspendtheeffectivedateoftheordinanceuntilanelectionshallhavebeenheldaspetitioned. If
suchordinanceisanemergencymeasure,itshallgointoeffectatonce,subjecttorepealbyan
adversemajorityattheelection.
2. Thenumberofqualifiedvotersrequiredtosignthepetitionshallbeanumbermore
than20%oftheaveragenumberofvoterswhovotedatthefourregularmunicipalelectionsprior
topublicationoftheordinanceormorethan20%ofthenumberofvoterswhovotedatthe
regularmunicipalelectionpriortopublicationoftheordinance,whicheveristhegreater.
3. Beforeanysignaturesareaffixedthereon,theformofsuchpetitionmustbeapproved
bytheCityClerkasprovidedbylaw.
4. Nosuchpetitionoranypartthereof,maybefiledmorethanthirtyfivedaysafter
publicationoftheordinance.
5.
petition.

Anelectionon theissuemustbeheldwithinninetydaysafterthedateoffilingthe

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(b) Atsuchelectiontheballotshallcontainthetextofthemeasureinquestionandbelow
thesamethephrases:"FortheAboveMeasure"and"AgainsttheAboveMeasure"followedby
spacesformarkingwithacrossoracheckthephrasedesired.
(c) Ifamajorityofthevotescastareagainstthemeasure,itshallbeofnoeffect. Ifa
majorityofthevotescastbenotagainstthemeasure,itshallgointoeffectforthwith.
(d) ThereferendumprocedureofthisSectionshallnotbeavailablefor:
1. Anyordinanceauthorizingbondsorotherobligationswheresuchordinance,bondsor
otherobligationsappropriatelyhavebeenapprovedatan electioninthecity
2.

Anyordinancelevyingorotherwiserelatingtospecialassessmentsor

3. Anyordinancewhichimposes,levies,increasesorotherwiseamendsrates,tolls,fees
andchargesforservicesrenderedbyanymunicipalutilityoranymunicipalrevenueproducing
projectifbondsorotherobligationspayablefromthedesignatedsourcearethenoutstanding.
Section3. DIRECTLEGISLATIONBYVOTERINITIATIVE.

(a) Exceptasprovidedin(d)ofthisSection,ameasuremaybeproposedtothegoverning
bodyforenactmentasfollows:
1. Noticeofintenttocirculateapetitionproposinganymeasuremustbesignedbyfive
qualifiedvotersandfiledwiththeCityClerk
2. Concurrentlywiththefilingofthenoticeofintent,theproposedmeasureshallbe
filedwiththeCityClerk
3. Thenumberofqualifiedvotersrequiredtosignthepetitionshallbeanumbermore
than20%oftheaveragenumberof voterswhovotedatthefourregularmunicipalelectionsprior
tofilingthenoticeofintentormorethan20%ofthenumberofvoterswhovotedattheregular
municipalelectionpriortofilingthenoticeofintent,whicheverisgreater
4. Beforeanysignaturesareaffixedthereon,theformofsuchpetitionmustbeapproved
bytheCityClerkasprovidedbylawandthedateoffilingthenoticeofintentshownthereon
5. Nosuchpetitionoranypartthereof,maybefiledmorethansixtydaysafterthedate
offilingthenoticeofintent
6. IftheCouncilfailstoactuponameasuresoproposedwithinfourteendaysafterthe
CityClerkfilesacertificationwiththeCouncilthatthepetitionhasbeensignedbytherequired
numberofvoters,ortheCouncilactsadverselythereonoramendsitanelectionontheissues
mustbeheldwithinninetydaysafterthedateoffilingthepetition.

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(b) Atsuchelectiontheballotshallcontaintheproposedmeasureasoriginallysubmitted
andthemeasureasamended,ifamendedbythegoverningbodyofthecity. Beloweachofthese
measures,thereshallbeprintedthewords:"For"and"Against"followedbyspacesformarking
withacrossorachecktheworddesired.
(c) Themeasurereceivingamajorityofthevotescastonthatmeasureinitsfavoris
adopted. Ifeachmeasurereceivesamajorityofvotescastonthatmeasureinitsfavor,the
measurereceivingthegreatestnumberofvotescastinitsfavorisadopted. Ifneithermeasure
receivesamajorityofthevotescast,neithershallbeineffect.
(d) TheinitiativeprocedureofthisSectionshallnotbeavailabletoamendorrepeal,
directlyorindirectly:
1. Anyordinanceauthorizingbondsorotherobligationswheresuchordinance,bondsor
otherobligationsappropriatelyhavebeenapprovedatanelectioninthecity
2.

Anyordinancelevyingorotherwiserelatingtospecialassessments

3. Anyordinancewhichimposes,levies,increasesorotherwiseamendsanyexcisetax
pledgedtoanybondsorotherobligationsthenoutstanding
4. Anyordinancewhichimposes,levies,increasesorotherwiseamendsrates,tolls,fees
andchargesforservicesrenderedbyanymunicipalutilityoranymunicipalrevenueproducing
projectifbondsorotherobligationspayablefromthedesignatedsourcearethenoutstandingor
5. Anyordinanceauthorizingorotherwiserelatingtoanycitybondsorother obligations
thenoutstanding.
(ArticleIIIamendedatRegularMunicipalElection,October3,1989,aspartofProposition#1.)

ARTICLEIV. COUNCIL
Section1. AUTHORITYANDMEMBERSHIPOFTHECOUNCIL.

Thelegislativeauthorityofthecityshallbevestedinagoverningbodywhichshallconstitute
thelegislativebranchofthecityandshallbeknownasaCouncil,consistingofninemembers
fromseparateCouncilDistricts,eachmembertobeknownasaCouncillor. EachoftheCouncil
DistrictsshallelectoneCouncillor,whoshallbeaqualifiedvoteroftheDistrict.(Amendedat
RegularMunicipalElection,October8,1991,asProposition#1AmendedataSpecialElection
heldinconjunctionwithaRegularMunicipalElection,October5,1999,asQuestion#7.)
Section2. COUNCILDISTRICTS.

(a) ThetotalareaofthecityshallbedividedintonineCouncilDistricts,numberedoneto
nineinclusive,andeachdistrictshallelectoneCouncillor. AnymemberoftheCouncil

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representingoneofthedistrictsshallbeelectedbytheregisteredqualifiedelectorsofthatdistrict
only.
(b) Theboundaries,1980CensuspopulationandnumericaldesignationoftheCouncil
Districtsarespecifiedin AppendixAofthisCharterandshallremainineffectuntilalteredor
changedinaccordancewiththeprovisionssetforthinthisCharter.
Section3. DISTRICTBOUNDARYREVISIONS.

(a) AftereachFederalCensus,theCouncilshallappointacommitteecomposedofanequal
numberofrepresentativesfromeachCouncilDistrict,noneofwhomshallbeelectivecity
officers,toreviewandmakerecommendationsconcerningthenineCouncilDistricts. Inmaking
suchappointments,theCouncilshall,asnearlyasispracticable,providefairandbalanced
representationofallgeographicalareasoftheCityintheredistrictingprocessandprovideatotal
membershipthatreflectstheracial,ethnicandgendermakeupoftheCity'spopulation.Any
recommendedchangeswillcomplywithconstitutionalprinciplesgoverningvotingrights,
populationandsimilarrelatedproblemsasdeterminedbyjudicialdecisionfromtimetotime.
ThedistrictboundariesmaybealteredbytheCouncilandMayoroncefollowingeachFederal
Census. Suchactionshallrequiretheapproval oftheMayorandshallnotconstitutean
amendmenttotheCharter.
(b) Thedistrictboundariesmaybealteredasnecessarytoincorporateareaswhichare
annexedtothecity. SuchactionshallnotconstituteanamendmenttothisCharter.
(AmendedatRegularMunicipalElection,October2,2001,asProposition#8.)
Section4. TERMSOFOFFICE.

ThetermsoftheofficeofaCouncillor,unlesssoonerrecalledorremoved,shallbeginon
December1stoftheyearofelectionandbefouryearsoruntilasuccessorisdulyelectedand
qualified. TheCouncillorsmaysucceedthemselvesinoffice. ThetermsofofficeofCouncillors
shallbestaggeredwithfourorfivedistrictedCouncillorselectedeverytwoyears.
Section5. COUNCILORGANIZATION.

TheCouncilshallelectapresidentfromitsnumberandshalldetermineitsorderand
procedure.
Section6. COMPENSATIONOFTHECOUNCIL.

Councillorsshallreceiveannualsalariesequaltoonetenthoftheannualsalaryreceivedby
theMayor. TheCouncilPresidentshallreceivedoubletheannualsalaryreceivedbyother
Councillors.
Section7. MEETINGSOFTHECOUNCIL.

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(a) TheCounciloranyofitscomponentcommitteesshallmeetasfrequentlyasitsbusiness
mayrequire. TheCouncilshall establishregularCouncilmeetingtimesbyordinance. Between
officialCouncilmeetingstheCouncilshallformitselfintocommitteesforconsiderationof
specificareasofgovernment,usingcitizenshipparticipationincommitteeworkiffound
advisable.
(b) AllmeetingsofboththeCouncilandthecommitteesshallbeopentothepublicanddue
noticethereofgiven. RecordsshallbekeptofallvotingbyeachCouncillorandcommittee
member. PublicityshallbegiventotheminutesofallmeetingsoftheCouncilandcommittees,
andtheofficialrecordsofsuchmeetingsshallbeopentoinspectionatallconvenienttimes.
Section8. COUNCILPOWERS.

TheCouncilshallhavethepowertoadoptallordinances,resolutionsorotherlegislation
conducivetothewelfareofthepeopleofthecityandnotinconsistentwiththisCharter,andthe
CouncilshallnotperformanyexecutivefunctionsexceptthosefunctionsassignedtotheCouncil
bythisCharter.
Section9. VACANCIESINOFFICE.

(a) A vacancyintheofficeofCouncilloroccursupontheCouncillor'sdeath,disability,
recall,resignation,removalorterminationofresidencyinthedistrictrepresented.
(b) IfavacancyoccursintheofficeofCouncillor,theMayorshallappointaregistered
qualifiedelectoroftheDistricttofillthevacancy. Anyoneappointedtofillavacancyshall
serveuntilthenextregularelection,atwhichtimeapersonshallbeelectedtofilltheremaining
unexpiredterm,ifany.
Section10. COUNCILDUTIES.

TheCouncilshall:
(a) Bethejudgeoftheelectionandqualificationofitsmembers
(b) Establishandadoptbyordinanceorresolutionfiveyeargoalsandoneyearobjectives
forthecity,whichgoalsandobjectivesshallbereviewandrevisedannuallybytheCouncil
(c) ConsultwiththeMayor,seekadvicefromappropriatecommittees,commissionsand
boards,andholdoneormorepublichearingsbeforeadoptingorrevisingthegoalsand
objectivesofthecity
(d) Review,approveoramendandapproveallbudgetsofthecityandadoptpolicies,plans,
programsandlegislationconsistentwiththegoalsandobjectivesestablishedbytheCouncil
(e) Preserveameritsystembyordinance
(f)

HirethepersonnelnecessarytoenabletheCounciltoadequatelyperformitsduties

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(g) PerformotherdutiesnotinconsistentwithorasprovidedinthisCharterand
(h) Faithfullyexecuteandcomplywithalllaws,ordinances,regulationsandresolutionsof
thecityandalllawsoftheStateofNewMexicoandtheUnitedStatesofAmericawhichapply
tothecity.
Section11. DEFINITIONS.

WheneverusedinthisCharter:
(a) Theword"Commission"means"Council""Commissioner"and"DistrictCouncillor"
mean"Councillor""Commissioners"means"Councillors".
(b)

"Quorum"meansamajorityoftheentireCouncil,committeeorotherbodyinvolved.

(c) Themasculinetermrefersequallytothefeminine.
Section12. OFFICEROREMPLOYEEOFACOUNTY.

EffectiveDecember1,1993,noCouncillorshallbeanofficeroremployeeofanycountyof
theStateofNewMexicowhileinoffice,exceptapersonwhoonOctober3,1989,isbotha
CouncillorandanofficeroremployeeofacountyoftheStateofNewMexicomaythereafter
holdandbeelectedtotheofficeofCouncillorwhilesoemployed.
(Section12adoptedatRegularMunicipalElection,October3,1989,asProposition#7Article
IVamendedatRegularMunicipalElection,October3,1989,asProposition#2.)
Section13. TERMLIMITS.

EffectiveJanuary1,1994,Councillorsmaynotservemorethantwoelectedterms.
Councillorswhohaveservedmorethantwotermsonthatdatemayremaininofficeuntiltheir
termexpires.
(Section13adoptedatSpecialMunicipalElection,January11,1994,asProposition#7. This
SectionhasbeendeclaredunconstitutionalbytheNewMexicoCourtofAppealsonJuly18,
1995. TheNewMexicoSupremeCourtdeniedcertiorariandthereforetheNewMexicoCourtof
Appealsdecisiondeclaringthissectionunconstitutionalstands.)

ARTICLEV. MAYOR
Section1. ELECTIONOFTHEMAYOR.

TheMayorshallbearegisteredqualifiedelectoronthedate offilingofthedeclarationof
candidacyfortheofficeofMayor. TheMayorshallbeelectedbytheregisteredqualified
electorsofthecity.

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(AmendedataSpecialElectionheldinconjunctionwithaRegularMunicipalElection,October
5,1999,asQuestion#9.)
Section2. MAYOR'STERMANDSALARY.

ThetermofMayor,unlesssoonerrecalledorremoved,shallbeginonDecember1stofthe
yearofelectionandshallbeforfouryearsoruntilasuccessorisdulyelectedandqualifiedafter
havingservedtwoconsecutiveterms,theincumbentMayorshallbeineligibletoholdofficefor
fouryearsthereafter. Thesalaryshallbethirtyfourthousanddollarsperyear. TheCouncilmay
approveapercentageincreaseuptotheaveragepercentageincreaseprovidedforemployeesof
thecity.
Section3. POWERSPERFORMANCEAPPOINTMENTS.

Theexecutivebranchofthecitygovernmentiscreated. Theoffice ofMayoriscreated. The


Mayorshallcontrolanddirecttheexecutivebranch. TheMayorisauthorizedtodelegate
executiveandadministrativepowerwithintheexecutivebranch. TheMayorshallbethechief
executiveofficerwithallexecutiveandadministrativepowersofthecityandtheofficialheadof
thecityforallceremonialpurposes. TheMayorshalldevotefulltimeandattentiontothe
performanceofthedutiesofofficeandshallholdnootherpaidpublicorprivateemployment.
Section4. DUTIESOFTHEMAYOR.

TheMayorshall:
(a) Organizetheexecutivebranchofthecity
(b) Exerciseadministrativecontrolandsupervisionoverandhireorappointdirectorsofall
citydepartments,whichappointmentsshallnotrequiretheadviceorconsentoftheCouncil
exceptasprovidedin(d)ofthisSection
(c) Beresponsiblefortheadministrationandprotectionofthemeritsystem
(d) WiththeadviceandconsentoftheCouncil,hireorappointtheCityAttorney,anofficer
toadministerthemeritsystem,andallothersenioradministrativeorcabinetlevelofficersofthe
city,includingwithoutlimitationanychief,assistantordeputyadministrativeofficers,and
specifythedutiesandresponsibilitiesofthoseofficers
(e) WiththeadviceandconsentoftheCouncil,appointthemembersofallcitycommittees,
commissionsandboards
(f) Formulatethebudgetsofthecityconsistentwiththecity'sgoalsandobjectives,as
providedinthisCharter
(g) Establishandmaintainaprocedureforinvestigationandresolutionofcitizen
complaints

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(h) Prepareawrittenstateofthecityreportannually,withinthirtydaysafterfinalapproval
oftheoperatingbudgetofthecity,whichreportshallbefiledwiththeCityClerk,madeapartof
thepermanentrecordsofthecityandavailabletothepublic
(i)

PerformotherdutiesnotinconsistentwithorasprovidedinthisCharterand

(j) Faithfullyexecuteandcomplywithalllaws,ordinances,regulationsandresolutionsof
thecityandalllawsoftheStateofNewMexicoandtheUnitedStatesofAmericawhichapply
tothecity.
Section5. VACANCYINTHEOFFICEOFMAYOR.

(a) IftheMayorshalldie,resignorterminateresidenceintheCityofAlbuquerqueduring
histermofoffice,orberemovedfromoffice,theofficeoftheMayorshallbecomevacant.
(b) Ifaregularelectionwilloccurwithinoneyearofthedateonwhichthevacancyoccurs,
thePresidentoftheCouncilshallserveasMayorProTemuntilasuccessoriselectedand
qualified. IfthePresidentoftheCouncilshalldeclinetoserve,theCouncilshallselectfrom
amongitsmembershipthepersontoserveasMayorProTemuntilasuccessoriselectedand
qualified. IfthePresidentoftheCounciloranyCouncillorbecomesMayorProTem pursuantto
thisSection,theMayorProTemshallceasetobeaCouncillorduringthetermasMayorPro
TemandtheseatontheCouncilshallbecomevacant. TheMayorProTemshallreceivethe
samesalaryonaproratabasisasthatprovidedfortheformerMayor.
(c) AvacancyintheofficeofMayorwhichoccursmorethanoneyearpriortothenext
regularelectionshallbefilledfortheremainderoftheunexpiredtermbyaspecialelection.
Duringtheinterimbetweenthedatetheofficeisvacatedandthedateofthespecialelection,the
Mayor'spositionshallbefilledbyaMayorProTemdeterminedbythesameprocedurespecified
inSubparagraph(b)above. However,inthisevent,theMayorProTemshalltemporarilycease
tobeaCouncillorduringthetermasMayorProTemandtheseatontheCouncilshallremain
vacantuntilreassumed. Likewise,inthiseventtheMayorProTemisexemptfromtheprovision
ofSection3abovethattheMayorshallholdnootherpaidpublicorprivateemployment. During
theintervaltheMayorProTemservespursuanttothisSubparagraph,theMayorProTemshall
receiveaproratasalarybasedonthesamesalarythattheformerMayorwasreceivingandshall
receivenosalaryasamemberoftheCouncil.
(ArticleVamendedatRegularMunicipalElection,October3,1989,aspartofProposition#4.)

ARTICLEVI. CHARTERAMENDMENTS
Section1. [PROCEDURE].

AmendmentstothisChartermaybeproposedbytheCouncilorbythefollowingprocedure:
(a) NoticeofintenttocirculateapetitionproposinganyamendmenttothisChartermustbe
signedbyfivequalifiedvotersandfiledwiththeCityClerk

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(b) Concurrentlywiththefilingofthenoticeofintent,theproposedamendmentshallbe
filedwiththeCityClerk
(c) Thenumberofqualifiedvotersrequiredtosignthepetitionshallbeanumbermorethan
20%oftheaveragenumberof voterswhovotedatthefourregularmunicipalelectionspriorto
filingthenoticeofintentormorethan20%ofthenumberofvoterswhovotedattheregular
municipalelectionpriortofilingthenoticeofintent,whicheverisgreater
(d) Beforeanysignaturesareaffixedthereon,theformofsuchpetitionmustbeapproved
bytheCityClerkasprovidedbylawandthedateoffilingthenoticeofintentshownthereon
(e) Nosuchpetition,oranypartthereof,maybefiledmorethansixtydaysafterthedateof
filingthenoticeofintent.
(AmendedataSpecialElectionheldinconjunctionwithaRegularMunicipalElection,October
5,1999,asQuestion#2.)
Section2. [ELECTION].

Theelectionmustbeheldwithinninetydaysafter thedateoftheCouncilfilingtheproposed
amendmentwiththeCityClerkorfromthetimeoffilingthepetitionwiththeCityClerk.
Section3. [BALLOT].

Atsuchelectiontheballotshallcontainthetextoftheproposedamendmentandbelowthe
samethephrases"FortheAboveAmendment"and"AgainsttheAboveAmendment"followed
byspacesformarkingwithacrossoracheckthephrasedesired.
Section4. [VOTE].

Ifamajorityofthevotescastareagainsttheamendment,itshallbeofnoeffect. Ifamajority
ofthevotescastarefortheamendment,itshallbeadopted.
(ArticleVIamendedatRegularMunicipalElection,October3,1989,aspartofProposition#1.)

ARTICLEVII. THEANNUALOPERATINGBUDGET
Section1. [MAYORTOFORMULATE].

TheannualoperatingbudgetofthecityshouldbeformulatedbytheMayor,inconsultation
withtheCouncilandconsistentwiththegoalsandobjectivesofthecity,asprovidedinthis
Charterandbycityordinance.
Section2. [COUNCILREPRESENTATIVETO PARTICIPATE].

ArepresentativeoftheCouncilshallbeallowedtoparticipateinallmeetingsandhaveaccess
toallinformationrelatingtotheformulationofthebudget.

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Section3. [PROPOSALANDAPPROVALDATE].

TheMayorshallproposethebudgettotheCouncilbyApril1ofeachyear. TheCouncilshall
approvethebudgetasproposedoramendandapproveitwithinsixtydaysafteritisproposedby
theMayor.
Section4. [PUBLICHEARINGS].

DuringthesixtydaysofdeliberationbytheCouncil,theCouncilshallholdatleastthree
publichearingsontheproposedbudget. TheMayor,ortheMayor'srepresentative,shallbe
presentatthehearingsontheproposedbudgettoanswerquestionsaboutthebudget.
Section5. [FAILUREOFCOUNCILTOAPPROVE].

IftheCouncilfailstoapproveabudgetwithinsixtydaysafteritisproposedtotheCouncilby
theMayor,thenthebudgetasproposedbytheMayorisdeemedapprovedbytheCouncil.
Section6. [PROCEDUREORDINANCE].

Aprocedureforformulationoftheannualoperatingbudgetshallbeestablishedbyordinance
adoptedbytheCouncil,afterconsultationwiththeMayor,consistentwiththisprovisionofthe
Charter. Theordinanceshallestablishaconferencecommitteecomprisedofsixmembers,three
ofwhomshallbedesignatedbytheMayorandthreeofwhomshallbedesignatedbythe
Council,fortheresolutionofanydisagreementsbetweentheMayorandtheCouncilthatarise
concerningthebudgetduringthesixtydayperiodstartingApril 1ofeachyear.
(ArticleVIIadoptedatRegularMunicipalElection,October3,1989,andrepealedformer
ArticleVIIaspartofProposition#4.)

ARTICLEVIII. [HUMANRIGHTS]
TheCouncilshallpreserve,protectandpromotehumanrightsandhumandignity,shall
promoteandencouragetherecognitionandexerciseofhumanresponsibilityandshallprohibit
discriminationonthebasisofrace,color,religion,sex,nationaloriginorancestry,ageor
physicalhandicap. ToeffecttheseendstheCouncil(CityCommission)shalltakewhatever
actionisnecessaryandshallenactordinancesandshallestablishappropriateCommissions,
BoardsorCommitteeswithjurisdiction,authorityandstaffsufficienttoeffectivelyadminister
citypolicyinthisarea.
(AdoptedatSpecialElection,June29,1971.)

ARTICLEIX. [ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION]
TheCouncil(CityCommission)intheinterestofthepublicingeneralshallprotectand
preserveenvironmentalfeaturessuchaswater,airandothernaturalendowments,insurethe
properuseanddevelopmentofland,andpromoteandmaintainanaestheticandhumaneurban

Page 14 of 60

environment. Toeffect theseendstheCouncilshalltakewhateveractionisnecessaryandshall


enactordinancesandshallestablishappropriateCommissions,BoardsorCommitteeswith
jurisdiction,authorityandstaffsufficienttoeffectivelyadministercitypolicyinthisarea.
(AdoptedatSpecialElection,June29,1971.)

ARTICLEX. MERITSYSTEM
Section1. MAINTENANCEOFTHEMERITSYSTEM.

ItisnecessaryfortheoptimumfunctioningoftheMayorCouncilformofgovernmentthat
thecitymaintainameritsystemgoverningthehiring,promotion,dischargeandgeneral
regulationsofemployees. TheMayorandCouncilshallmaintainbyordinance,andtheMayor
administer,ameritsystemwhichshallincludeasaminimum,reasonableprovisionsestablishing:
(a) Classifiedandunclassifiedservice
(b)

Methodsofserviceratingofclassifiedemployees

(c) Methodsofinitialemployment,continuationthereofandpromotion,recognizing
efficiencyandabilityastheapplicablestandards
(d) Appropriategrievanceandappealproceduresforclassifiedemployeesand
(e) Anactivepersonnelboardcomposedofindividualsnotemployedbythecity.
Section2. INVOLVEMENTINPERSONNELMATTERS.

(a) Councillorsareprohibitedfrombecominginvolvedinthehiring,promotion,demotion
ordischargeofanycityemployee,exceptthosepositionsforwhichtheCharterrequiresthe
adviceandconsentoftheCouncilandthosepersonnelwhoarehiredbyanddirectlyresponsible
totheCouncil.
(b) Excepttotheextentnecessaryfortheadministrationofthemeritsystem,theMayoris
prohibitedfrombecominginvolvedinthehiring,promotion,demotion,ordischargeofanycity
employeeexceptthosepersonnelhiredforunclassifiedpositionsdirectlyresponsibletothe
Mayor.
Section3. DUALPOSITIONS.

EffectiveJanuary1,1993,employeesofthecityareprohibitedfromholdinganelective
officeoftheStateofNewMexicooranyofitspoliticalsubdivisions,exceptemployeesofthe
cityonOctober3,1989,whoonthatdateholdelectiveofficeoftheStateofNewMexicoorany
ofitspoliticalsubdivisionsmaythereafterhold andbeelectedtothesameelectiveofficewhile
servingasacityemployee.

Page 15 of 60

(Section3adoptedatRegularMunicipalElection,October3,1989,asProposition#8ArticleX
amendedatRegularMunicipal Election,October3,1989,aspartofProposition#4.)

ARTICLEXI. ORDINANCES
Section1. STYLE.

TheenactingclauseofanordinanceoftheCityofAlbuquerqueshallbe:"BeItOrdainedBy
theCouncil,theGoverningBodyoftheCityofAlbuquerque:".
Section2. ADOPTION.

IfamajorityofalegalquorumoftheCouncillorspresentataCouncilmeetingvoteinfavor
ofadoptingtheordinanceorresolution,itisadopted.
Section3. MAYOR'SAPPROVALORDISAPPROVALOVERRIDEVETO.

TheMayorshallhavepresentedforapprovaleveryproposedordinance,resolutionoract
creatingrightsorduties,andiftheMayorapproves,shallwithintendaysfrompresentationsign
itanddeposititwiththeCityClerk,andiftheMayordisapproves,theMayorshalllikewise
withintendaysreturnittotheCouncilwithobjectionsandtheproposalshallnotbeeffective
unlesstwothirdsoftheentiremembershipoftheCouncilatthenextregularlyscheduled
meetingapprovetheproposal. IftheMayorshallfailtoapproveordisapproveanysuch
ordinance,resolutionoractwithintendaysafterpresentationitshallneverthelessbeinfullforce
andeffectasiftheMayorhadapprovedthesame. TheMayor'svetopowershallnotextendto
anymeasureapprovedbythevotersinaccordancewiththeinitiativeprocedureofthisCharter
andsuchmeasureshallbeeffectiveonthedateapprovedbythevotersoronanyothereffective
dateasstatedinthemeasure.
(AmendedatRegularMunicipalElection,October3,1989,aspartofProposition#4.)
Section4. MONEYAPPROPRIATIONS.

TheMayorshallhavepresentedforapprovaleveryproposedordinance,resolutionoract
appropriatingmoney. TheMayormayapproveordisapproveanypartorparts,itemoritemsof
anyproposedactappropriatingmoneyandsuchpartsoritemsapprovedshallbecomeeffective,
andsuchasaredisapprovedshallbevoidunlesspassedovertheMayor'svetoasherein
provided.
Section5. TIMELIMITS.

AllvetoauthorityoftheMayorshallbeexercisedwithin10daysafterpresentationofthe
mattertotheMayorbytheCouncil. TheCouncilshalltakeactiononanydisapprovedoraltered
ordinance,resolutionoractatthenextregularlyscheduledmeetingafterreturnofthesameto
theCouncilby theMayor.
(AmendedatRegularMunicipalElection,October7,1975,asProposition#3.)

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Section6. AUTHENTICATIONPUBLICATIONEFFECTIVEDATECODIFICATION.

(a) AnordinanceshallberecordedandpreservedbytheCityClerk,authenticatedbythe
signatureofthepresidingofficerofthegoverningbodyandCityClerk,andbearthesealofthe
city. Theordinanceshallbepublishedonetimeeitherinitsentiretyorbytitleandgeneral
summaryofthesubjectmattercontainedintheordinance,whichevertheCouncilelectstodo.
(b) Anordinanceshallnotbecomeeffectiveuntilfivedaysafterithasbeenpublished,
unlesspassedandapprovedasanemergencymeasure,inwhicheventitshallbecomeeffective
immediatelyfollowingpublicationoratasubsequentdatedeterminedbyCouncil.
(c) Iftheordinancesofthecityarecodified,itisnotnecessarytopublishsameinentirety.
Anordinance,referringtothecodificationbytitleonlyandspecifyingoneplaceinthecity's
municipalofficeswherethecodificationmaybeinspectedduringnormalandregularbusiness
hours,maybepublishedinsteadofthecodification.
Section7. PUBLICVOTEONPERFORMINGARTSCENTER.

Thecityshallnotappropriatefundsforaperformingartscentercostingmorethanten(10)
milliondollarswithoutpriorapprovalofamajorityofvotescastontheproposedperformingarts
centerinamunicipalelection. Thecitymay,however,appropriatefundstostudy,toanalyzethe
feasibilityof,andtoundertakepreliminarydesignofanysuchcenterpriortotheelection
requiredbythissection.
(Section7repealedandnewSection7adoptedatRegularMunicipalElection,October8,1991,
asProposition#3Section7adoptedatSpecialMunicipalElection,March26,1991,as
Proposition#1ArticleXIadoptedatSpecialElection,February26,1974aspartofProposition
#3.)

ARTICLEXII. CODEOFETHICS
Section1. DECLARATIONOFPOLICY.

Theproperadministrationofdemocraticgovernmentrequiresthatpublicofficialsbe
independent,impartial,andresponsibletothepeoplethatgovernmentdecisionsandpolicybe
madeinthebestinterestofthepeople,thecommunityandthegovernmentandthatthepublic
haveconfidenceintheintegrityofitsgovernment. Inrecognitionofthesegoals,thefollowing
CodeofEthicsshallapplytoallofficialsofthecity.
Section2. DEFINITIONS.

(a) BoardmeanstheBoardofEthicsandCampaignPracticesestablishedpursuantto
ArticleXIIofthisCharter.
(b) BusinessDealingsor"BusinessDealingsWithTheGovernmentalBody"includes
circumstanceswhereapersonis(1)presentlyapartytoacontractwiththecity,(2)presentlya

Page 17 of 60

subcontractorunderasubcontractwithapartyundercontractwiththecity,(3)bidding,
proposing,orapplyingforcontractswiththecity,(4)apartyinlitigationwiththecity,(5)a
partybeforeaquasijudicialadministrativeproceedingconductedbyacityboard,commission,
committeeorhearingofficeror(6)apartytoanappealofadecisionofacitydepartment,quasi
judicialadministrativeboard,commission,committeeorhearingofficer.
(c) Candidatemeansanyindividualwhohas(1)obtainedanominatingpetitionfromthe
CityClerkpursuanttoSection4(c)1.D.oftheElectionCodefortheofficeofMayoror
Councillor,(2)filedanaffidavitonaformapprovedbytheCityClerk,statingthatheorsheisa
candidateforeithertheofficeofMayororCityCouncilloror(3)filedasacandidateforelected
officeasrequiredbylaw,whicheverfirstoccurs.
(d) Considerationmeanssomethingofvalueorawrittenpromisetopayorotherwise
providesomethingofvaluewhichisenforceablethroughthecourts.
(e) ContractwiththeCitymeansawrittencontractto(1)purchaserealpropertyfromthe
city,(2)sellrealpropertytothecity,(3)rentrealorpersonalpropertytoorfromthecity,or(4)
provideservicesand/orgoodstothecity. A contractwiththecityshallalsoincludeall
subdivisionimprovementagreementsfortheprivatedevelopmentofpublicinfrastructureand
associatedeasementsandrevocablepermits. Contractsexcludedfromthisdefinitionarethose
forservicesprovidedbythecitysuchaswater,wastewaterorsolidwastecollection
intergovernmentalagreementssuchasajointpowersagreementoramemorandumof
understanding. Permitsandlicensesissuedbythecityshallnotbedeemedcontractswiththe
cityforpurposesoftheEthicsCode.
(f) DirectInterest,PrivateInterestorPrivateFinancialInterestmeansaninterest
concerning(1)apartnership,limitedliabilitypartnership,orlimitedliabilitycompanyinwhich
anofficialhasinvestedcapital orotherwiseownsaninterest(2)acorporationinwhichan
officialowns(i)tenpercent(10%)ormoreoftheoutstandingcapitalstockor(ii)capitalstock
withacumulativevalueof$25,000ormoreor(3)acorporation,partnership,limitedliability
partnership,orlimitedliabilitycompanyinwhichtheofficialisanofficer,director,oragent.
DirectInterest,PrivateInterestorPrivateFinancialInterestdoesnotmeananinterestinstock
ownedindirectlythroughamutualfund,retirementplan,orothersimilarcommingled
investmentvehicletheindividualinvestmentsofwhichtheOfficialdoesnotcontrolormanage.
(g) GiftorValuableGiftmeansthatwhichisacceptedbyanofficialorbyanotheron
theofficial'sbehalf,orthatwhichispaidorgiventoanotherfororonbehalfofanofficial,
directly,indirectly,orintrustfortheofficial'sbenefitorbyanyothermeans,forwhich
considerationequalorgreaterthanfairmarketvalueisnotgivenbytheofficialwithin90daysof
theofficial'sreceiptofsuchgift,including,butnotlimitedto(1)realproperty,(2)theuseofreal
property,(3)tangibleorintangiblepersonalproperty,(4)theuseoftangiblepersonalproperty,
(5)apreferentialrateortermsonadebt,loan,goods,orservices,whichrateisbelowthe
customaryrateandisneitheragovernmentratenorarateavailabletosimilarlysituated
membersofthepublicbyvirtueofoccupation,affiliation,age,religion,sex,ornationalorigin,
(6)forgivenessofanindebtedness,(7)transportation,otherthanthatprovidedtoanofficialbya
governmentalagencyinrelationtoapprovedgovernmentbusiness,lodgingorparking,(8)food

Page 18 of 60

orbeverage,(9)membershipdues,otherthanduespaidbyacityagency,(10)entrancefees,
admissionfees,orticketstoevents,performances,orfacilities,(11)plants,flowers,orfloral
arrangements,(12)servicesprovidedbypersonspursuanttoaprofessionallicenseorcertificate,
(13)otherpersonalservicesforwhichafeeisnormallychargedbythepersonprovidingthe
servicesand(14)anyothersimilarserviceorthinghavinganattributablevaluenotalready
providedforinthissection.
Giftdoesnotinclude(1)salary,benefits,services,fees,commissions,returnsonan
investment,aloan,interestincurredonabond,orexpensesassociatedprimarilywiththe
official'semployment,businessorserviceasanofficerordirectorofaprivatecorporationor
organization,(2)contributionsreportedascampaigncontributionspursuanttotheElectionCode
andtheCodeofEthics,(3)anhonorariumoranexpenserelatedtoanhonorariumeventpaidto
anofficialortheofficial'sspouse,(4)anaward,plaque,certificate,orsimilarpersonalizeditem
giveninrecognitionoftheofficial'spublic,civic,charitable,orprofessionalservice,(5)an
honorarymembershipinaserviceorfraternalorganizationpresentedmerelyasacourtesyby
suchorganization,(6)theuseofapublicfacilityorpublicpropertymadeavailablebya
governmentalagencyforapublicpurpose,(7)transportationprovidedtoanofficialbya
governmentalagencyinrelationtoofficialapprovedgovernmentalbusiness,(8)giftsprovided
directlyorindirectlybyastate,regionalornationalorganizationwhoseprimarypurposeisthe
promotionoftheexchangeofideasbetweengovernmentalofficialsoremployeesortoprovide
fortheprofessionaldevelopmentortrainingofsuchgovernmentalofficialsoremployees,
providedthatsuchorganizationhasamembershipthatisprimarilycomposedofelectedor
appointedpublicofficialsoremployees, (9)theuseofacityfacilitybyanofficial,and(10)all
nonpecuniarythingsorservicesdonatedinanytwelve(12)monthperiodfromasingledonor
thathaveacumulativefairmarketvalueofonehundred($100.00)orless.
(h) GovernmentalBodymeanstheCityofAlbuquerqueandanyofitsboards,
commissionsandcommittees.
(i) ImmediateFamilyorImmediateFamilyMembermeansspouse,children,step
children,parents,grandparents,grandchildren,siblings,firstcousins,nieces,nephews,uncles
andaunts.
(j) Indirectinterestorindirectprivatefinancialinterestmeansanyinterestinwhich
legaltitleisheldbyanotherastrusteeorotherrepresentativecapacity,buttheequitableor
beneficialinterestisheldbytheofficialortheofficial'simmediatefamily. Indirectinterestshall
includeapecuniaryorcompetitiveadvantagethatexistsorcouldforeseeablyaccrueasaresult
oftheactorinactionoftheofficial.
(k) OfficialmeanstheMayor,allmembersoftheCouncil,allmembersofboards,
commissionsandcommitteesalldirectorsandtheequivalentthereofforeachdepartment,
divisionorsection assistant,associateordeputydepartment,divisionorsectiondirectorsand
theequivalentthereoftheDirectorofCouncilServicestheChiefAdministrativeOfficer
DeputyorAssistantChiefAdministrativeOfficersandtheequivalentthereofandallothercity
employeesappointeddirectlybytheCouncil,MayororChiefAdministrativeOfficer.

Page 19 of 60

(l) Personmeansanyindividual,cooperativeassociation,club,corporation,company,
firm,partnership,jointventure,syndicate,profitornonprofitorganization,orotherentity.
(AmendedbyOrdinanceNos.351975,911980,241981,and342006AmendedatRegular
MunicipalElection,October3,1989,aspartofProposition#4.)
Section3. BOARDOFETHICSANDCAMPAIGNPRACTICES.

(a) TheBoardshallbemadeupofsevenmembers,whoshallbechosenasfollows: The


CouncilshallappointthreemembersandtheMayorshallappointthreemembers. Thesix
memberssoappointedshallselectaseventhpersontoserveasChairpersonoftheBoard.The
appointmentofaBoardmemberbyoneappointingauthorityshallnotbeapprovedor
disapprovedbytheothertwoappointingauthorities.Eachmembershallbeaqualifiedelectorof
thecity,andnomembershallbeanofficialoremployeeofthecityorthespouse,parentorchild
ofanofficialorcityemployee.Thereshallbeapubliccommentperiodforanyindividual
proposedformembershipontheBoardofEthicsandCampaignPracticesbytheMayor,the
CouncilandfortheseventhmemberselectedbytheBoard. Thenameandresumeofany
individualproposedformembershipshallbepostedonthecity'swebsiteatleasttwoweeksprior
tothedatewhenfinalactionistakentoappointthatindividual. Anypersonshallbeallowedto
submitcommentsabouttheproposedmemberbywrittensubmission,electronicallyorotherwise,
totheCityClerk. ThemembersoftheBoardofEthicsandCampaignPracticesshallreceiveat
leastsixhoursoftrainingpriortoactinginthecapacityofaBoardmember. Thetrainingshall
beprovidedbytheCityAttorneyandshallcovertheethicalresponsibilityofBoardmembers
andthecontentoftheCodeofEthicsandtheElectionCodeasthosecodesrelatetothedutiesof
theBoard. ThetrainingrequirementshallnotapplytoanycurrentBoardmember,whoshall
continuetoservetheirunexpiredterm,ortoanyBoardmemberreappointedattheendofaterm.
(b) Allmembersshallservetermsoffouryears,andbeeligibleforreappointmentfor
additionalterms.Termsarestaggeredandshallcontinuewiththesametermcycleascurrently
exists. Anyvacancyshallbefilledforanunexpiredtermbythesameauthoritywhomadethe
originalselectionandappointmentofthemembervacatinghisorherposition.
(c) NoviolationoftheCodeofEthicsshallbefoundbytheBoardofEthicsandCampaign
PracticesexceptupontheconcurrenceofamajorityoftheBoard.
(d) TheBoardshallhavetheauthoritytoissueadministrativesubpoenastocompel
witnessestotestifyandproducedocumentationbeforetheBoard. TheBoardmaypromulgate
rulesandregulationsestablishingproceduresforissuanceofsubpoenas. TheBoardmayrequest
theCityAttorneytoenforcesuchsubpoenasinacourtofproperjurisdiction.
(e) TheBoardmayissuetocandidatesandofficialsadvisoryopinionsconcerningtheCode
ofEthicsandtheElectionCode.Arequestforanadvisoryopinionandtheopinionapprovedby
theBoardshallbecomepublicrecordsatthetimetheBoardvotesonsuchopinion. Advisory
opinionsshallonlyconcernprospectivematters.Specifically,noadvisoryopinionshallbeissued
withrespecttoaneventthathasalreadyoccurred. Advisoryopinionsshallonlybeissuedwith
respecttoconductinwhichtherequestoroftheopinionintendstoengage. Noadvisoryopinion
shallbegivenunlessapprovedbyfourmembersoftheBoard. Approvedopinionsshallbekept

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aspermanentrecordsbytheCityClerk. TheBoardmaypromulgaterulesandregulations
establishingproceduresforissuingadvisoryopinionsandlimitationsontheuseofadvisory
opinionsasadefensetoviolationsoftheCodeofEthicsortheElectionCode. TheBoardmay
issueconsentordersandmaypromulgaterulesandregulationsestablishingproceduresof
issuanceofconsentorders.
(f) ABoardmemberwhohasparticipatedinanyhearingonacaseconcerningacomplaint
allegingaviolationoftheCodeofEthicsortheElectionCodeshallcontinuetoserveasaBoard
memberonsuchcaseuntilthecompletionofthecase,regardlessoftheexpirationofthatBoard
member'sterm,butonlywhentheBoardhasvotedonamatterconcerningthecaseoraccepted
evidenceinthecasepriortotheexpirationofthetermofsuchBoardmember. Areplacement
Boardmembershallnotserveonsuchcases.
(g) BoardmembersshallnothearcomplaintsinvolvingcandidatesorMeasureFinance
Committeestowhichtheyhavecontributedorhaveparticipatedintheircampaignactivitiesnor
shalltheyhearcasesinvolvingcomplaintsconcerningcandidatesandMeasureFinance
CommitteeswhoareinoppositiontothecandidatesorMeasureFinanceCommitteestowhich
theBoardmembercontributedorparticipatedintheircampaignactivities.
(Am.Ord351975Am.Ord.771978Am.Ord.911980Am.Ord.241981Am.Ord.34
2006)
Section4. CONFLICTOFINTEREST.

(a) Noofficialofthecityshallknowingly:
1. Discloseoruseconfidentialinformationconcerningtheproperty,governmentor
affairsofthegovernmentalbodybywhichthatofficialisemployedorofwhichtheofficialisa
memberwithoutproperauthorizationinordertoadvancethedirectorindirectprivatefinancial
orotherprivateinterestsofsaidofficialor others
2. Voteorotherwiseparticipateinthenegotiationorthemakingofanycontractwith
anybusinessorentityinwhichtheofficialhasadirectorindirectprivatefinancialinterest
3. Representprivateinterestsinanyactionorproceedingbeforethegovernmentalbody
bywhichtheofficialisemployedorofwhichtheofficialisamemberoranyappealofa
decisionofsuchbody
4. Acceptanyvaluablegift,whetherintheformofservice,loan,thingorpromise,from
anyemployeeoforapplicantforemploymentwiththeCityofAlbuquerqueorfromanyperson,
firmorcorporationwhichtotheofficial'sknowledgeisinteresteddirectlyorindirectlyinany
mannerwhatsoever,inbusinessdealingswiththegovernmentalbodybywhichtheofficialis
employedorofwhichtheofficialisamember,includingdonorswhoareunidentifiedprovided,
however,thatthissubsectionshallnotbereadasprohibitinganincumbentcandidateforany
electiveofficefromreceivingdulydisclosedcampaigncontributionsinaccordancewiththe

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provisionsofArticleXIIIofthisCharteroranofficialwhoisacandidateforanoncityoffice
fromreceivingcampaigncontributionsforthatnoncityoffice.
(b)

Nomemberof theCityCouncilshall:

1. Duringthetermforwhichheorshewaselected,beappointedtoorselectedforany
paidofficeoremploymentwiththecity,norshallheorshewithinoneyearthereafterbe
appointedtoanypaidcityofficeoremploymentwhichthecitycreated,ortheemolumentsof
whichfirstwereestablishedorwereincreasedduringsuchtermnorshallanymemberofthe
CityCouncilduringthetermforwhichheorshewaselectednorwithinoneyearthereafter,be
interesteddirectlyinanycontractwiththecity,whichwasauthorizedbyanylawpassedduring
suchterm
2. Duringtheirtermofofficeparticipateinanydebateorvoteonanymatterwhichwill
likelyresultinanybenefittothememberwhichbenefitisgreaterthanthebenefittothepublicin
general.Abenefitforpurposesofthisparagraphshallmeanafinancialbenefitorabenefit
conferredbytheCityCouncilmember'semployerasadirectresultofthemember'sparticipation
inthematter.
(c) Disqualification. Anofficialisdisqualifiedfromparticipatinginamatterwhen:(1)the
officialhasorisintheprocessofacquiringadirectinterestinanenterprisewhichwouldbe
affectedbytheofficial'svoteonproposedlegislation,unlesstheinterestiscommontoall
membersofaprofessionoroccupationofwhichtheofficialisamemberorthegeneralpublicor
alargeclassofthegeneralpublic,(2)theofficialbenefitsfinanciallyfromadirectorindirect
interestwithapersonwhomtheofficialknowshasaninterestinanenterpriseorinterestthat
wouldbeaffectedbytheofficialtakinganyaction,(3)theofficialbenefitsfinanciallyfroma
directinterestwithapersonwhoislobbyingforthepurposeofinfluencingany action,or(4)the
officialsolicits,accepts,oragreestoacceptaloan,otherthanaloanfromacommerciallenderin
thenormalcourseofbusiness,fromapersonwhowouldbeaffectedbyorhasaninterestinan
enterprisewhichwouldbeaffectedbytheofficial'sparticipationinanyaction.
(Am.Ord351975Am.Ord.291976Am.Ord.911980Am.Ord.231988Am.Ord.33
1989Am.Ord.342006)
Section5. DISCLOSURE.

(a) Anofficialofthecitywhoshallhaveanyprivatefinancialinterestinanycontractor
othermatterpendingbeforeorwithinthegovernmentalbodyofwhichtheofficialisemployed
orofwhichtheofficialisamember,shalldisclosesuchprivatefinancialinteresttothe
governmentalbody.
(b) AnyCouncillorwhohasadirectorindirectinterestinanymatterpendingbeforethe
CouncilshalldisclosesuchinterestontherecordsoftheCouncil.Theexistenceofadirector
indirectprivatefinancialinterestonanymattercomingbeforetheCouncil,includingapprovalof
acontract,shalldisqualifyaCouncillorfromdebatingandvotingonthematter. Amajorityof
theremainingmembersoftheCouncilshalldeterminewhetheraCouncillorhasadirector
indirectinterestandwhethertheCouncillorshallbeallowedtoparticipateinthedecisionmaking

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processrelatedtothematterandvoteonthematter. ACouncillorwhohasaconflictofinterest
mayvoluntarilydeclinetoparticipateinthedecisionmakingprocessrelatedtothematterand
voteonsuchmatter.
(c) TheMayorandeachCityCouncillor,duringtheirtermofoffice,shallfiledisclosure
statementsonJanuary15,April15,July15,andOctober15ofeachyearsettingoutall
contributionsandexpenditures,asdefinedintheCityElectionCode,duringthepreviousquarter,
raisedorspentinconnectionwithanycampaignorprecampaignactivityforanyelectedoffice.
ExpendituresofpublicfundsintheregularcourseoftheMayororCouncillor'sofficialdutiesare
notcontributionsandexpendituressubjecttosuchdisclosureunderthissection.TheMayorand
Councillorsarenotrequiredtofileaquarterlystatementiftherehavebeennocampaignorpre
campaigncontributionsorexpendituresduringthepreviousquarterbyorfortheparticular
MayororCouncillor.Thesereportingrequirementsshallbeinadditiontothereporting
requirementsoftheElectionCode,providedthatanyinformationfiledwiththeCityClerk
pursuanttoCityCharterArticleXIII,Section4(c)neednotbeincludedin thesubsequent
quarterlyreportsrequiredinthissection. Thecontributionsandexpendituresidentifiedin
quarterlystatementsthataretobeappliedtoacampaignforelectiontoacityofficeshallbe
includedinthefirstcampaigndisclosurereportthatthecandidatefilespursuanttotheElection
Code.
(d) AllelectedofficialsshallfilewiththeCityClerkanannualstatementlistingallofthe
changesoradditionstothedisclosureinformationprovidedbytheelectedofficialatthetimeof
filinghisorherdeclarationofcandidacy,pursuanttoSection3oftheElectionCode.Ifno
changeshaveoccurred,theelectedofficialshallsostateintheannualstatement. Theannual
statementshallbedueonthefirstcityworkdayofJulyandshallbesubmittedonaform
approvedbytheCityClerk. Theannualstatementshallbeapublicrecord.
(Am.Ord.351975Am.Ord.911980Am.Ord.241981Am.Ord.132003Am.Ord.34
2006)(AmendedatRegularMunicipalElection,October2,2001,asProposition#10.)
Section6. USEOFPUBLICPROPERTY.

Noofficialofthecityshalluseproperty,ownedbyanygovernmentalbodyorfundsofany
governmentalbody,forpersonalbenefit,convenienceorprofit,exceptinaccordancewith
policiespromulgatedbytheCouncil. Thisprohibitionincludestheuseofcitypropertyorfunds
toadvertiseorpromotethecampaignofanyofficial,exceptasprovidedinthissection. Useof
citypropertytopromoteacampaignislimitedtoareasmadeavailabletoallcandidatesfor
publicoffice,includingpublicareas,areasusedforpublicmeetingsandsuchcityfacilitiesthat
aredesignatedasmeetingspacethatisavailabletoallcandidatesforpublicoffice. Nocampaign
activitiesshallbeconductedinthoseportionsofcityfacilitiesthatarededicatedasworkareas
forcityemployees.Officialsareprohibitedfromusinganymethodofcommunicationpaidfor
withcityresources,includingbutnotlimitedtopublicserviceannouncements,signage,official
websitesormailduringthethreemonthspriortotheirelectiondate,ifsuchadvertisingstatesor
impliespersonalresponsibilityoftheofficialforanycityaccomplishment. Officialsare
prohibitedfromusinganymethodofcommunicationpaidforwithcityresources,includingbut
notlimitedtopublicserviceannouncements,signage,officialwebsitesormailifsuch

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communicationisinaformthatwouldbereasonablymistakenforthecampaignmaterialsofthe
officialbecauseofthesimilarityofdesign,contentorgraphicsbeingusedinthecampaign.
(Am.Ord.342006)
Section7. MISUSEOFCITYEMPLOYEESINCAMPAIGNS.

Noofficialshallparticipateinthefollowingtypesofpoliticalactivity:
(A) Usinghisorherpositionoremploymentwith thecitytoinfluencesupportof
employeesofthecityfororagainstanycandidate,issueorMeasureFinanceCommitteeorother
similarorganizationinanyelectionorpreelectionactivityprovided,however,thatnothing
hereinshalldenytherightof anofficialofthecitytoexpresshisorherviewsonanyissue.
(B) Acceptingand/orsolicitingcampaigncontributionsforanycandidateorMeasure
FinanceCommitteeorothersimilarorganizationinanyelectionorpreelectionactivity,during
workinghours,atacityworkplaceorinthescopeoftheircityemployment.
(C) Acceptingand/orsolicitingcontributionsforthebenefitofacityemployeeorofficial
forpoliticalpurposesduringworkinghours,atacityworkplaceorinthescopeofhisorhercity
employment.
(D) Thissectionshallnotapplytoelectioneeringcommunications,providedthatno
electioneeringcommunicationsmaybesenttoacityemployeeathisorherplaceofworkby
leafleting,mail,phone,emailorbyotherelectroniccommunication.
(E) Noadverseemploymentactionshallbetakenagainstanyemployeeforreportingtothe
BoardofEthicsandCampaignPracticesanyviolationofthissection,includingbutnotlimitedto
directsolicitation.
(Ord.342006)
Section8.ENFORCEMENT[ VIOLATIONPENALTYREMOVALFROMOFFICEAPPEAL].

(a) AnychargeofviolationsofthisCodeofEthicsshallbebroughtbeforetheBoardof
EthicsandCampaignPractices. Anyprivatecitizenmayinitiatesuchachargeinaccordance
withregulationsestablishedbytheBoardofEthicsandCampaignPractices.
(b) ShouldtheBoardfind,afterduehearing,thataviolationhasoccurred,itmaymakea
publicreprimandorimposeafineofnottoexceed$500foreachviolationordoboth.
(c) Inadditiontoimposingsuchsanctions,orasanalternativethereto,theBoardmay
recommendtotheCouncilthatanappointedoremployedofficialbesuspendedorremovedfrom
officeorthatanelectedofficialberemovedfromoffice.
(d) TheCouncilmay,upontherecommendationoftheBoardofEthicsandCampaign
Practices,andafterduehearingofthecharge,orderthesuspensionorremovalofanappointedor

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employedofficial,ortheremovalofanelectedofficialprovided,however,thatnoofficialshall
beremovedorsuspendedexceptupontheconcurrenceoftwothirdsoftheCouncillorsqualified
tovotethereon.
(e) AnappealmaybetakenfromanyfindingsandactionoftheBoardpursuantto
Subparagraph(b)ofthisSection,andfromanyorderoftheCouncilpursuanttoSubparagraph
(d)ofthisSection,totheDistrictCourtofthe2ndJudicialDistrict,byfilingNoticeofAppeal in
thesaidDistrictCourtwithin5daysofthedateoftheactionororderappealedfrom,andby
filingwithsaidDistrictCourtwithin30daysatruetranscriptandrecordoftheproceedingsupon
whichsaidactionororderisbased. ThehearingintheDistrictCourtshallbeheldonthesaid
transcriptandrecordonly,andnewtestimonyshallnotbetaken.
(Am.Ord.351975Am.Ord.241981Am.Ord.342006AmendedataSpecialElectionheld
inconjunctionwithaRegularMunicipalElection,October5,1999,asQuestion#12.)
Section9. INVESTIGATION.

(a) TheBoardmaychoosetoaskforaninvestigationofallegationsbroughtbeforeitrather
thansimplyhearingchargestodothis,itmaytemporarilyemployorcontractwithinvestigators
andrequireinvestigationbycitystaffassignedtotheBoardorbytheOfficeofInternalAudit
andInvestigationsuponacceptanceofthecomplaintafterholdingapreliminaryhearing. The
Boardshalldirectandlimitthescopeandnatureofallsuchinvestigations. Nosuch
investigationshallbeundertakenunlessitisspecificallyauthorizedanddefinedbytheBoard.
Forthepurposesofthissection,theterm"allegations"meansbothanyformalchargesfiledwith
theBoardorinitiatedbytheBoardandotherinformationraisingasubstantialquestionrelatedto
compliancewiththeCodeofEthicsortheElectionCode,whichinformationatleastfour
membersoftheBoardvotetoinvestigate. SuchinvestigationmayrelatetoviolationoftheCode
ofEthicsortheElectionCode.
(b) Inretaininganinvestigator,theBoardofEthicsandCampaignPracticesshallnotbe
boundbyproceduresoftheCityofAlbuquerquewhichwouldotherwiseapplytoselectinga
contractororemployee. TheBoardshalladoptitsownprocedures,consistentwithgood
administrativepractices.
(c) AllofficialsandcontractorsoftheCityofAlbuquerqueshallfurnishtheBoardof
EthicsandCampaignPracticesoritsinvestigatorwithrequestedinformationandrecordswithin
theircustodywhicharegermanetoaninvestigationauthorizedbytheBoard. Officialsand
contractorsmayberequiredtoappearaswitnessesinhearingsconcerningethicsorcampaign
practiceschargesheardbytheBoard.
(Ord.311989Am.Ord.342006)
Section10. NONWAIVEROFPENALTIES.

Nothinghereinsetforthshallbeconstruedtoaffectorotherwisediminishanypenalties
otherwiseprovidedbylawforviolationofthematterssetforthinthisCodeofEthics,orshall
preventtheBoardofEthicsandCampaignPracticesfrombringingtotheattentionoftheproper

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authorityanyallegedviolationcomingtoitsattentionwhichmaybesubjecttosuchother
penalties.
(Am.Ord.241981Am.Ord.311989Am.Ord.342006)
Section11.REGULATIONS.

TheBoardofEthicsandCampaignPracticesshallhavetheauthoritytoestablishreasonable
rulesandregulationsforitsconductandforexplanationandinterpretationoftheCodeofEthics.
(Am.Ord.241981Am.Ord.311989Am.Ord.342006)
Section12. AMENDMENTS.

TheaboveCodeofEthicsmaybeamendedwithoutrequiringcompliancewithArticleVIof
thisCharterbyordinanceadoptedbyamajorityoftheentiremembershipoftheCouncilplus
twoadditionalmembersthereofvotinginfavorofsuchamendmentoramendmentsandsaid
ordinancebeingotherwisegovernedbyArticleXIofthisCharter.
(ArticleXIIadoptedatSpecialElection,February26,1974aspartofProposition#1) (Am.Ord.
351975Am.Ord.291976Am.Ord.771978Am.Ord.911980Am.Ord.241981Am.
Ord.311989Am.Ord.342006)

ARTICLEXIII. ELECTIONCODE
Editor'snote: Ord.461975,asamendedbyOrd.631977,Ord.771978andOrd.241981,set
forththepreviousElectionCode,whichhasbeenreplacedinitsentiretybyOrd.171993.
Section1. DECLARATIONOFPOLICY.

Publicdisclosureandregulationofcertaincampaignpracticeswillservetoincreasepublic
confidenceintheintegrityofgovernmentbyinformingthepublicofthequalificationsofa
candidateforelectiveofficeandofthepossiblesourcesofinfluenceuponthatcandidateandof
thefinancingofacampaigntoinfluencethepassageordefeatofameasure. Theprinciplethat
thecandidateassumesultimateandcompleteresponsibilityfortheconductofthecampaignis
thereforeincorporatedinfothisCharterandshallbeimplementedaccordingtothisElection
Code.
(Ord.171993)
Section2. DEFINITIONS.

(a) "AnonymousContribution"meansacontributionreceivedbyacandidateoraMeasure
FinanceCommitteeforwhichthecontributorcannotbeidentified.Contributionsreceivedbya
hostpursuanttoSection4(j)ofthisElectionCodeshallnotbeconsideredanonymous
contributions.

Page 26 of 60

(b) BoardmeanstheBoardofEthicsandCampaignPracticesestablishedpursuantto
ArticleXIIofthisCharter.
(c) "CampaignMaterials"meansanypublished,printedorbroadlydistributedcampaign
advertisingorcommunicationssuch asnewspaperadvertisements,handbills,petitions,circulars,
letters,radioorTVbroadcasts,cabledistributions,electronicortelephonictransmissionsor
similarwrittenmaterialusedinacampaignbyacandidateoraMeasureFinanceCommittee.
(d) Candidatemeansanyindividualwhohas(1)obtainedanominatingpetitionfromthe
CityClerkpursuanttoSection4(c)1.D.ofthisElectionCodefortheofficeofMayoror
Councillor,(2)filedanaffidavitonaformapprovedbytheCityClerk,statingthatheorsheisa
candidateforeithertheofficeofMayororCityCouncilloror(3)filedasacandidateforelected
officeasrequiredbylaw,whicheverfirstoccurs.
(e) CandidateFinanceCommitteeconsistsofthecandidate,thecandidate'streasurer,and
anypersonauthorizedeitherexpresslyorbyimplicationbythecandidatetoparticipateinthe
solicitation,receipt,expenditure,oremploymentofcontributionsonbehalfofthe
candidate.MemberoftheCandidateCommitteemeansanysuchperson.
(f) Candidate'sTreasurermeansthepersonwhoisappointedbyacandidatetoreceive,
keepanddisburseallmoneywhichmaybecollected,receivedordisbursedbythecandidate,the
CandidateFinanceCommittee,oranyofitsmembers.
(g) Contributionsmeans:
1. Monies,loans,debtsincurred,obligationsincurred,propertyinkind,includingthe
usethereof,orcommercialorprofessionalservices:
A. Incurredorreceivedbyacandidate, thecandidate'streasurer,theCandidate
FinanceCommittee,oramemberthereofonbehalfofthecandidate,orbyaMeasureFinance
CommitteeoramemberthereofonbehalfoftheCommittee.ForthepurposesofthisSubsection,
adebtorobligationshallbeconsideredincurredatthetimeauthorizationisgivenorcontract
madeforthedebtorobligation.
B. NotreceivedbyapersonorentitynamedinSubparagraphAabove,butexpended
oremployedonbehalfofacandidateormeasure,wheresuchmonies,loans,debtsincurred,
obligationsincurred,propertyinkind,orcommercialorprofessionalserviceshavebeensolicited
orotherwiseconsentedtobysuchcommitteeorhavebeenexpendedoremployedinamanneror
amountdirected,authorized,eitherexpressly,byimplication,orconsentedtobysuchcommittee.
2. Contributionsofproperty,includingtheusethereof,andcontributionsofcommercial
orprofessionalservicesshallbeattributedacashvalueequaltotheirfairmarketvalue.
3. Notwithstandingtheforegoing,noneofthefollowingshallbeconsidereda
contribution:acandidate'sownservicesandproperty,otherthancashtheuseofadwellingunit
andresidentialpremisesincidentaltheretoforanycampaignpurposeandtheprovisionof

Page 27 of 60

refreshmentsandentertainmentinconnectionwithsuchusetheservicesofthepersonwhois
performingthedutiesofthecandidate'streasurerandtheuseofvehiclesforanycampaign
purposeotherthaninconnectionwiththeperformanceofacommercialorprofessionalservice.
(h)

ElectionmeansanyCityofAlbuquerquemunicipalelection.

(i) Measuremeansanypropositionsubmittedtoapopularvoteatanelection,whetherby
initiative,referendumorrecallprocedureorotherwise.
(j) MeasureFinanceCommitteemeansapoliticalcommitteeoranypersonor
combinationoftwoormorepersonsactingjointlyinaidoforinoppositiontotheeffortof
anyoneseekingtohavetheirnameplacedontheballotforcityoffice,apetitiontoplacea
measureontheballotpursuanttoArticleIIIofthisCharter,voterapprovalordisapprovalofone
ormoremeasuresontheballotand/ortheelectionto,orrecallfrom,officeofoneormore
candidatesforofficewhensuchpersonorpeoplehaveacceptedcontributionsinexcessof$250
ormakeexpendituresinexcessof$250foranyofthepurposeslistedheretofore.
(k) Personmeansanyindividual,cooperativeassociation,club,corporation,company,
firm,partnership,jointventuresyndicate,profitornonprofitorganization,orotherentity.
(Ord.171993Am.Ord.452003Am.Ord.342006)
Section3. DISCLOSUREWITHDECLARATIONOFCANDIDACY.

EachcandidateshallfilewiththeBoard, withintwodaysoffilingtheDeclarationof
CandidacywiththeCityClerk,anotarizedstatement,signedbythecandidateunderoath,setting
forthalistingofthecandidate'smembership'sandpositions,ifany,inprofessional
organizations,andanysourceofincomethataccountsfor5%ormoreofthecandidate'stotal
income,andanyknownpresentbusinessrelationshipsthecandidatehasormayhavewiththe
city,andanyandallrealestateinterestsheldbythecandidatewithinBernalillioCounty,
excludingthecandidates'home.
(Ord.171993Am.Ord.321999)
Section4. CAMPAIGNFINANCING.

(a) OneCandidateFinanceCommittee. Eachcandidateshallestablishnomorethanone


CandidateFinanceCommitteeandshallappointatreasurerwhoshallnotbethecandidate.
(b)OneBankAccount FilingRequirements.
1. Eachcandidateorthecandidate'streasurerandeachMeasureFinanceCommittee
shallestablishoneandonlyonecampaignbankcheckingaccountforeachelection.All parties
havingsignatureauthorizationforthecheckingaccount,thecheckingaccountnumber,andthe
bankbranchnameshallberegisteredwiththeBoarduponfilingaDeclarationofCandidacyor
formationofaMeasureFinanceCommittee.

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2. Allcontributionsofmoniesreceivedforthebenefitofthecandidate'scampaignorthe
MeasureFinanceCommitteeshallbedepositedinthataccount,andalldisbursementsshallbe
madefromthataccount.
3. EachcandidateandeachMeasureFinanceCommitteeshallfilewiththebankat
whichthecampaigncheckingaccounthasbeenestablishedaletterauthorizingthereleaseof
informationconcerningthataccounttotheBoardandshallsubmitacopyoftheletterof
authorizationtotheBoard.UpontherequestoftheBoard,eachcandidate,thecandidate's
treasurer,orthechairpersonortreasurerofeachMeasureFinanceCommitteeshallprovidetothe
Boardallbankrecords,cancelledchecks,andanyotherfinancialinformationrelatingtothe
campaignasmayberequestedbytheBoard.
(c)

DisclosureofCampaignFinancing.

1. EachcandidatefortheofficeofMayororCouncillorandeachMeasureFinance
Committee,shallfilewiththeBoardthestatementsrequiredinSection4(c)2.ofthisElection
Code,eachofwhichshallbecumulative,signedunderoathbythecandidateorthecandidate's
treasurerorbythechairpersonortreasureroftheMeasureFinanceCommittee,settingforthto
5:00p.m.ofthedayprecedingthefilingofeachstatement:
A. Thetotalofallcontributions,whichshallincludeallcontributionsreceived,
regardlessofwhetherthecontributionhasbeendepositedinthecandidate'sorMeasureFinance
Committee'scampaignbankcheckingaccount. Acontributionisdeemedreceivedwhena
candidateoraMeasureFinanceCommitteeoranyagentofacandidateoraMeasureFinance
Committeereceivesacontributionorthebenefitoftheservicesdonated.
B. Whenthecontributorisanindividual,thenameofthecontributor,the
contributor'sprincipalbusinessoroccupation,thenameandaddressofthecontributor's
employer,ifselfemployed,theaddressofthecontributor'sbusiness,andthenatureofthe
contributor'sorthecontributor'semployer'sbusiness.Ifthecontributorisretiredornot
employed,theresidentialaddressofthecontributorshallbedisclosed. Whenthecontributoris
anentityotherthananindividual,thenameandaddressofthecontributor,thebusinessor
activitiesconductedbythecontributorandtheownersandmanagersofthecontributor.The
amountofeachcontributionandthecumulativevalueofallcontributionscontributedbythe
contributor. MeasureFinanceCommitteesthatsupportoropposemorethanonecandidateor
measureshallspecifyinseparatesectionsineachdisclosurestatementthecandidateormeasure
towhicheachcontributionandexpenditureapplies. Intheeventacontributionorexpenditure
appliestomorethanonecandidateormeasure,theproratashareofsuchcontributionor
expenditureshallbeclearlyidentifiedforeachcandidateormeasure.
C. Allexpendituresmadeonbehalfofthecampaign,includinganyreimbursements
andthenaturethereof,andthenameandaddressofthepersonorbusinesstowhichpaymentwas
made.
D. ApersonseekingtoqualifytobeontheballotfortheofficeofMayoror
Councillorshallincludeanypersonwhohasobtainedanominatingpetitionformapprovedby

Page 29 of 60

theCityClerk.TheCityClerkshallissueanapprovednominatingpetitiononlytotheperson
seekingtobeontheballot. Suchapprovednominatingpetitionformsshallstatethenameofthe
personandthecityofficeforwhichsuchpersonispetitioningtoqualifytobeontheballot.
Peoplewhohavesoughttobeontheballotasdescribedabove,butwhodonotqualifyforthe
ballotordonotfileadeclarationofcandidacyarerequiredtofileasprovidedinthissectionon
theFridayofthetwelfthweekprecedingtheelectionandtofileafinalreportonorbeforethe
Fridayofthefourthweekprecedingtheelection.
E. Within48hoursofthereceiptofastatementlistingcampaigncontributors,oras
soonthereafterasreasonablypossible,thePurchasingOfficeshalldetermineifanycontributor
hasbusinessdealingswiththecity. Forthepurposesofthissection,apersonisdeemedtohave
businessdealingsifthepersonorin thecaseofanindividual,thecontributor'sprincipalbusiness
orthecontributor'semployerhasreceived$20,000ormorepursuanttoacontractwiththecityin
the24monthspriortothedateofcontribution. ThePurchasingOfficeshallimmediatelynotify
theCityClerkofanycampaigncontributorswhohavebusinessdealingswiththecityandthe
CityClerkshallpostthatinformation(including:contributionamount,recipientandbusiness
relationship)onthecity'swebsite.
F. ThePurchasingOfficeshallmaintainalistofallcontributorstothecampaignof
anyelectedMayororCouncillorand,foraperiodofoneandonehalfyearsfollowingthe
electionofthatOfficial,shallnotifytheCityClerkofanycampaigncontributorswhoform
businessdealingswiththecity,asdefinedintheprecedingparagraph,andtheCityClerkshall
postthatinformation(including:contributionamount,recipientandbusinessrelationship)onthe
city'swebsite.
G. InadditiontoothercampaigndisclosurerequirementsoftheElectionCode,a
candidateshalldesignateinhisorherdisclosurereportsthosecontributorswhohavecontracts
pursuanttowhichtheyreceivefundsfromtheemployerofthecandidateifthecandidatewas
solelyorpartiallyresponsiblefortherecommendationorawardofthecontractorforthe
administrationofthecontract. TheCityClerkshallpostthisdesignationseparatelyfromthe
othercontributionsonthecity'swebsite.
2. Thesixstatementsrequiredbythissubsectionshallbefiledasfollows:thefirst
statementontheFridayofthetwelfthweekprecedingtheelectionthesecondstatementonthe
FridayofthefourthweekprecedingtheelectionthethirdstatementontheFridayimmediately
precedingtheelectionthefourthstatementontheMondayimmediatelyprecedingtheelection,
thefifthstatementontheseventhdayfollowingtheelectionandthesixthandfinalstatement
notearlierthantheseventhdaynorlaterthanthefortyfifthdayaftertheelection.Each
statementshallbefiledwiththeBoardnolaterthannoononthespecifiedday.
3. ExceptiontoFirstFilingbyMeasureFinanceCommittee.Inasmuchasthissubsection
requiresthatthefirststatementbefilednotlaterthanontheFridayofthetwelfthweekpreceding
theelection,andaMeasureFinanceCommitteemightinfactcomeintoexistenceaftersuchdate,
intheseinstancestheMeasureFinanceCommitteewillbeexcusedfromfilingitsfirststatement
onthedatespecifiedbythisElectionCodebutwillactasfollows:AMeasureFinance
CommitteeformedbetweenthetwelfthweekprecedingtheelectionandtheFridayfourweeks

Page 30 of 60

precedingtheelectionshallfileitsfirststatementassoonaspossibleaftertheCommitteehas
beenformed,butnotlaterthanfivedaysafterithascompliedwiththerequirementsofSection6
ofthisElectionCode.MeasureFinanceCommitteesshallotherwisecomplyinallrespectswith
therequirementsofthisElectionCode.A MeasureFinanceCommitteeformedaftertheFriday
fourweeksprecedingtheelectionshallfileitsfirststatementatthetimeitregisterswiththeCity
Clerk,notwithstandinganyothertimeallowedforfilinginthisElectionCode,andshallfileall
subsequentstatementsatthetimesrequiredinSection4(c)ofthisElectionCode.
(d) LimitstoCampaignFinancing.Nocandidateshallalloworacceptcontributionsor
makeexpendituresinexcessofthefollowingforanyelection:
1. ToacandidatefortheofficeofCouncillor,contributionsorexpendituresequalto
twicetheamountoftheannualsalarypaidbytheCityofAlbuquerquetoCouncillorsasofthe
dateoffilingoftheDeclarationofCandidacy.
2. ToacandidatefortheofficeofMayor,contributionsorexpendituresequaltotwice
theamountoftheannualsalarypaidbytheCityofAlbuquerquetotheMayorasofthedateof
filingoftheDeclarationofCandidacy.
(e) LimitstoContributions.Nocandidateshall,foranyoneelection,allowtotal
contributionsfromanyonepersonwiththeexceptionofcontributionsfromthecandidate
himselforherselfofmorethan5%oftheannualsalaryforsuchofficeatthetimeoffilingthe
DeclarationofCandidacy.
(f) UnexpendedContributions. Anycontributionsnotexpendedonthecampaignshallbe
disposedof,attheoptionofthecandidate,byoneofthefollowingmethods:
1. Retainedinthecampaignbankcheckingaccountforapossiblerunoffelectionfor
thatoffice,
2.

Returnedtothepersonwhomadethecontribution,

3.

PlacedintheCity'sGeneralFund,or

4.

Giventoacharityidentifiedbythecandidate.

Thefourthandfinalcampaignfinancingstatementshallreflectthefinaldispositionofsuch
contributions.
(g) AnonymousContributions.
1. Allanonymouscontributionsshallbedisposedofbyacandidateorthechairpersonof
aMeasureFinanceCommitteeeitherbyplacingthecontributionintheCity'sGeneralFundorby
givingthecontributiontoacharity.

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2. Ananonymouscontributionshallnotbeconsideredtobeacontributiontoor
expenditureofthecampaignhowever,arecordofallanonymouscontributionsshallbekeptby
thecandidateorthecandidate'streasurer,orbythechairpersonortreasureroftheMeasure
FinanceCommitteeandthereceiptanddispositionofeveryanonymouscontributionshallbe
reportedtotheBoard,inwriting,atthetimethecampaignfinancingdisclosurestatements
requiredbysubsection(c)ofthissectionarefiled.Suchdeportmustdisclosethegoodsservices,
moneys,orothercontributionsreceived,itsvalue,thedateofreceiptandthedateandmethodof
disposition.
(h) Forthepurposesofthissection,contributionsandexpendituresincludethose
contributionsreceivedandexpendituresmadebyoronbehalfofanindividualatanytimeprior
totheindividualfilingaDeclarationofCandidacyfortheofficeofMayororCouncillorthrough
thetimethefinalcampaignfinancingdisclosurestatementisdue,orbyoronbehalfofa
MeasureFinanceCommitteeatanytimepriortotherelevantelectionthroughthetimethefinal
campaignfinancingdisclosurestatementisdue.
(AmendedatRegularMunicipalElection,October2,2001,asProposition#9.)
(i)

CampaignFinanceRecords.

1. Allcampaignfinancerecordsandstatementsshallbeopentoinspectionand/oraudit
bytheBoard,itsdesignatedrepresentative,oritsauditorstatementsshallbepresentedtothe
Boardforinspectionoraudit,orboth.TheCityClerkshallcreateanelectronicdatabaseforall
campaignreportingrequiredinthisElectionCodeandplacethatinformation ontheCity'sweb
site.
2.

CampaignFinancialRecords.

A. Eachcandidateorthecandidate'streasurerandeachchairpersonortreasurerofa
MeasureFinanceCommitteeshall keepfinancialrecordsofthecampaignforaperiodofone
yearfollowingthedateofelection,toassuretheiravailabilityintheeventofcomplaint or
inquiryby theBoard.Suchcampaignfinancialrecordsshallincluderecordsofall
contributions, regardless ofamount,expenditures,cancelled checks,invoices, receipts,bank
statements,billsof sales,statements ofaccounts,leases,rentalagreements,andallother
financialrecordspertinenttothecampaign.
B. Inpreparingandmaintainingfinancialrecords,ledgers,journals,orotherwise,
andinrecordingcontributionsandexpendituresonthestatementsrequiredbysubsection(c)of
thissection,eachcandidateorthecandidate'streasurerandeachchairpersonortreasurer ofa
MeasureFinanceCommitteeshall:
1) Recordinkindcontributionsasbothcontributionsandexpendituresequalto
thefairmarketvalueofthegoodsorservicesreceived.
2) Recordcampaignloansascontributions,withsubsequentrepaymentofloans
creditedagainstcontributions.

Page 32 of 60

3) Recordreturnedcontributionsascreditsagainstcontributions.
4) Recordnamesofcontributorsonthebankdepositslips.
3. DuringtheperiodbetweennoonontheFridayimmediatelyprecedingtheelection
andthedayoftheelection,eachcandidateorthecandidate'streasurer,andthechairpersonor
treasurerofeachMeasureFinanceCommittee,shallappearbeforetheBoardatatimeandplace
designatedbytheBoard.Theappearanceofthecandidate'streasurerortheCommittee's
treasurerbeforetheBoardonthecandidate'sorCommittee'sbehalfdoesnotrelievethe
candidateortheCommittee'schairpersonoftheultimateandcompleteresponsibilityforthe
accuracyofallreportsfiledandthecontrolofthecandidate'sorCommittee'scampaign.Atthe
designatedtimeandplace,thecampaignfinancialrecordsofeachcandidateandeachMeasure
FinanceCommitteerequiredthroughthesecondstatementpursuanttoSection4ofthisElection
CodeshallbesubmittedtotheBoardforinspectionandaudit,orboth.Eachcandidateandthe
chairpersonofeachMeasureFinanceCommitteeshallbegivenatleastthreedayswrittennotice
ofthedesignatedtimeandplace.
(j)

FundRaisingActivity.

1. Thegrossreceiptsofafundraisingactivityonbehalfofacandidateareconsideredto
becampaigncontributions,andallexpendituresassociatedwithsuchafundraisingactivityare
consideredtobecampaignexpenditures.Asusedinthissubsection,theterm"grossreceipts"
includesallmoniesanddonationsofanykindwhicharereceivedaspartofthefundraising
activity.
2. ThehostofafundraisingactivityonbehalfofacandidateorCommitteeshallbe
responsibleforreportingthecontributionsresultingfromtheactivityunlesscontributorsare
identifiedintherequiredmannerontheDisclosureofCampaignFinancingStatement,andthe
limitstocontributionsspecifiedinsubsection(e)ofthisSection4shallapplyasifthetotal
contributionsatthefundraisingactivity,nototherwisereported,weremadebythehost.
(k) MeasureCampaignFinancing. Anypersonorgroupwhichhascontributedinexcess
ofthirtypercentoftheMayor'ssalarytosupportoropposeameasureshallhavethenameof
suchpersonorgroupinsertedintothenameoftheMeasureCampaignCommitteetowhichthe
fundswerecontributedorshallcreateanewcommitteewiththenameofthecontributorinthe
committeename.ItistheobligationoftheMeasureFinanceCommitteetoimmediatelyinform
theBoardoftheCommittee'srequirednamechangetheCommitteeshallsimultaneouslyreport
theamountofthecontributionwhichtriggersthenamechange.Forthepurposesofthis
subsection,"Mayor'ssalary"meansthesalarypaidbytheCityofAlbuquerqueasofthedateof
thecontributionsupportoropposeameasurecoversqualificationfortheballotplusvoter
approvalordisapprovalofagivenmeasure.
(Ord.171993Am.Ord.321999Am.Ord.162002Am.Ord.132003Am.Ord.342006)
Section5. CAMPAIGNMATERIALS.

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EachcandidateandeachchairpersonofeachMeasureFinanceCommitteeshallensurethatall
campaignmaterialsspecifythenameofthesponsorwhoauthorizedtheprintingordistribution
ofsuchmaterialandthenameandaddressoftheestablishmentthatprintedorotherwisecreated
thecampaignmaterialsprovided,thatthenameandaddressoftheprintingestablishmentisnot
requiredtobespecifiedinanewspaperadvertisement.Eachcandidateandeachchairpersonof
eachMeasureFinanceCommitteeshallalsoensurethatacopyofeachcampaignmaterialused
inthecampaignispromptlyfiledwiththeBoarduponsuchmaterialbeingprintedordistributed.
(Ord.171993)
Section6. MEASUREFINANCECOMMITTEES.

(a) EachMeasureFinanceCommitteeshallregisterwiththeCityClerkwithinfivedaysof
formationbypreparingandfilingwiththeBoardastatement,signedbythechairpersonofthe
Committee,settingforth:
1.

TheexactnameoftheCommittee

2.

TheofficialaddressandphonenumberoftheCommitteeand

3.

ThenamesoftheofficialsoftheCommittee.

(b) WhenknowledgeisreceivedoftheformationandexistenceofanyMeasureFinance
Committee,theBoardshallfurnishtothechairman,moderator,orhead(howeverdesignated
hereinreferredtoasthe"chairperson")ofsuchcommittee,andalsothefundraisingmember
thereof(howeverdesignated),ifknown,acopyofthisElectionCodeandtheRulesand
RegulationsoftheBoard,andcallattentiontotherequirementsforreportingcontributionsand
expendituresbytheMeasureFinanceCommitteeasprovidedforinthisElectionCode.Within
fivedaysfromreceiptofsaidnotificationfromtheBoard,theMeasureFinanceCommitteeshall
prepareandfilewiththeBoardastatement,signedbythechairpersonoftheCommittee,setting
forth:
1.

TheexactnameoftheCommittee

2.

TheofficialaddressandphonenumberoftheCommittee

3.

ThenamesoftheofficialsoftheCommitteeand

4. AcknowledgementofreceiptofacopyofthisElectionCodeandtheBoard'sRules
andRegulationsandoftherequirementsregardingfilingofreports.
(c) ItisrecognizedthatanaffirmativedutyrestsontheofficialsofanysuchMeasure
FinanceCommitteetobeawareoftheprovisionsofthisElectionCode,andnothingcontainedin
thisSectionshallexemptaMeasureFinanceCommitteefromfilingitsstatementofformationor
existenceasrequiredhereinattheearliestpossibledate.Failuretosofileaccordingtothe
provisionsofsubsection(a)ofthissectionshallsubjecttheCommitteetoafinenottoexceedthe

Page 34 of 60

maximumamountauthorizedbystatelaworpublicreprimandorbothasprovidedintheBoard's
RulesandRegulations.Accordingly,suchofficialsareenjoinedtoprepareandfilethestatement
specifiedinsubsection(a)ofthissectionwithoutsucharequestfromtheBoard.Ininstances
wheresuchstatementisfiledspontaneouslybytheCommittee,andcomplieswithsubsection(a)
ofthissection,theBoardisexcusedfromprovidingthenotificationspecifiedinsubsection(b)of
thissection.
(Ord.171993)
Section7. FAMILIARITYWITHELECTIONCODEANDRULESANDREGULATIONS.

TheBoardshallhaveavailableonrequestbycandidatesandchairpersonsofMeasureFinance
Committees,copiesoftheBoard'sRulesandRegulationsandtheCityCharterofAlbuquerque,
revisedtodate,andrequirethateachcandidatefilingaDeclarationofCandidacyandeach
chairpersonofaMeasureFinanceCommitteeacknowledgeinwritingreceiptofandfamiliarity
withthetermsofthisElectionCodeandtheBoard'sRulesandRegulations.Eachcandidateand
chairpersonshallfurnishanaddressandphonenumberatwhichthecandidateorchairpersoncan
bereached,andtowhichcommunications,includingnotificationsofallegedviolationsor
hearings,canbemailedordelivered,andagreeingthatnoticeleftatsuchaddressshallbe
deemedreceivedbythecandidateorchairperson.
(Ord.171993)
Section8. PRESERVATIONOFRECORDS.

(a) TherecordsandstatementsrequiredbythisElectionCodeshallbepreservedintactas
publicrecordsbytheBoardforaperiodofatleastsevenyearsaftertheelectioninquestion.
(b) AllrecordsoftheBoardin theconductofitsbusiness,includingminutesofmeetings
andrecommendationstotheCityCouncilandMayor,shallbepreservedintactaspermanent
publicrecordsbytheBoard.
(Ord.171993)
Section9. RULESANDREGULATIONSASSISTANCE[CAMPAIGNANDELECTIONAUDITOR].

(a) TheBoardshallpromulgatereasonableRulesandRegulationsforitsconductandin
aidofinterpretationandenforcementofthisElectionCode,andamendsuchRulesand
Regulationsasitmay,fromtimetotime,deemadvisableprovided,thatamendmentstosaid
RulesandRegulationsshallnotbemadebytheBoardduringtheninetydaysprecedingan
election.ThecurrentRulesandRegulationsoftheBoardshallbemadeavailableinpublished
formnolaterthansixtydaysprior toanyelection.
(b)ThereisherebycreatedthepositionofCampaignandElectionAuditor.TheAuditorshall
beeitheraCertifiedPublicAccountantoraRegisteredPublicAccountantandshall:

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1.BeretainedbytheBoardasanindependentcontractortoservefromtheestablisheddate
offilingoftheDeclarationofCandidacyforeachelectionuntilninetydaysfollowingthe
specifiedfinaldatesetforthforfilingofthefinalstatementondisclosureofcampaignfinancing
provided,that theBoardinitsdiscretionmayretaintheservicesoftheAuditoratothertimes
includingelectionsinwhichonlymeasuresaretobeplacedontheballot.
2. Monitoralldisclosurestatementstoexaminetheaccuracyandcompliancebythe
personfilingsuchstatementswiththeprovisionsofthisElectionCodeandwithanyRulesand
RegulationspromulgatedbytheBoard,andprovidesuchotherservicesasmayberequiredby
theBoard.
3. AtthedirectionoftheBoard,beavailabletoassistcandidatesandMeasureFinance
CommitteesinconnectionwiththisElectionCodeandwithanyRulesandRegulations
promulgatedbytheBoard,andprovidesuchotherservicesasmayberequiredbytheBoard.
(Ord.171993)
Section10. ENFORCEMENT.

(a) ChargesofViolations.
1. AnychargeorchargesthatacandidateorthechairpersonofaMeasureFinance
CommitteeoranyothergrouphascommittedaviolationofthisElectionCodeoroftheRules
andRegulationspromulgatedbytheBoardshallbemadeinwriting,notarizedandbrought
beforetheBoard.
2. Eachchargeofanyallegedviolationshallspecifythespecificprovisionallegedto
havebeenviolatedoraclearandconcisestatementofwhythecomplainantbelievesaviolation
hasoccurred,andshallincludedocumentationastotime,place,facts,andthenamesofany
witnessestotheallegedviolation.Nochargeshallbeacceptedunlessthecomplaintissignedand
unlessthedocumentationreferredtoabove, thestatementoftheprovisionallegedtohavebeen
violated,orthereasonforthecomplaint,ispresentedatthesametimethecomplaintisfiled.
3. Exceptasprovidedinsubsection(d)ofthissection,theBoardshallgivewritten
noticeofsuchchargeorchargestothecandidateorchairpersonbeforetakingfurtheraction.
(b) TheBoard,initsdiscretion,mayestablishaComplaintCommitteetoreviewthe
complaintforcompleteness,andtheComplaintCommitteeshalleitherreferthecomplainttothe
BoardorrejectthecomplaintandgivewrittennoticetotheBoardandthecomplainantofthe
reasonsfortherejection. ThecomplainantmayappealtheComplaintCommittee'srejectionto
theBoard.
(c) UponreferralofanycomplaintbytheBoard,theCampaignandElectionAuditorshall
investigatethechargeorchargesandreporttotheBoard.

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(d) Notwithstandinganyotherprovisioninthissection,theBoardmay,onitsown
initiative,initiateachargeorchargesthatacandidateorthechairpersonofaMeasureFinance
CommitteeoranyothergrouphascommittedaviolationofthisElectionCodeoroftheRules
andRegulationspromulgatedbytheBoard. Intheeventthatinspectionand/orauditofthe
candidatesorMeasureFinanceCommitteescampaignfinancialrecordsmadepursuanttoSection
4(i)3.resultsinachargeorchargesagainstacandidateorMeasureFinanceCommittee,written
noticetothecandidateorchairpersonofthechargeorchargesshallnotberequiredbeforethe
Boardtakesfurtheraction.
(e) ShouldtheBoardfind,afterduehearing,thataviolationofthisElectionCodeorthe
RulesandRegulationsoftheBoardhasoccurred,itmay,foreachviolation,issueapublic
reprimandorimposeafinenottoexceedthemaximumamountauthorizedbystatelaw,ordo
both.
(f) AutomaticFines. Notwithstandingsubsection(e)ofthissection,afailuretofileorlate
filingshallsubjectthecandidateorthechairpersonoftheMeasureFinanceCommitteeorany
otherobligatedperson,whichevermaybethecase,toanautomaticfineandpublicreprimand
accordingtotheschedulesestablishedintheRulesandRegulationsoftheBoard.Insituations
wherethereisanincompletefilingthecandidateorthechairpersonoftheMeasureFinance
Committeeshallbenotifiedofthefailureandshallhavetendaysfromthedateofnoticeto
correctthefailure. Iftheincompletefilingisnotcorrectedwithintendaysthereshallbean
automaticfineandpublicreprimand. IfthefailureiscorrectedwithintendaysandtheBoard
determinesfromthefaceofthefilingsthatanyfailureappearstohavebeeninadvertentand
madeingoodfaith,theBoardshallfindthattherehasbeennoviolation.
(g) Inadditiontoimposingsuchsanctions,orasanalternativethereto,andiftheviolator
beasuccessfulcandidateintheelection,theBoardmayrecommendtotheCouncilthatthe
violatorberemovedfromoffice.
(h) TheCouncilmay,upontherecommendationoftheBoard,andafterduehearingofthe
charge,orderthesuspensionorremovalofanelectedofficialprovided,however,thatnoofficial
shallberemovedorsuspendedexceptupontheconcurrenceoftwothirdsoftheCouncillors
qualifiedtovotethereon.
(i) AnappealmaybetakenfromanyfindingsandactionoftheBoardpursuantto
subsections(e)and(f)ofthissectionandfromanyorderoftheCouncilpursuanttosubsection
(h)ofthisSectiontotheDistrictCourtoftheSecondJudicialDistrict,byfilingNoticeofAppeal
inthesaidDistrictCourtwithinfivedaysofthedateoftheactionororderappealedfrom,andby
filingwithsaidDistrictCourtwithinthirtydaysatruetranscriptandrecordoftheproceedings
uponwhichsaidactionororderisbased.ThehearinginDistrictCourtshallbeheldonsaid
transcriptandrecordonly,andnewtestimonyshallnotbetaken.
(j) Allfinesnottimelypaidshallbeassessedinterestatthemaximumrateallowedby
statelawcommencingonthethirtyfirstdayfollowingthedatethatthefinewasimposed.
(k)

AnyfinescollectedunderthissectionshallbeplacedintotheCity'sGeneralFund.

Page 37 of 60

(Ord.171993Am.Ord.342006)
Section11. NONWAIVEROFPENALTIES.

Nothinghereinsetforthshallbeconstruedtoaffectorotherwisediminishanypenalties
otherwiseprovidedbylawforviolationofthisElectionCodeortheRulesandRegulations
promulgatedbytheBoard,norshallpreventtheBoardfrombringingtotheattentionofthe
properauthorityanyallegedviolationcomingtoitsattentionwhichmaybesubjecttoother
penalties.
(Ord.171993)
Section12. AMENDMENTS.

ThisElectionCodemaybeamendedwithoutrequiringcompliancewithArticleVIofthis
CharterbyordinanceadoptedbyamajorityplustwooftheentiremembershipoftheCouncil
votinginfavorofsuchamendmentoramendments,andsaidordinancebeingotherwisegoverned
byArticleXIofthisCharter.
(Ord.171993)
Section13. REPRESENTATIVEINSPECTIONS.

(a) CertificationofRepresentatives. Alldeclaredandcertifiedcandidatesformunicipal


office,measurefinancecommitteeorcommitteeororganizationdedicatedtoturningoutthe
votersonelectiondayshallbeentitledtodesignaterepresentativeswhomayenterprecinct
pollingplacesforthesolepurposeofobservingvotersignaturerosters. Eachcandidate,measure
financecommitteeorcommitteeororganizationdedicatedtoturningoutvotersonelectionday
shallrequestfromtheCityClerkthenumberofrepresentativeauthorizationpassesthatare
wishedforuseonelectionday. Theauthorizationpassesshalldesignatethenameofthe
candidate,measurefinancecommitteeorcommitteeororganizationdedicatedtoturningout
votersonelectiondayandmaybeusedatanyprecinctwithintheCityCouncildistrictthata
CouncillorcandidateisseekingoralldistrictsforMayoralcandidates. Theauthorizationpasses
maybeusedbythosepeopledesignatedbythecandidate,measurefinancecommitteeor
committeeororganizationdedicatedtoturningoutvotersonelectionday. Thecandidates'
representatives'nameneednotappearontheauthorizationpass.
(b) AccesstoSignatureRosters. Candidate,committeeand/ororganizationrepresentatives
whohavereceivedanauthorizationpassmayenterthepollingprecinctstoobservethevoter
signaturerostersduringthehoursthepollingplaceremainsopentovoters. Those
representativesmayobservethevotersignaturerostersattimesandinaplaceandmannerthat
thepresidingelectionjudgedeterminesshallnotinterfereintheorderlyandtimelyprocessof
voting. Onlymembersoftheprecinctboardshallhandlesignaturerosters. Theprecinctelection
judgesshallfacilitatetherepresentativesinobservingeachpageofthevoterroster. Nomore
thanonerepresentativeforaparticularcandidate,committeeororganizationshallbepresentata
precinctatatime. Shouldrepresentativesformorethanonecandidate,committeeor

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organizationwishtoobservethevoterrosteratthesametime,thepresidingelectionjudgeshall
determinethemannerinwhichsuchobservationshalltakeplace.
(c) OrderlyConduct. Intheeventacandidate,committeeororganizationrepresentativeis
disorderlyorfailstoobeytheinstructionsofaprecinctelectionjudge,therepresentativeshall
surrenderhisauthorizationpassandshallnolongerbeentitledtobepresentatthepollingplace
asarepresentative.
(Ord.402003)
Section14. [PHOTOVOTERIDENTIFICATIONREQUIRED].

Whenavoterapproachestheelectionpollingplaceseekingtovote,thevotermustidentify
himselforherselfaudiblybyname. TheMunicipalElectionClerkshalllocateintheelection
rollsthenamespokenandasktheindividualseekingtovoteforonecurrentvalididentification
cardcontainingthevotersnameandphotograph. Suchphotoidentificationcardmayinclude
anycardissuedbyagovernmentagency,driverslicense,studentidentificationcard,
commercialtransactioncardsuchasacreditordebitcard,insurancecard,unioncard,a
professionalassociationcardorthevoteridentificationcardissuedbytheCityClerk. Ifthe
individualisunabletoprovideaphotoidentificationcard,heorsheshallbeallowedtovoteona
provisionalballot,butonlyifheorsheswearsoraffirmsunderpenaltyofperjuryinanaffidavit
providedbytheCityClerkthatheorsheistheregisteredvoterlistedonthevoterregistration
rollsattheprecinctatwhichheorshepresentedhimselforherselftovoteandprovideshisor
herdateofbirthandthelastfourdigitsofhisorhersocialsecuritynumber. Provisionalballots
shallbeissuedfornootherreasonthanthefailuretopresentphotoidentification. Provisional
ballotsshallbecountedonlybytheMunicipalCanvassingBoardandonlyuponthevoters
presentationtotheCityClerkwithinthetendaycanvassingperiodoneofthephoto
identificationcardsdescribedinthissection. TheMunicipalCanvassingBoardshallalsoverify
thatthevoterwhocasttheprovisionalballotwasregisteredtovotefortheelectionanddidnot
voteelsewhereinthesameelection. Ifavoterwhocastaprovisionalballotunderthissection
swearsoraffirmsunderpenaltyofperjuryinanaffidavitprovidedbytheCityClerkwithinthe
tendaycanvassingperiodthatheorshehasareligiousobjectiontobeingphotographed,such
votershallnotberequiredtosubmitphotoidentification. TheMunicipalCanvassingBoardshall
otherwiseverifythattheprovisionalballotwasvalid. TheCityClerkshalldevelopandprovide
instructionsforelectionsjudgesconcerningtherequirementsofthisSectionandamethodof
complaintandresolutionforindividualswhofeeltheyhavebeendiscriminatedagainstby
electionofficials ortheCityClerksadministrationofthisSection,inaccordancewithfederal
intimidationguidelines. Knowinglyexecutingafalsestatementconstitutesperjuryasprovided
inSection30251NMSA1978andvotingonthebasisofafalselyexecutedstatement
constitutesfalsevotingasprovidedinSection1208NMSA1978.Voterphotoidentification
cardsshallbeissuedbytheCityClerkwithoutchargetoanyvoterwhopresentsanytwoofthe
followingidentificationdocumentsthatshowthenameandaddressofthevoter:astateissued
identificationcard,socialsecuritycard,studentidentificationcard,librarycard,insurancecard,
selectiveservicecard,unioncard,professionalassociationcard,utilitybill,bankstatement,
governmentcheckorapaycheck. Iftheindividualisunabletopresentanytwoofthese
documentstotheCityClerk,thenthevotershallswearoraffirminwritingunderpenaltyof
perjurythatheorsheistheregisteredvoterandshallbeissuedavoterphotoidentificationcard
uponconfirmationwiththeCountyClerkthatsuchpersonispresentlyregisteredtovote. The

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CityClerkissuedvoterphotoidentificationcardshallstateonitsfacethatitshallnotbevalidfor
identificationotherthanforthepurposeofvotinginCityElectionsandshallnotbevalidifthe
voterissubsequentlypurgedfromthevoterrolls.TheMunicipalCanvassingBoardshallcertify
theresultsoftheMunicipalElectionbytheendofthetenthdayafterthedayonwhichthe
electionisheld.PursuanttoArticleII,Section2(b)oftheCityCharter,thisSectionshalltake
precedenceovertheStateMunicipalElectionCode.Theprovisionsof thisSectionshallapply
onlytoCityofAlbuquerqueMunicipalElections.
(Section14adoptedatRegularMunicipalElection,October4,2005.)

ARTICLEXIV. SEVERABILITY
Section1. NOIMPAIRMENTFROMPARTIALINVALIDITY.

TheprovisionsofthisCharterareseverable,andifanyprovision,section,clause,sentence,or
partthereofisheldtobeillegal,invalid,unconstitutional,orinapplicable,toanyperson,persons,
circumstances,situation,orotherwise,theillegality,invalidity,unconstitutionalityor
inapplicabilityshallnotaffectorimpairanyoftheremainingsentences,clauses,sections,
articles,orpartsofthisCharterortheirapplicabilitytootherpersons,circumstancesor
situations.
(AdoptedatSpecialElection,February26,1974aspartofProposition#3.)

ARTICLEXV.COMPETITIVEBIDDING
FORELECTRICALFRANCHISES
TheCityofAlbuquerqueshallhavenopowertograntorextendanyfranchises,licensesor
otherrightstoprovideelectricitytothepublicortowholesalersunlessthefranchise,licenseor
righthasbeenawardedbycompetitivebidtothelowestcostsuppliers. Thetotaltermofany
franchise,licenseorrightshallnotexceed25years. Thecityshallhavethepowerandthe
mandatorydutytoimplementthisArticlethroughlegislation. Suchlegislationshallmaximize
actualcompetitionintheselectionprocess,infactaswellasform. ThisArticleshallnotprohibit
thegrantofmultiplefranchises,licensesorrightsforallorpartofthecity.
(ArticleXVadoptedatRunoffElection,November1,1989.)

ARTICLEXVI. OPENANDETHICALELECTIONS
CODE
Section1. [TITLE].

Sections1through21ofthisarticlemaybecitedasthe"OpenandEthicalElectionsCode".
Section2. LEGISLATIVEINTENT.

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Theintentof theOpenandEthicalElectionsCodeisto:
(A) Avoidbothactualundueinfluenceoflargecampaigndonorsandtheappearanceof
undueinfluenceinCouncilandMayoralelectionsanddecisionmaking
(B) Diminishthepublicperceptionofcorruptionandstrengthenpublicconfidenceinthe
governmentalandelectionprocess
(C) Providewellqualifiedcandidateswithadequatefundingtomountcampaignsto
encouragecompetitiveCouncilandMayoralelectionssothattheCitysresidentshavemore
choicesabouttheleadershipanddirectionoftheCity
(D) Increasetheaccountabilityofelectedofficialstotheirconstituentswhoelectthem,as
opposedtothecontributorswhofundtheircampaignsand
(E) InsurethattheCitysCouncilandMayoralelectionprocessisfair,responsibleand
ethical.
Section3. DEFINITIONS.

AsusedintheOpenandEthicalElectionsCode:
(A) APPLICANTCANDIDATE. Acandidate,butnotawriteincandidate,runningfora
CoveredOfficeandwhoisseekingtobeaParticipatingCandidate.
(B)

CLERK. TheCityClerk.

(C) CONTESTEDELECTION.Aregularmunicipalelectioninwhichthereismorethan
onecandidateforaCityCouncilorMayorposition.
(D) COVEREDOFFICE. CityCouncilorMayor.
(E) ELECTIONEERINGCOMMUNICATION.Anycommunicationbroadcastedby
televisionorradio,printedinanewspaperoronabillboard,directlymailedordeliveredbyhand
topersonalresidencesorotherwisedistributedthat:
(1)

unambiguouslyreferstoanycandidateand

(2) isbroadcasted,printed,mailed,deliveredordistributedwithinthirtydaysbeforea
regularmunicipalelectionand
(3) isbroadcastedto,printedinanewspaperdistributedto,mailedto,deliveredbyhand
toorotherwisedistributedtoanaudiencethatincludesmembersoftheelectorateforaCovered
Office.
(4) ELECTIONEERINGCOMMUNICATIONdoesnotinclude:

Page 41 of 60

(a) anynewsarticles,editorialendorsements,opinionorcommentary,writingsor
letterstotheeditorprintedinanewspaper,magazineorotherperiodicalnotownedorcontrolled
byacandidateorpoliticalparty
(b) anyeditorialendorsementsoropinionsairedbyabroadcastfacilitynotownedor
controlledbyacandidateorpoliticalparty
(c) anycommunicationbyPersonsmadeintheregularcourseandscopeoftheir
businessoranycommunicationmadebyamembershiporganizationsolelytomembersofsuch
organizationandtheirfamiliesor
(d) paidforbyacandidateorcandidatescampaigncommittee.
(F) EXPENDITURE. Thepaymentorfurnishingofmoneyoranythingof valueorthe
incurringorrepaymentofindebtednessorobligation,byoronbehalfofanyPerson,candidateor
politicalcommitteeinconsiderationforanyservices,supplies,equipmentorotherthingofvalue
performedorfurnishedforanyreason,includingsupportoforoppositiontoacandidate,political
committeeormeasurefororforreducingthedebtofaParticipatingCandidatefornominationor
electiontoaCoveredOffice.
(G) EXPLORATORYPERIOD.
(1)

ForMayoralcandidates,fromJanuary1throughFebruary15and

(2)

ForCouncilcandidates,fromMarch15throughApril30.

(H) EXPRESSADVOCACY. AnExpendituremadebyaPersonorgroup,otherthana


candidateoracandidatescommittee,thatadvocatestheelectionordefeatofacandidate,
includingallcostsofdesigning,producingordisseminatingacommunicationthatcontains
phrasessuchasvotefor,reelect,support, castyourballotfor,[nameofcandidate]for
[nameofoffice],[nameofcandidate]in[year],voteagainst,defeat,rejectorsimilar
phrases.
(I)

FUND. TheOpenandEthicalElectionsFund.

(J) INDEPENDENTEXPENDITURE. AnyfundsspentonExpressAdvocacyor


ElectioneeringCommunicationsthatarenotcoordinatedwithanycandidatescampaign.The
ClerkshalladoptregulationstodeterminewhetherfundsspentonExpressAdvocacyor
ElectioneeringCommunicationsarecoordinatedExpenditures.CoordinatedExpenditureson
ExpressAdvocacyorElectioneeringCommunicationsaretreatedascontributions.
(K) INKINDCONTRIBUTION. Agoodorservice,otherthanmoney,havingmonetary
valuenottoexceedmorethan5%oftheannualsalaryforsuchofficeatthetimeoffilingthe
DeclarationofCandidacy,butnotincludinganindividualwhovolunteershisownpersonal
service.

Page 42 of 60

(L) NONPARTICIPATINGCANDIDATE.AcandidaterunningforaCoveredOfficewho
doesnotchoosetoparticipateintheOpenandEthicalElectionsCodeoracandidaterunningfor
aCoveredOfficewhodeclaresanintenttoparticipateintheOpenandEthicalElectionsCode,
butwhofailstobecomeaParticipatingCandidate.
(M) OPPOSINGFUNDS. FundsspentopposingaParticipatingCandidate. Theamountof
OpposingFundsiscalculatedbydeterminingtheopponentoftheParticipatingCandidatewho
hasthehighesttotalofExpendituresandsupportiveIndependentExpenditurestheamountof
OpposingFundsiscalculatedbytotalingtheExpendituresmadebythatopponent,theamount
spentonIndependentExpendituresinsupportofthatopponentandtheamountspenton
IndependentExpendituresinoppositiontotheParticipatingCandidate. NoIndependent
ExpendituremaybecountedasbothopposingaParticipatingCandidateandin supportofthat
candidatesopponent.
(N) PARTICIPATINGCANDIDATE. AcandidaterunningforaCoveredOfficewho
choosestoobtainfinancingpursuanttotheOpenandEthicalElectionsCodeandwhoiscertified
toparticipateasanOpenandEthical ElectionsCodeCandidate.
(O) PERSON.
(1)

aCityresident

(2) alabororganization,club,associationororganizationwhohavememberswhoare
Cityresidentsor
(3) acorporation,limitedliabilitycompany,firm,partnership,jointstockcompanyor
otherentityconductingbusinessintheCity.
(P) QUALIFYINGCONTRIBUTION. Adonationof$5.00intheformofcash,check,
debitcard,creditcardormoneyorderpayabletotheFundinsupportofanApplicantCandidate
that:
(1) fortheMayoralraceismadebyaregisteredCityvoterandforaCouncilraceis
madebyaregisteredCityvoterresidinginthedistrictinwhichtheApplicantCandidatedesires
torepresent
(2) ismadeduringthedesignatedQualifyingPeriodandobtainedthrougheffortsmade
withtheknowledgeandapprovaloftheApplicantCandidate
(3) isacknowledgedbyareceiptthatidentifiesthecontributor'snameandresidential
addressonformsprovidedbytheClerkandthatissignedbythecontributor,onecopyofwhich
isattachedtothelistofcontributorsandsenttotheCityClerkand
(4)

identifieswhichApplicantCandidatetheCityresidentsupports.

(Q) QUALIFYINGPERIOD.

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(1)

ForMayoralcandidates,fromFebruary16throughMarch31and

(2)

ForCouncilcandidates,fromMay1throughMay31.

(R) SEEDMONEY. AcontributioninsupportofanApplicantCandidateofnomorethan


$100perPerson,exceptfortheApplicantCandidatewhocancontributeupto$500.00,raisedfor
theprimarypurposeofenablingApplicantCandidatestocollectQualifyingContributionsand
petitionsignaturestheaggregateamountofwhichmaynotexceed10%oftheapplicable
spendinglimit.
Section4. TERMSOFPARTICIPATIONDECLARATIONOFINTENT.

(A) AnApplicantCandidate,choosingtoobtainfinancingpursuanttotheOpenandEthical
ElectionsCode,shallfileadeclarationofintentwiththeClerktoparticipateasanApplicant
CandidateforaCoveredOffice.ThedeclarationofintentshallbefiledwiththeClerkpriortoor
duringtheQualifyingPeriodaccordingtoformsandproceduresdevelopedbytheClerk.
(B) AnApplicantCandidateshallsubmitadeclarationofintentpriortocollectingany
QualifyingContributionsandmakeexplicitinthedeclarationofintentthattheApplicant
CandidatehascompliedwithandwillcontinuetocomplywiththeOpenandEthicalCodes
contributionandExpenditurelimitsandallotherrequirementssetforthintheOpenandEthical
ElectionsCode.
(C) AnApplicantCandidateshallfileadetailedcontributionandExpenditurereport
regardingSeedMoneyandInKindContributionswiththeClerkatthetimeoffilinga
declarationofintent.
(D) ThedeclarationofintentshallspecifythattheApplicantCandidateagreesthatany
moneyreceivedfromtheFundshallnotbeusedtoretireapriorcampaigndebtfromaprevious
electionperiod.
Section5. QUALIFYINGCONTRIBUTIONS.

(A) AnApplicantCandidateforMayorshallobtainQualifyingContributionsfroma
minimumof1%ofregisteredCityvoters.
(B) AnApplicantCandidateforCouncilshallobtainQualifyingContributionsfroma
minimumof1%oftheCityvotersregisteredinthedistrictthattheApplicantCandidatedesires
torepresent.
(C) Nopayment,giftoranythingofvalueshallbegiveninexchangeforaQualifying
Contribution.
Section6. SEEDMONEYINKINDCONTRIBUTIONS.

(A) AnApplicantCandidatemayacceptSeedMoneyduringtheExploratoryPeriodand
QualifyingPeriodnottoexceed$100perPerson.

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(B) AnApplicantCandidatemaycontributeupto$500fromtheApplicantCandidates
personalfundsforSeedMoney.
(C) SeedMoneythatexceeds10%oftheapplicabledistributiontoaParticipating
CandidateshallbedeductedfromtherevenuesdistributedtotheApplicantCandidatefromthe
Fund.
(D) TheaggregateamountofSeedMoneyreceivedandspentbyanApplicantCandidate
shallnotexceedanamountequalto10%oftheapplicabledistributiontoaParticipating
Candidate.
(E) AnApplicantCandidatemayacceptInKindContributionsfromthebeginningofthe
ExploratoryPerioduptotheregularmunicipalelection. ThevalueofanyInKindContribution
shallnotcountagainsttheapplicablelimitonSeedMoneycontributions. Theaggregateamount
ofInKindContributionsreceivedbyanApplicantCandidateshallnotexceedanamountequal
to10%oftheapplicablespendinglimit.
(F) VolunteerworkhoursarenonreportableandshallnotcountasInKindContributions
oragainsttheapplicablelimitonSeedMoney. Anindividualmayvolunteerpersonalservicesto
anApplicantCandidateaslongasthevolunteerisnotcompensated. Ifanindividualvolunteers
duringworkinghours,paidbyathirdpartyemployerortheApplicantCandidate,thenthat
employermakesanInKindContributiontotheApplicantCandidate.
(G) IfaParticipatingCandidateisdefeatedoriselected,anyunspentSeedMoneyshallbe
forfeitedtotheFund.
Section7. CERTIFICATIONOFPARTICIPATION.

(A) UponreceiptofafinalsubmittalofQualifyingContributionsbyanApplicant
Candidate,theClerkshalldeterminewhethertheApplicantCandidatehas:
(1)

signedandfiledadeclarationofintenttoobtainfundrevenue

(2)

submittedtheappropriatenumberofQualifyingContributions

(3)

qualifiedasacandidatepursuanttootherapplicableCityandStateelectionlaw

(4)

compliedwithSeedMoneycontributionandExpenditurerestrictionsand

(5) otherwisemettherequirementsforobtainingfinancingpursuanttotheOpenand
EthicalElectionsCode.
(B) TheClerkshallcertifyApplicantCandidatesrunningforMayor,complyingwiththe
requirementsofthissection,asParticipatingCandidatesonApril1afterfinalsubmittalof
QualifyingContributions. TheClerkshallcertifyApplicantCandidatesrunningforCouncil,

Page 45 of 60

complyingwiththerequirementsofthissection,asParticipatingCandidatesonJune1afterfinal
submittalofQualifyingContributions.
(C) AttheendoftheQualifyingPeriod,anApplicantCandidateshallfileSeedMoney
contributionandExpenditurereportswiththeirapplicationforcertificationasaParticipating
Candidate.
(D) A ParticipatingCandidateshallcomplywithallrequirementsoftheOpenandEthical
ElectionsCodeandapplicableCityandstateelectionlawaftercertificationasaParticipating
Candidateandthroughouttheelectioncycle.
Section8. GUIDELINESANDRESTRICTIONSFORCONTRIBUTIONSTOANDEXPENDITURESOF
PARTICIPATINGCANDIDATES.

(A) AllmoneydistributedtoaParticipatingCandidateshallbeusedforthatParticipating
Candidate'scampaignrelatedpurposesintheelectionyearinwhichthemoneywasdistributed.
(B) AParticipatingCandidateshalllimittotalcampaignExpendituresanddebtstothe
amountofmoneydistributedtothatParticipatingCandidatefromtheFundplusanycollected
SeedMoney.AParticipatingCandidateshallnotacceptcontributionsorloansfromanyother
source.
(C) Withintwoweeksaftertheregularmunicipalelection,aParticipatingCandidateshall
returntotheClerkfordirectdepositintotheFundanyamountthatisunspentorunencumbered
bythedateofthemunicipalelection.
(D) AParticipatingCandidateshallnotuserevenuesfromtheFundforpersonaluse
including:
(1) salaryorpaymenttoanindividualunlessthatindividualisprovidingbonafide
servicestothecampaign andiscompensatedatfairmarketvalue
(2) admissiontoasportingevent,concert,theaterorotherformofentertainmentunless
partofaspecificcampaignactivity
(3) dues,fees,parkingorgratuitiesatacountryclub,healthcluborotherrecreational
facilityunlessthecostsarepartofaspecificfundraisingevent
(4)

mortgage,rentorhouseholdutilitypaymentsforanypartofapersonalresidence

(5)

purchasesofhouseholdfooditemsor suppliesor

(6)

purchaseofclothing,otherthanitemsofdeminimusvalueusedinthecampaign.

(E)

AParticipatingCandidateshallnotuserevenuesdistributedfromtheFundto:

(1)

contributetoanyothercandidate,politicalcommitteeormeasure

Page 46 of 60

(2)

supportoropposeanycandidate,politicalcommitteeormeasurenotintheirrace

(3)

usetorepayanyloans,debtsorpenalties

(4) usetopayforconsultingservicestoanindividualunlesstheindividualisproviding
bonafideservicestothecampaignandiscompensatedatfairmarketvalueor
(5)

useforoutofstatetravel.

Section9. CANDIDATEREPORTINGREQUIREMENTS.

(A) TheClerkshallpublishguidelinesoutliningpermissiblecampaignrelated
Expenditures.
(B) ApplicantCandidatesshallfileQualifyingContributionswiththeClerkduringthe
QualifyingPeriodaccordingtoproceduresdevelopedbytheClerk.Indevelopingthese
procedures, theClerkshalluseexistingcampaignreportingproceduresanddeadlineswhenever
practical.
(C) ParticipatingCandidatesshallalsoreportExpendituresaccordingtothecampaign
reportingrequirementsspecifiedintheElectionCode.
Section10. FUNDCREATION FUNDUSE.

(A) ThereiscreatedintheCityTreasurythe"OpenandEthicalElectionsFund"solelyfor
thepurposesof:
(1)

financingtheelectioncampaignsofParticipatingCandidatesforCoveredOffices

(2) payingadministrativeandenforcementcostsoftheOpenandEthicalElections
Codeand
(3)

carryingoutallotherspecifiedprovisionsoftheOpenandEthicalElectionsCode.

(B) TheCityTreasurershallinvesttheFundasotherCityfundsareinvestedandpursuant
toSection4110ROA1994,andallincomederivedfromtheFundshallbecrediteddirectlyto
theFund. Within30daysaftertheendofeachfiscalyear,theCityTreasurershallfurnishthe
MayorandCouncilareportofallinvestmentactivityofthepastyearinconnectionwiththe
administrationoftheFund.Remainingbalancesattheendofafiscalyearshallremaininthe
FundandshallnotreverttothegeneralFund.
(C)

MoneyreceivedfromthefollowingsourcesshallbedepositeddirectlyintotheFund:

(1)

QualifyingContributionsthathavebeensubmittedtotheClerk

Page 47 of 60

(2) anyrecurringbalanceofunspentFundmoneydistributedtoaParticipating
CandidatewhodoesnotremainaParticipatingCandidatethroughthemunicipalelectionperiod
forwhichthemoneywasdistributed
(3) moneythatremainsunspentorunencumberedbyaParticipatingCandidate
followingthedateoftheregularmunicipalelection
(4)

SeedMoneythatexceeds10%oftheapplicablespendinglimitand

(5) additionalmoneyappropriatedbytheCouncilbasedonrecommendationsreceived
bytheClerkandtheCityAttorney.
(D) Onetenthof1%oftheapprovedGeneralFund(Fund110)appropriationshallbe
reservedintheFundtofundParticipatingCandidatesforthe2007regularmunicipalelectionand
subsequentregularmunicipalelectionsasprovidedintheOpenandEthicalElectionsCode.
(E) TheFundshallalsobefundedbyvoluntarycontributionsfrommembersofthepublic.
MoneyintheFundisappropriatedtotheClerktocarryoutthepurposesoftheOpenandEthical
ElectionsCode.
Section11. DETERMINATIONOFFUNDAMOUNT.

(A) OncetheOpenandEthicalElectionsCodeisenacted,theClerkshallprepareand
providetotheMayorandCouncilanannualreportdocumenting,evaluatingandmaking
recommendationsrelatingtotheadministration,implementationandenforcementoftheOpen
andEthicalElectionsCode.
(B) Inthereport,theClerkshallsetouttherevenuesreceivedtodate,theexpectedcoststo
theFundforthenextelectioncycleandtheamountofanyannualappropriationfromtheCouncil
thatwillberequiredtomeetthisneed.
Section12. TIMINGANDAMOUNTOFFUNDDISTRIBUTION.

(A) Beginningwiththeelectioncyclethatendswiththe2007regularmunicipalelection,
theClerkshalldistributemoneyfromtheFundtoParticipatingCandidates. TheClerkshall
distributerevenueasfollows:
(1)
heldand
(2)

ForMayoralcandidatesonApril1oftheyearthataregularmunicipalelectionis

ForCouncilcandidatesonJune1oftheyearthataregularmunicipalelectionis

held.
(B) TheClerkshalldistributethe$1.00perregisteredCityvotertoMayoralParticipating
Candidatesand$1.00perregisteredCityvoterresidinginthedistrictinwhichtheParticipating
Candidatedesirestorepresent.

Page 48 of 60

(C) TheamountofrevenuetobedistributedtoaParticipatingCandidateshallbereduced
byanamountequaltotheaggregateamountofSeedMoneycontributionsreceivedbythe
ParticipatingCandidateduringtheExploratoryandQualifyingPeriodsandbyQualifying
ContributionsreceivedbytheParticipatingCandidateduringtheapplicableQualifyingPeriod.
(D) AParticipatingCandidatemaywithdrawasaParticipatingCandidatebyfilinga
writtenstatementofwithdrawalwiththeClerk.
(E) IfthewithdrawnParticipatingCandidatecontinuestoparticipateintheelectionasa
NonParticipatingCandidatethen:
(1) atthetimethestatementofwithdrawalisfiled,thecandidateshalldelivertothe
ClerkanamountofmoneyequaltoallmoniesdistributedtothecandidatefromtheFundafter
thecandidatewascertifiedasaParticipatingCandidateplusinterestofthetotalamountof
moniesreceivedatarateof12%perannumand
(2) thecandidateshallstillberequiredtoabidebythespendinglimitssetforthinthe
OpenandEthicalElectionsCode.
(F) IfaParticipatingCandidateisnotcertifiedasacandidate,inaccordancewith
applicablestateandotherCitylaw,thenthecandidateshalldelivertotheClerkanamountof
moneyequaltoallmoniesdistributedtothecandidatefromtheFundafterthecandidatewas
certifiedasaParticipatingCandidateplusinterestofthetotalamountofmoniesreceivedatarate
of12%perannum.
(G) IfaParticipatingCandidateentirelywithdrawsfromaraceforaCoveredOfficethen
heshallimmediatelyreturnanyamounttotheFundthatisunspentorunencumberedatthetime
heceasestobeaParticipatingCandidatebeforearegularmunicipalelection.
Section13. INDEPENDENTEXPENDITUREDISCLOSUREREQUIREMENTS.

APersonmakinganIndependentExpenditureinanamountof$100ormoreorinan
aggregateamountof$100ormoreshallcomplywithArticleXIII,Section4oftheCityCharter.
Section14. ADJUSTMENTSTOFUNDDISTRIBUTION.

(A) OncethecertificationofparticipationforParticipatingCandidatesforaregular
municipalelectionhasbeencompleted,theClerkshallcalculatethetotalamountofmoneytobe
distributedintheelectioncycle,basedonthenumberofParticipatingCandidatesandthe
allocationsspecifiedinSection12oftheOpenandEthicalElectionsCodeandshallthen
distributetheFundrevenuewithintwobusinessdays.
(B) Iftheallocation specifiedinSubsectionAofthissectionisgreaterthanthetotal
amountavailablefordistribution,thentheamountstobedistributedtoindividualParticipating
Candidatesshalleachbereducedbythesamepercentageasthereductionbywhichthetotal
amountneededhasbeenreducedrelativetothetotalamountavailable.

Page 49 of 60
Section15. RUNOFFELECTIONS.

(A) OntheFridayafteramunicipalelectionwhentheelectionresultsarecertified,the
ClerkshallissueFundrevenuetoeachParticipatingCandidateinvolvedinarunoffelectionin
thefollowingamounts:
(1)

forMayoralcandidates$0.33perregisteredCityvoterand

(2)

forCouncilcandidates$0.33perregisteredCityvoterresidinginaCouncildistrict.

Section16. MATCHINGFUNDS OPPOSINGFUNDS.

Duringthecourseofaregularmunicipalelectionorarunoffelection,whenaParticipating
CandidatesOpposingFundsinaggregateamountaregreaterthanthefundsdistributedplusany
SeedMoneyspenttoaParticipatingCandidateinthesamerace,thentheParticipatingCandidate
isentitledtoreceivematchingfundsintheamountthattheOpposingFundsexceedthe
distributionfromtheFundplusanySeedMoneyspent. TotalOpposingFundstoaParticipating
CandidateinanelectionarelimitedtotwicetheamountoriginallydistributedtothatCandidate
pursuanttoSection12oftheOpenandEthicalElectionsCode. IftheallocationofOpposing
Fundsisgreaterthanthetotalamountavailablefordistribution,thentheamountsdistributedtoa
ParticipatingCandidateshallbereducedbythesamepercentageasthereductionbywhichthe
totalamountneededhasbeenreducedrelativetothetotalamountavailable.
Section17. COMMUNICATIONOFPARTICIPATIONSTATUSTOVOTERS.

OnceacandidateiscertifiedasaParticipatingCandidate,theClerkshallpublishastatement
ontheInternetthatthecandidateisaParticipatingCandidatewhohasagreedtothetermsand
conditionsoftheOpenandEthicalElectionsCode.
Section18. ADJUSTMENTSFORINFLATIONANDPOPULATIONGROWTH.

TheCityAttorneyandtheClerkshallreviewthedollaramountsspecifiedintheOpenand
EthicalElectionsCodeperiodically. TheCityAttorneyandClerkshallrecommendany
necessaryadjustmentstoreflectinflationorpopulationchangetotheCouncilandMayorto
consideramendmentstotheCode.
Section19. ADMINISTRATION CLERK DUTIES.

(A) TheClerkwiththeassistanceoftheCityAttorneyshalladoptrulestoinsureeffective
administrationoftheOpenandEthicalElectionsCode.
(B) Therulesshallincludeproceduresfor:
(1) qualifications,certificationanddisbursementofrevenuesandreturnofunspentFund
revenues
(2) obtainingQualifyingContributions

Page 50 of 60

(3)

certificationofacandidatesparticipation

(4)

collectionofrevenuesand

(5) returnofFunddisbursementsandothermoneytotheFund.
(C) TheClerkshallprovidethepublicwitheducationalmaterialsrelatingtotheprovisions
oftheOpenandEthicalElectionsCode.
Section20. APPEALS.

Theprocedureforchallengingacertificationofparticipationdecisionoradetermination
whetheraParticipatingCandidateiseligibleformatchingFundsbytheClerkisasfollows:
(A) APersonaggrievedbyacertificationofparticipationdecisionoradecisionregarding
thedistributionofmatchingFundsmayappealtotheClerkwithinthreedaysofthedecision.The
appealshallbeinwritingandshallsetforththereasonsforappeal
(B) withinfivedaysafteranappealisproperlymade,andafterduenoticeisgiventothe
partiesindispute,theCityHearingOfficershallholdahearingwhereby:
(1) theappellanthastheburdenofprovidingevidencetodemonstratethattheClerk's
decisionwasimproperand
(2) theCityHearingOfficershallruleontheappealwithinthreedaysafterthe
completionofthehearing
(C) thepartiesindisputemayappealthedecisionoftheCityHearingOfficerby
commencinganactionindistrictcourtpursuanttoNewMexicoRuleofCivilProcedure1074
and
(D) ParticipatingCandidateswhosecertificationofparticipationisrevokedonappealmay
berequiredtoreturntotheClerkuptoallmoneydistributedfromtheFund.IftheCityHearing
Officerorcourtfindsthatanappealwasmadefrivolouslyortoresultindelayorhardship,the
CityHearingOfficerorcourtmay sanctionthemovingpartybyrequiringthepartytopaythe
attorneysfeesandcourtcostsoftheadministrativehearing,thecourthearingandtheopposing
parties.
(E)

Forthepurposesofthissection,partiesindisputeincludestheCity.

Section21. PENALTIES ENFORCEMENT.

(A) EachandeveryviolationoftheOpenandEthicalElectionsCodeisacriminalviolation
subjecttotheprovisionsofSection1199ROA1994.
(B) TheCityAttorneyshallenforcetheOpenandEthicalElectionsCode.

Page 51 of 60

(ArticleXVIadoptedatRegularMunicipalElection,October4,2005)

APPENDIXA:NINECOUNCILDISTRICTS
IDENTIFIED
ACCORDINGTOBERNALILLOCOUNTYPRECINCTS
JUNE2001
District

PrecinctNumbers

No.1

23

28

29

32

34

35

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

49

50

52

53

54

55

73

76

88

90

91

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

18

86

125

150

151

152

153

154

161

162

163

164

165

166 180

181

182

183

184

185

186

187

191

192

193

194 195

196

197

346

347

431

432

433

435

436

437

438 442

443

444

33

36

37

45

46

47

48

51

61

62

63

72

93

94

95

96

98

101

102

103

104

105 106

121

122

123

124

131

132

133

135

211

212

214 215

216

217

221

223

224

225

226

241

242

243

246 257

258

341

342

343

344

345

355

356

357

358

406

407

408

409

410

418

419

420

421

422

423 424

425

426

427

439

440

447

481

482

484

485

486 487

488

489

490

499

500

510

511

512

529

601

20

21

22

24

25

26

27

30

81

82

83

84

85

87

89

111

112

113

114

107

244

245

251

252

253

254

255

256

271

272 273

120
No.2

No.3

No.4

No.5

No.6

65

80

Page 52 of 60

No.7

No.8

No.9

274

275

278

281

282

283

284

285

286

287

311 312

318

321

322

323

326

327

351

352

353

381

382 383

384

477

478

313

314

315

316

317

354

371

372

373

374

375 385

386

387

400

401

402

403

404

405

411

412

413 414

415

416

417

434

441

445

446

461

462

463

464 465

466

471

472

473

474

475

491

492

493

494

495 496

497

498

502

503

504

506

507

508

509

513

514 523

302

303

307

428

429

430

449

450

451

452

453 454

480

483

505

515

516

517

518

519

520

521

522 524

525

526

527

528

530

537

538

540

548

560

561 562

563

564

565

566

568

602

289

290

291

292

293

294

295

296

297

298

299 300

301

304

305

306

308

328

329

330

331

332

333 476

531

532

533

534

535

536

542

543

544

545

546 547

549

550

(Am.Ord.351981Am.Ord.411981Am.Ord.281991Am.Ord.311991Am.Ord.21
1993AmOrd.262001)

HISTORICALPOSTSCRIPT
TheCityofAlbuquerqueasacommunitywasestablishedin1706withthefoundingofOld
TownbytheSpanish. In1885,whileNewMexicowasstillaterritoryoftheUnitedStates,
AlbuquerquewascharteredasaTown,andin1891AlbuquerquewasorganizedunderTerritorial
lawsasacity.
TheCharteradoptedpursuanttoStateLaw,underwhichtheCityofAlbuquerquegovernment
nowoperates,wasadoptedin1917. ItchangedthesystemofgovernmentfromaMayorCouncil
(ward)systemtoaCommissionManagersystem. TheCharterwasamendedfourtimes(July22,
1919,October7,1919,February15,1966,andJune29,1971)priortothecity'sgovernment
beingchangedtotheMayorCouncilformin1974.
TheJuly22,1919amendmentincreasedthenumberofCityCommissionersfromthreetofive
andprovidedfortheelectionoftheaddedmemberswithin60days[Note1]. Theywereinfact

Page 53 of 60

chosenOctober7,1919,andtheirsuccessorshavebeenselectedeveryfouryearsthereafter
[Note2]. AlsoattheOctober7,1919election,twoadditionalamendmentswereadopted,one
concerningthemethodoffillingvacanciesontheCityCommissioncreatedbyarecallelection
andtheothereliminatingtheprovisionconcerningcompensationof$5perweekforeach
memberoftheCityCommission.
AttheSpecialElection,February15,1966,eightamendments,addingsomenewsectionsand
repealingsomeothersections,wereadoptedasindicatedintheparentheticalstatements
followingtheappropriatesections. TheseamendmentsweresubmittedtotheelectorsoftheCity
ofAlbuquerqueuponrecommendationsmadebyaCityCharterStudyCommitteeappointedby
theCityCommissiononJuly6,1965. Nineproposalshadbeenmadebutonerecommendation
wasrejectedbytheelectors. TherejectedproposalwouldhaveincreasedthenumberofCity
CommissionersfromfivetosevenandchangedthegeneralelectiondatetothefirstTuesdayof
Marchinevennumberedyears[Note3].
OnNovember3,1970,theStateadoptedanewconstitutionalprovisionpopularlycalledthe
HomeRuleAmendmenttotheNewMexicoStateConstitution,compiledasArticleX,Section
6. Subsequently,onDecember7,1970,theCityCommissionappointedaCharterStudy
CommitteewhichmadeitsfinalreportonMay10,1971. Itsrecommendations,consistingof
fivepropositions,weresubmittedtotheelectorsonJune29,1971ofthesepropositions,three
wereadopted. ThepreambleandArticleIprovidingforHomeRulewere amended,anew
provision(ArticleVIII)wasadoptedconcerninghumanrights,andanewprovision(ArticleIX)
wasaddedconcerningthepreservationofenvironment[Note4].
Ofthetwoproposedamendmentswhichwerenotadopted,Proposition#2wouldhave
changedtheformofcitygovernmenttoaMayorCounciltype,wouldhaveestablished
councilmanicdistricts,providedfortheofficialsalariesandwouldhavemadeotherchanges.
Proposition#5wouldhavepermittedtheCityCounciltoestablishsubordinategovernmental
districtsandprovideanelectivecitizencouncilineachdistrictwithauthoritytoactupon
appropriatelocalmatters.
ItshouldbenotedthattheCharterCommitteeof1971proposedthetitle"CityCouncil"for
theexistingCityCommission. SincePropositions#2and#5failedwhilePropositions#1,#3,
and#4succeeded,thereadershouldrecognizethat"CityCommission"and"CityCouncil"refer
tothesamebody.
OnJanuary 24,1974,theCityCommissionsubmittedtotheelectorsfiveproposed
amendmentswhichwerevoteduponattheSpecialElection,February26,1974. Three
amendmentswereadoptedbytheelectorateasindicatedintheparentheticalstatements
followingtheappropriatesections. Theamendmentsreplacedthefivemember,atlargeCity
Commissionwhichhadgovernedthecitysince1917withafulltimeMayorasthecity'schief
executiveandaninemember,parttimedistrictedCityCouncilasthelegislativearm ofcity
government. TheamendmentsalsoprovidedforanElectionCodeandaCodeofEthics[Note5]
.

Page 54 of 60

Ofthetwoproposedamendmentswhichwerenotadopted,Proposition#4wouldhaveadded
fouratlargecommissionerstotheninememberCityCommissionandProposition#5would
haveprovidedforpartisanelections.
OnAugust4,1975,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsfourproposedamendmentsto
theCharterwhichwerevoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElectionOctober7,1975. Allfour
amendmentswereapprovedbytheelectorate. Theamendmentsremovedallof thetransitional
languageintheCharterrelatingtotheshiftfromtheCommissionCityManagerformof
governmenttotheMayorCityCouncilformofgovernment,exemptedcertaincontractual
obligationsrelatingtobondingfromtheinitiativeandreferendum procedures,clarifiedthetime
limitsrelatingtovetopowerandrequiredcandidatesforMayorandCouncillortoobtain
petitionsinordertobeplacedontheballot[Note6].
OnJuly27,1977,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsaproposedamendmenttothe
CharterwhichwasvoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,October4,1977. The
proposedamendment,whichwasnotapprovedbytheelectorate,wouldhavechangedtheannual
salariesoftheCouncillors[Note7].
OnJuly16,1979,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsthreeproposedamendmentsto
theCharterwhichwerevoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,October2,1979. All
threeproposedamendmentsweredisapprovedbytheelectorate. Proposition#1wouldhave
requiredtheMayortoattendCityCouncilmeetings,Proposition#2wouldhavechangedthe
annualsalariesoftheCouncillors,andProposition#3wouldhaveincreasedthemembershipof
theCouncil [Note8].
OnJuly20,1981,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorstwoproposedamendmentstothe
CharterwhichwerevoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,October6,1981. Proposition
#1,whichwasnotapprovedbytheelectorate,wouldhavechangedtheannualsalariesofthe
Councillors. Proposition#2,whichwasadoptedbytheelectorate,amendedtheprovision
relatingtoCouncildistrictboundaryrevisions[Note9].
OnJuly18,1983,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsaproposedamendmenttothe
CharterwhichwasvoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,October4,1983. The
proposedamendment,whichwasapprovedbytheelectorate,increasedthenumberofsignatures
onpetitionsofpersonsdesiringtobecandidatesforMayororCouncillortobeplacedonthe
ballot[Note10].
OnAugust5,1985,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectors twoproposedamendmentsto
theCharterwhichwerevoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,October8,1985. Both
proposedamendmentsweredisapprovedbytheelectorate. Proposition#1wouldhaveincreased
thesalaryoftheMayorandProposition#2wouldhavechangedthesalariesoftheCouncillorsto
equalthesalariesreceivedbytheBernalilloCountyCommissioners[Note11].
OnAugust3,1987,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsaproposedamendmenttothe
CharterwhichwasvoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,October6,1987. The

Page 55 of 60

proposedamendment,whichwasnotapprovedbytheelectorate,wouldhavechangedtheannual
salariesoftheCouncillors[Note12].
ACityCharterReviewTaskForcewasestablishedinJuly1988andinitsfinalreport,which
wassubmittedonJanuary17,1989,theTaskForcerecommendedthirtyfiveamendmentstothe
Charter. Subsequently,onJune19,1989,theCityCouncil submittedtotheelectorseight
proposedamendmentstotheCharterwhichwerevoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,
October3,1989. Theeightproposedamendmentsincludedtwentynineofthethirtyfive
amendmentsrecommendedbytheTaskForce.
Inaddition,onAugust7,1989,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsaproposed
amendmenttotheCharterwhichwasproposedbyapetitionfiledpursuanttoArticleVIand
whichwasvoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,October3,1989.
Fiveofthenineproposedamendmentswereadoptedbytheelectorateasindicatedinthe
parentheticalstatementsfollowingtheappropriatearticles. TheamendmentsamendedArticles
II,III,IV,V,VI,VII,X,XI,andXII.
Ofthefourproposedamendmentswhichwerenotadopted,Proposition#3wouldhave
increasedthesalariesoftheCouncillors,Proposition#5wouldhaveincreasedthesalaryofthe
Mayor,Proposition#6wouldhaveaddedanewarticleconcerningopenmeetingsandpublic
recordsandProposition#9wouldhaveaddedanewsectiontoArticleXI,whichwouldhave
requiredpriorvoterapprovalofincreasesingrossreceiptsandpropertytaxes[Note13].
OnOctober10,1989,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorstwoproposedamendmentsto
theCharterwhichwereproposedbytwopetitionsfiledpursuanttoArticleVIandwhichwere
voteduponattheRunoffMunicipalElection,November1,1989. Proposition#1,whichwasnot
approvedbytheelectorate,wouldhaverequiredtheapprovalofthevotersofanycitybuilding
projectforwhichtheconstructioncostisestimatedtoexceed$3million. Proposition#2,which
wasapprovedbytheelectorate,requirescompetitivebiddingforelectricalfranchises[Note14].
OnJanuary23,1991,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsaproposedamendmenttothe
CharterwhichwasproposedbyapetitionfiledpursuanttoArticleVIandwhichwasvotedupon
attheSpecialMunicipalElection,March26,1991. Theproposedamendment,whichwas
approvedbytheelectorate,addedSection7toArticleXI,requiringtheapprovalofthevotersof
anycitybuildingorprojectcostingmorethan$10million,exceptforspecificallyexcepted
buildingsorprojects [Note15].
OnJuly15,1991andAugust5,1991,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorstwo
proposedamendmentstotheCharterwhichwerevoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,
October8,1991. Inaddition,onAugust5,1991,the CityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsa
proposedamendmenttotheCharterwhichwasproposedbyapetitionfiledpursuanttoArticle
VIandwhichwasvoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,October8,1991. Allthree
propositionswereapprovedbytheelectoratehowever,becauseofthewordinginProposition#2
thatitwouldtakeeffectonlyifProposition#3wasnotadopted,Proposition#2didnottake
effect. Proposition#1changedtheoneyearresidencyrequirementforcandidatesforCity

Page 56 of 60

CouncilandProposition#3repealedtherequirementofapublicvoteonmajorbuildingsor
projectscostingmorethan$10millionandenactedarequirementthatapublicvote beheldona
proposedperformingartscentercostingmorethan$10million [Note16].
OnOctober5,1992,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsaproposedamendmenttothe
CharterwhichwasproposedbyapetitionfiledpursuanttoArticleVI[oftheCharter]andwhich
wasvoteduponattheSpecialMunicipalElection,December8,1992. Theproposed
amendment,Proposition#4,whichwasnotapprovedbytheelectorate,wouldhaverepealed
existingArticleXV[oftheCharter]andaddedanewArticleXVwhichwouldhaveprohibited
thecityfromowning,operatingorleasingpropertyorequipmenttobeusedforproviding
electricalservicewithoutpriorapprovalofthevoters[Note17].
TheCodeofEthicsandtheElectionCodehavebeenamendedbytheenactmentofseveral
ordinancessincetheirinitialadoptionattheSpecialElection,February26,1974.
TheElectionCodehassincebeenamendedbytheenactmentofseveralordinancessinceits
initialadoptionattheSpecialElection,February26,1974,includingbeingextensivelyamended
byOrdinanceNo.171993.
OnApril20,1981theCityCouncil,pursuanttoArticleIV,Section 3,adoptedOrdinanceNo.
351981(amendedbyOrdinanceNo.411981),whichalteredtheboundariesofthenineCouncil
districtsonthebasisofthe1980FederalCensusandamendedAppendixAtoidentifythe
CouncildistrictsaccordingtoBernalilloCounty precincts.
OnJune17,1991theCityCouncil,pursuanttoArticleIV,Section3,adoptedOrdinanceNo.
281991(amendedbyOrdinanceNo.311991),whichalteredtheboundariesofthenineCouncil
districtsonthebasisofthe1990FederalCensusandamendedAppendixAtoidentifythe
CouncildistrictsaccordingtoBernalilloCountyprecincts.
OnMay3,1993,theCityCounciladoptedOrdinance211993amendingAppendixAby
modifyingsomeoftheprecinctnumberstoconformtotheprecinctnumbersadoptedbythe
BernalilloCountyCommission.
OnJune21,1993,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorstwoproposedamendmentstothe
CharterwhichwerevoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,October5,1993. Both
proposedamendmentsweredisapprovedbytheelectorate. Proposition#5wouldhavepermitted
theCityCouncilandattorneysfromtheCity'sLegalDepartmenttomeetinclosedattorney
clientmeetingsandProposition#6wouldhavechangedtheannualsalariesoftheCouncillors
[Note18].
OnNovember15,1993,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsaproposedamendmentto
theCharterwhichwasproposedbyapetitionfiledpursuanttoArticleVI[oftheCharter]and
whichwasvoteduponataSpecialMunicipalElection,January11,1994. Theproposed
amendment,Proposition#7,whichwasapprovedbytheelectorate,addedSection13toArticle
IV,limitingthetermsofCouncillorstotwoelectedterms[Note19].

Page 57 of 60

OnJune19,1995,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsaproposedamendmenttothe
CharterwhichwasvoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,October3,1995. The
proposedamendment,whichwasnotapprovedbytheelectorate,wouldhavechangedtheannual
salariesoftheCouncillors.[Note20].
ACityCharterReviewTaskForcewasestablishedinSeptember1998anditsfinalreport,
whichwassubmittedonJune2,1999,theTaskForcerecommendedelevenamendmentstothe
Charter.Inaddition,CityCouncilrecommendedanadditionalamendment.Subsequently,on
August2,1999,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorstwelveproposedamendmentstothe
CharterwhichwerevoteduponataSpecialElectionheldinconjunctionwithaRegular
MunicipalElectiononOctober5,1999.
Fiveofthetwelveproposedamendmentswereadoptedbytheelectorateasindicatedinthe
parentheticalstatementsfollowingtheappropriatearticles.TheamendmentsamendedArticlesII,
IV,V,VI,andXII.
Ofthesevenproposedamendmentswhichwerenotadopted,Question#1wouldhave
repealedArticleXIregardingapublicvoteonaperformingartscenter,Question#4wouldhave
amendedArticleVIII,regardinghumanrights,Question#5wouldhaveincreasedthesalariesof
theCouncillors,Question#6wouldhaveincreasedthesalaryoftheMayor,Question#8would
haveaddedlanguagetoArticleIV,Section10,regardingcouncilduties,Question#10would
haverepealedArticleIV,Section13,regardingtermlimits,andQuestion#11wouldhave
repealedArticleXV,regardingcompetitivebiddingforelectricalfranchises.[NOTE21]
OnJune25,2001theCityCouncil,pursuanttoArticleIV,Section3,adoptedOrdinanceNo.
262001,whichalteredtheboundariesofthenineCouncildistrictsonthebasisofthe2000
FederalCensusandamendedAppendixAtoidentifytheCouncildistrictsaccordingto
BernalilloCountyprecincts.
OnMay21,2001andAugust6,2001,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsthree
proposedamendmentstotheCharterwhichwerevoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,
October2,2001.Allthreepropositionswereapprovedbytheelectorate.Proposition#8requires
theappointmentofaredistrictingcommitteerepresentativeofthecity'sgeographic,racial,ethnic
andgenderdiversitytoredrawboundariesaftereveryfederalcensus.Proposition#9requiresall
candidatesformayororCityCounciltopubliclydiscloseallcampaigncontributionsand
expendituresatanytimepriortotheirformaldeclarationofcandidacy.Proposition#10requires
quarterlyfinancialreportsofpoliticalcontributionsandexpendituresbytheincumbentmayor
andcouncilorsthroughouttheirtermsofoffice.[NOTE22]
OnAugust16,2004,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorsaproposedamendmenttothe
CharterwhichwasvoteduponattheNovember2,2004GeneralElection. Theproposed
amendment,whichwasnotapprovedbytheelectorate,wouldhavechangedtheannualsalaries
oftheCouncillors.[NOTE23]
OnJune20,2005andJune30,2005,theCityCouncilsubmittedtotheelectorstwoproposed
amendmentstotheCharterwhichwerevoteduponattheRegularMunicipalElection,October4,

Page 58 of 60

2005. Bothwereadoptedbytheelectorate. TheadoptedpropositionsamendtheChartertoadd


anOpenandEthicalElectionsCodeandaphotovoteridentificationrequirementfor
Albuquerquemunicipalelections. Directlegislationbyvoterinitiativethatwouldhaveadopted
aFairWageOrdinancewasnotapprovedbytheelectorate. [NOTE24]
PursuanttoSection 2,ArticleVregardingtheMayor'ssalary,theCouncilhaspassedthree
resolutionsapprovingincreases. Resolution1321977,adoptedJuly18,1977,increasedthe
Mayor'ssalaryfrom$34,000to$39,000peryear,effectiveDecember1,1977. Resolution246
1981,adoptedNovember23,1981,increaseditfrom$39,000to$46,000peryear,effectiveJuly
1,1982. Resolution2451981,alsoadoptedNovember23,1981,providedthattheMayor's
salary"shallbeautomaticallyincreasedJuly1ofeachfiscalyearin theamountequaltothe
acrosstheboardpercentageincreasegrantedtocityMseriesemployees." TheMayor'ssalaryas
ofJuly1,2005,is$96,179.20.

Endnotes
1. ElectioncertifiedatRegularCommissionMeetingheldonJuly31,1919.
2. ElectioncertifiedatRegularCommissionMeetingheldonOctober8,1919.
3. ElectioncertificationdatedFebruary16,1966. ApprovedatRegularCommission
Meeting,February22,1966.
4. ElectioncertificationdatedJune30,1971. ApprovedatRegularCommissionMeeting,
July12,1971.
5. ElectioncertificationdatedFebruary27,1974. ApprovedatRegularCommission
Meeting,March4,1974.
6. ElectioncertificationdatedOctober13,1975. CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular
CouncilMeeting,October20,1975.
7. ElectioncertificationdatedOctober11,1977. CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular
CouncilMeeting,October17,1977.
8. ElectioncertificationdatedOctober8,1979. CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular
CouncilMeeting,October15,1979.
9. ElectioncertificationdatedOctober12,1981. CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular
CouncilMeeting,October12,1981. AmendedelectioncertificationdatedOctober15,1981
notedinJournalatRegularCouncilMeeting,October19,1981.
10. ElectioncertificationdatedOctober11,1983. CertificationnotedinJournalatSpecial
CouncilMeeting,October11,1983.

Page 59 of 60

11. ElectioncertificationdatedOctober15,1985. CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular


CouncilMeeting,October21,1985.
12. ElectionCertificationdatedOctober7,1987. CertificationnotedinJournalatSpecial
CouncilMeeting,October12,1987. AmendedelectioncertificationdatedOctober15,1987
notedinJournalatRegularCouncilMeeting,October19,1987.
13. ElectioncertificationdatedOctober6,1989. CertificationnotedinJournalatSpecial
CouncilMeeting,October10,1989.
14. ElectioncertificationdatedNovember3,1989. CertificationnotedinJournalat
RegularCouncilMeeting,November6,1989.
15. ElectioncertificationdatedMarch29,1991. CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular
CouncilMeeting,April1,1991.
16. ElectioncertificationdatedOctober11,1991. CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular
CouncilMeeting,October21,1991.
17. ElectioncertificationdatedDecember11,1992. CertificationnotedinJournalat
RegularCouncilMeeting,January4,1993. AmendedelectioncertificationdatedMarch29,
1993,notedinJournalatRegularCouncilMeeting,May3,1993.
18. ElectioncertificationdatedOctober8,1993. CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular
CouncilMeeting,October11,1993.
19. ElectioncertificationdatedJanuary13,1994. CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular
CouncilMeeting,February7,1994.
20. ElectioncertificationdatedOctober6,1995. CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular
CouncilMeeting,October16,1995. AmendedelectioncertificationdatedOctober30,1995
notedinJournalatRegularCouncilMeeting,November6,1995.
21 ElectioncertificationdatedOctober8,1999. CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular
CouncilMeeting,November1,1999.
22. ElectioncertificationdatedOctober5,2001. CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular
CouncilMeeting,October15,2001.
23. ElectioncertificationdatedNovember12,2004. CertificationnotedinJournalat
RegularCouncilMeeting,December6,2004.
24. ElectioncertificationdatedOctober7,2005.CertificationnotedinJournalatRegular
CouncilMeeting,February6,2006.
Disclaimer:
ThisCodeofOrdinancesand/oranyotherdocumentsthatappearonthissitemaynotreflectthemostcurrentlegislationadoptedby

Page 60 of 60
theMunicipality.AmericanLegalPublishingCorporationprovidesthesedocumentsforinformationalpurposesonly.These
documentsshouldnotberelieduponasthedefinitiveauthorityforlocallegislation.Additionally,theformattingandpaginationofthe
posteddocumentsvariesfromtheformattingandpaginationoftheofficialcopy.TheofficialprintedcopyofaCodeofOrdinances
shouldbeconsultedpriortoanyactionbeingtaken.
ForfurtherinformationregardingtheofficialversionofanyofthisCodeofOrdinancesorotherdocumentspostedonthissite,
pleasecontacttheMunicipalitydirectlyorcontactAmericanLegalPublishingtollfreeat8004455588.
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