New Mexico: Gun-Free Zone Expansion Threatens Lawful Carry

Anti-gun lawmakers in Santa Fe are advancing Senate Bill 261, legislation that would expand firearm prohibitions around voting locations and ballot drop boxes across New Mexico. SB 261 is scheduled to be heard today in the Senate Judiciary Committee, putting lawful gun owners at immediate risk of new criminal penalties for everyday activities. Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and respectfully urge them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 261.

SB 261 bans the carrying of firearms at polling locations and near ballot drop boxes during active voting periods. This includes Election Day voting sites, early voting locations, and drop box locations throughout the state. Law-abiding gun owners should not face criminal penalties for simply crossing arbitrary lines with no intent to disrupt or interfere with the voting process. Many of these locations, particularly ballot drop boxes, are not always obvious and may be placed in everyday areas such as grocery store entrances, libraries, or municipal buildings. Lawful gun owners could easily and unknowingly pass through these areas and be prevented from carrying where it would otherwise be permitted.

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