The state Board of Finance on Tuesday approved an emergency loan of up to $595,300 to help Secretary of State Mary Herrera cover expenses for the upcoming June 3 primary election.

The loan will help the secretary of state with the costs of election supplies, training for poll workers and poll judges and voter information cards.

The board has been working with Herrera and her staff to identify how it can supplement efforts by her office to prepare for the primary election. The Secretary of State's Office will be required to submit invoices to the Board of Finance director before receiving money.

"Amid expectations for a record voter turnout, it is important that the state do everything possible to instill confidence in the process," said board member Roberta Cooper Ramo.

The primary election ballot will include a contested GOP race for U.S. Senate as well as primary contests in both the Republican and Democratic parties for New Mexico's three U.S. House seats.

It also will mark the second time New Mexicans statewide will use the paper-ballot, electronic-scanner system mandated by the Legislature.






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