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Albuquerque Residents To Vote On Marijuana Penalty Reform

  A sharply divided Albuquerque City Council has voted to put a marijuana decriminalization proposal on the November ballot.

The council voted 5-4 Monday night to put the proposal on the ballot after activists failed to collect enough voter signatures.

However, the measure is subject to a possible veto by Mayor Richard Berry. Also, Bernolillo County Commission has a say on what goes on the crowded ballot.

The proposal would make possession of an ounce or less of marijuana a civil infraction punishable by a fine of no more than $25.

A first offense for possession is currently a fine of up to $50 and up to two weeks in jail.

Santa Fe officials said Monday that activists submitted enough signatures to get a similar proposal on that city's ballot.

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