By KRWG News
New Mexico – ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRWG) The Justice Department says it's reached an agreement with New Mexico officials to avoid delays in sending ballots in the 2012 elections to military personnel and other U.S. citizens living overseas.
The agreement will extend parts of a court-ordered consent decree that dealt with overseas ballot problems in last year's elections. A federal judge has to approve the new agreement before it becomes final.
State election laws were revised this year to provide more time for preparation of ballots, which will help New Mexico meet federal requirements for overseas absentee voters.
Under the agreement announced Thursday by the Justice Department, the state is to monitor county elections officials and provide any necessary assistance to ensure overseas ballots are sent at least 45 days before a federal election.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. KRWG