§ NMSA 1978, § 1-19A-16Appeals

Appeals.
The procedure for challenging a certification decision by the secretary is as follows:
A. a person aggrieved by a certification decision or a decision regarding the distribution of
matching funds may appeal to the secretary within three days of the decision. The appeal shall be
in writing and shall set forth the reasons for appeal;
B. within five days after an appeal is properly made, and after due notice is given to the parties
in dispute, the secretary shall hold a hearing whereby:
(1) the appellant has the burden of providing evidence to demonstrate that the secretary's
decision was improper; and
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Elections
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(2) the secretary shall rule on the appeal within three days after the completion of the
hearing;
C. the parties in dispute may appeal the decision of the secretary by commencing an action in
district court; and
D. certified candidates whose certification is revoked on appeal shall return to the secretary
any unspent money distributed from the fund. If the secretary or court finds that an appeal was
made frivolously or to result in delay or hardship, the secretary or court may sanction the moving
party by requiring the party to pay costs of the administrative hearing, the court hearing and the
opposing parties.