[Nic Name]

New Mexico to decide if "idiots" can vote

Fri Nov 1, 1:04 PM ET

By Zelie Pollon

SANTA FE, New Mexico (Reuters) - New Mexico voters will decide on Tuesday whether they want "idiots" and "insane persons" to vote in their state.

Under the state's Constitution, drafted in 1912, "idiots" and "insane persons", as well as those "convicted of a felonious or infamous crime" are currently prohibited from voting.

Proposed Amendment 2 on the November 5 ballot would strike the terms "idiots" and "insane persons" from the Constitution. The measure will better reflect current understanding of mental health and remove archaic language, supporters said.

"There are so many varieties of mental illness with people who are perfectly capable of making a decision," said Bureau of Elections official Denise Lamb.

"I'm more worried about unstable people with guns than I am about unstable people voting," Lamb said.

If idiots can run for office, they should be allowed to vote.