Violation of the Election Code [N.M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 1] by officers consists of the wilful [willful] violation of the Election Code by any state or county officer or by any deputy or assistant thereto, or the wilful [willful] failure or refusal of any such person to perform any act or duty required of him by the Election Code.

Any officer, deputy or assistant who commits such wilful [willful] violation of the Election Code is guilty of a fourth degree felony and, in addition, violation is sufficient cause for removal from office in a proceeding instituted for that purpose as provided by law.