NM Bill for a Semi-Closed Primary

Thanks to Richard Winger of Ballot Access News for this post. Richard called this a "Semi-Closed" Primary.

On Saturday, January 30, 2016, New Mexico HJR 12 passed the House Committee on Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs. The proposal was brought forward by Reps. Antonio “Moe” Maestas, D-Albuquerque, and Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-Los Alamos.

It would amend ARTICLE 7 of the State Constitution, which is currently a closed primary state, to require parties to let, "all registered qualified electors, regardless of party preference or affiliation," in their primaries.

The bill passed on a narrow 5-3 vote, with all four Democrats on the panel being joined by Committee Chair James Smith, R-Sandia Park. The other three Republicans present voted against the proposal.

The bill now moves to the House Judiciary Committee.

New Mexico has two tiers of qualified parties, large parties that nominate by primary, and small parties that nominate by convention.

As worded, the legislation would appear to let minor party registrants vote in major party primaries.

I agree with Richard that the wording will probably be amended.

CLICK HERE to read the two page (PDF) Joint Resolution.











NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker