Today, the New Mexico State Senate passed HB 138 by 24-16. It says if a citizen will be age 18 by the time of the General election, They can register to vote in the Primary, even though the person would only be age 17 at that time. The bill had passed the House on February 8, by 41-26.
New Mexico’s Primary elections are currently in June, so it would only apply to those who turn 18 in that five month period between June and November.
Sen. Mark Moores, R-Albuquerque, co-sponsored the legislation and said it would help create more involvement in politics by young voters.
The House sponsor, Rep. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces, carried this legislation a number of times in the past. This is the first time it will go to the Governor’s desk.
The bill will not apply to this year’s Primary elections even if Gov. Susana Martinez signs it into law. Since it did not receive a two-thirds vote from both chambers, the emergency clause is not valid and it won’t go into effect until July 1.
So the first time it would go into effect is for the 2017 Primary.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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