New Mexico lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 16, which would implement open primaries in the state. Currently, voters must declare a political party to cast a primary election ballot, but with open primaries, voters would be able to choose a party on the day of the primary election. Supporters of the bill argue that the state’s electorate has changed, with a significant percentage of young voters choosing not to affiliate with a political party. This change would make it easier for independent voters to participate in primaries without the need for additional paperwork or time-consuming registration processes.
However, critics of open primaries are concerned that voters could strategically affiliate with a particular party to influence that party’s nomination process. Despite this, research shows that the percentage of independent voters in New Mexico is growing, suggesting that a change in the primary system could be beneficial.
New Mexico is one of only 10 states with closed primaries, making it difficult for independent voters to participate in the primary process. The bill to implement open primaries has been introduced multiple times in the Legislature, but supporters believe that there is more support for it now, especially with the increase in independent registration, particularly among young people. This change could potentially modernize the state’s electoral system and make it more inclusive for all voters.
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