It’s Groundhog Day — and whether we have an early spring or six more weeks of winter, we predict big wins for New Mexico’s democracy in the six weeks remaining of the 2023 Legislature!

Several of our Common Cause New Mexico priorities will be in committee at the Roundhouse over the next few days, and we need your calls and emails to help advance these good-government measures.

Here’s what’s up next:

HB 4 VOTING RIGHTS PROTECTIONS
Friday, February 3 at 8:30 am in House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee

The right to vote is central to participating in our democracy, but Native communities and people who were incarcerated are all too often systemically cut out of the process. The Voting Rights Act will improve secure automatic voter registration, expand Native American protections for elections, streamline voting rights restoration for formerly incarcerated people, create a voluntary permanent absentee list, and make Election Day a holiday.

HB 54 BALLOT REQUESTS FOR OPEN PRIMARY ELECTIONS
Saturday, February 4 at 1:00 pm in House Judiciary Committee

Currently, New Mexicans who are not affiliated with a major political party, or who identify with a minor party, must change their voter registration and declare themselves either Republican or Democrat to select a ballot and participate in primary elections. This legislation simplifies the process and allows unaffiliated voters to choose a ballot and vote without changing their registration status. It would improve voter turnout, enfranchise all voters to select their representatives, and make elections easier to administer.

HJR 2 LEGISLATIVE SESSION CHANGES, CA
Monday, February 6 at 8:30 am in House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee

This legislation calls for voters to decide if sessions should be lengthened in even-numbered years. Currently, the New Mexico Legislature convenes for 60 days in odd-numbered years and 30 days in even-numbered years. During the short sessions, only budget matters or legislation on the governor’s priority list may be considered. This legislation would ask voters if they support a constitutional amendment expanding sessions to be 60 days in every year and allow for all subjects to be taken up.

HJR 8 LEGISLATIVE SALARIES, CA
Monday, February 6 at 8:30 am in House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee

New Mexico has the ONLY unsalaried legislators in the nation. Our citizen legislature was developed when we became a state in 1912. This framework no longer serves our state. This legislation would ask voters if they support a constitutional amendment creating an independent body to set salaries for legislators.

With adequate pay, everyday New Mexicans can afford to serve as lawmakers, and our legislator will be more reflective of our population. We would reduce conflicts of interest, both real and perceived, when lawmakers hold other jobs or run businesses outside the legislature. Finally, if legislators earned a salary for their service, they will be better able to serve constituents throughout the year.

Please call and email your legislators on these committees in support of these measures, which would go a long way to improve our state government and encourage more participation in the democratic process!