Creating an Independent Redistricting Commission
New Mexican voters deserve competitive, fair elections where every vote counts and the outcomes reflect the will of the people.
Fair Redistricting & Ending Gerrymandering
Politicians should not be allowed to draw voting maps that benefit themselves. We need to create a fair system so that voters choose their politicians, not the other way around.
Every ten years, states redraw their electoral districts to reflect population changes. This process should be about making sure that everyone has a voice in our government, but in some states, it has become a partisan tool to undermine our democracy.
Drawing unfair maps — a process known as gerrymandering — denies communities the representation and resources they deserve. Our work to end gerrymandering includes efforts in the courts, on the ballot, and in the legislature to ensure a just and independent process.
What We’re Doing
Your financial support helps us make an impact by holding power accountable and strengthening democracy.
Recent Updates
Blog Post
Common Cause New Mexico Outlines Good Government Priorities For 2024 Session
Blog Post
Halfway Through the 2023 Session!
Here's where our priority legislation stands as we move into the second half of the session.
Blog Post
The 2023 NM Legislature is underway
The time to modernize our legislature is now.
Related Resources
National Report
New Mexico Community Redistricting Report Card
Report
Democracy Candidate Survey 2024
An educational survey of candidates in New Mexico on pro-democracy issues was conducted by Common Cause New Mexico, New Mexico Open Elections, Fair Districts for New Mexico, and New Mexico First.
Report
PRISON GERRYMANDERING IN NEW MEXICO
The Supreme Court requires state- and local governments to update their electoral districts once per
decade to ensure that each district contains the same population, which gives each resident equal
representation in government. However, the U.S. Census Bureau counts people where they are
incarcerated, not where they are from, so when jurisdictions rely on raw Census data which does not
reflect their real populations, democracy suffers.
decade to ensure that each district contains the same population, which gives each resident equal
representation in government. However, the U.S. Census Bureau counts people where they are
incarcerated, not where they are from, so when jurisdictions rely on raw Census data which does not
reflect their real populations, democracy suffers.
Press
Press Release
NM Candidate Survey Shows Substantial Support For Pro-Democracy, Election-Reform Measures
Public Event to Highlight Results 5 p.m. Thursday Sept. 26 in Downtown Albuquerque
Press Release
Common Cause New Mexico Outlines Good Government Priorities For 2024 Session
Modernizing the legislative process with longer legislative sessions, salaries for currently unpaid legislators, and permanent district staff for individual legislators is the top priority for Common Cause during the upcoming session.
Press Release
Molly Swank named Executive Director of Common Cause New Mexico
Molly Swank was named Jan. 1 as Executive Director of Common Cause New Mexico, a non-partisan voting rightsgroup dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy — equal access to the ballot and open, honest and accountable government. Swank has a wealth of experience in community organizing and non-profit management.
Dan Vicuña
Director of Redistricting and Representation
Alton Wang
Equal Justice Works Fellow
Sarah Andre
Mapping Demography Specialist