Committee backs amended bill to let unaffiliated voters choose a major-party primary ballot

Senate Bill 16, sponsored by Senator Figueroa, was amended in committee and recommended for a due pass. The amendment narrows participation to voters who are not affiliated with a major party (declined to state / unaffiliated); those voters would be able to request one major-party primary ballot on primary day without switching party registration.

Supporters’ case: Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver told the committee increased participation matters: voters who can participate in primaries are more likely to vote in general elections, and in many districts the primary effectively decides the winner. Advocacy groups — the League of Women Voters, Common Cause New Mexico, veteran and Native American organizations, and student groups — testified in favor, arguing the measure expands access for voters who decline party affiliation for cultural or political reasons. Several county clerks registered technical support and urged attention to implementation mechanics for absentee ballots and clerk workflows.

Implementation notes: The secretary and county clerks explained the change requires programming changes for absentee/early ballots so that unaffiliated voters can indicate which major-party ballot they want; clerks asked for clarity about allowing voters to change a requested party ballot once the choice is made and about the effective date given upcoming adoption of automatic voter registration.

Debate: Committee members discussed party autonomy and the practical effects on party nominees. Sponsor and several senators said the bill preserves parties’ ability to conduct private selection processes if they wish; the bill addresses public, taxpayer-funded primaries. Some members expressed philosophical support for parties and noted that parties exist to cohere values, while others said the shift recognizes growing numbers of unaffiliated voters and reduces administrative hurdles for participation.

Action: After amendment and discussion the committee recorded a due-pass recommendation on the amended bill. The chair called for a roll-call and announced the outcome as a due pass as amended.