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Rio Rancho council approves ordinance to shift municipal elections into November regular local cycle
Summary
The governing body approved first reading of Ordinance O‑13 to opt city elections into the statewide regular local election schedule in November of odd-numbered years, citing an estimated $450,000 savings for the 2026 cycle and a two-cycle opt‑out option under state law.
The City of Rio Rancho’s governing body voted to adopt Ordinance O‑13, opting the city into New Mexico’s regular local election schedule held in November of odd-numbered years and adjusting municipal terms to align with that calendar.
City staff said the change is intended to reduce the cost and administrative burden of running a separate municipal election in March of even-numbered years. Peter Wells, deputy city manager, told the council that 97 of New Mexico’s 106 municipalities already participate in the regular local election and that Rio Rancho’s estimated cost to hold a March 2026 municipal election would be about $450,000. "By opting…
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