Group appeals for open primaries in New Mexico

April 26, 2013

By Joel Williams

Santa Fe, New Mexico: Fred Nathan, executive director of Think New Mexico, has urged political leaders of both sides to reconsider the state's closed primary system. Nathan believes that allowing unaffiliated voters would help increase voter turnout in primaries that recently have seen declining participation. Currently 230,000 people in New Mexico are registered as Independent, accounting for nearly one fifth of all registered voters. "I would point out that their tax dollars are paying for these elections, and they should be given the ability to vote in these elections," Nathan argued. It is unclear whether the current closed primary system will change, but both parties are scheduled to meet this summer and could discuss it.

See also

• Open primary