New Mexico is implementing Semi-Open Primaries - expanding access to elections across our state.   Learn more here!

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Vote-By-Mail, Early Voting, & Expanding Voting Options

Our democracy works best when every voter can cast their ballot and be heard. Common Cause is making sure voters have options on how to cast a ballot.

In our democracy, our vote is our voice and every voter across the country deserves a say in the people and policies that impact their lives. That is why we are advocating for proven and secure ways to make voting more convenient for eligible Americans, including:

  • Vote-by-Mail: Letting eligible voters send in their ballots via the USPS,
  • Early Voting: Giving voters extra days before Election Day to cast their ballot,
  • Voting Dropboxes: Allowing voters to place their ballots in secure local receptacles ahead of Election Day.

Reforms like these make elections more accessible while keeping them fair and safe.

What We’re Doing

New Mexico has adopted Semi-Open Primaries!

Legislation

New Mexico has adopted Semi-Open Primaries!

Semi-open Primaries (Senate Bill 16) passed the NM Legislature in the 2025 regular session and will be implemented in time for the June 2026 primary elections.

This legislation allows independent and minor-party voters to participate in publicly-funded primary elections by selecting a ballot of the major political party of their choice to vote on, without changing their registration!
Election Protection

National Campaign

Election Protection

No eligible New Mexican voter should face intimidation, misinformation or harassment at their polling place. We've expanded our program, mobilizing volunteers to answer questions and assist voters.
Joint Amicus Brief: Vote by Mail 2020

Joint Amicus Brief: Vote by Mail 2020

Standard in-person voting would force the people of New Mexico to choose between their safety and the exercise of their franchise

Take Action

Let the people vote!

Petition

Let the people vote!

Now is the time to ensure all voters can participate in the primary elections. Semi-open primaries would afford Independent and Decline-to-State voters the ability to have a say in some of our most consequential, and publicly funded, elections -- rather than being shut out of the process and denied their right to participate fully in our democracy.

Your financial support helps us make an impact by holding power accountable and strengthening democracy.

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Updates

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Albuquerque Needs Ranked Choice Voting

Blog Post

Albuquerque Needs Ranked Choice Voting

With an upcoming municipal election with 5+ candidates running for Mayor, the City of Albuquerque seriously needs to consider ranked choice voting - also known as instant run-offs. Let's give voters more options while saving taxpayer dollars.

Related Resources

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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.

Press

COMMON CAUSE NEW MEXICO OUTLINES PRIORITIES FOR 2025 SESSION 

Press Release

COMMON CAUSE NEW MEXICO OUTLINES PRIORITIES FOR 2025 SESSION 

CCNM is working on Modernizing the New Mexico Legislature (SJR 1), Semi-Open Primaries (SB 16), Campaign Finance Changes (SB 85), Eliminate Pocket Vetoes (HJR 2) and Game Commission Reform (SB 5), among other key democracy reforms.

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

Press Release

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

Frequently Asked Questions on Election Security, Accuracy and Certification

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