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As a result of a bipartisan law enacted last year, New Mexico’s more than 380,000 independent voters had the opportunity to participate in the state’s primary elections on Tuesday. According to the secretary of state, at least 37,600 independent New Mexicans took advantage of their new right for the first time, and primary turnout was also higher in this election than in 2024.
In a state where many elections are effectively decided in the primary, the reform ensured that independent voters could help choose the candidates who will ultimately represent them in Congress and statewide office.
Nick Troiano issued the following statement celebrating New Mexico’s progress:
“For the first time in state history, New Mexico’s independent voters had the opportunity to cast a meaningful vote in the elections that most often determines who represents them.
“For too long, hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans were excluded from primary elections they pay for simply because they chose not to join a political party. The new law ends that inequity and gives every voter a voice.
“This victory belongs to the New Mexicans who spent years building support for reform. We congratulate New Mexico Voters First, New Mexico Open Elections, and their coalition partners for leading a successful bipartisan effort to open the state’s primaries and expand voting rights for independent voters. Unite America was proud to support their work and help make this historic reform possible.”
As you continue to cover the impact of opening primaries here’s some background research and context that might be useful:
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Unite America is a philanthropic venture fund that invests in nonpartisan election reform to foster a more representative and functional government.
For More Information: Ross Sherman, Unite America Press Director, ross@uniteamerica.org, 207-749-2660
Stay up-to-date on the latest news and resources from Unite America.
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