A recent survey of 170 candidates running for the New Mexico state Senate, House, and US Congress in the 2024 general election reveals significant support for various democracy reform measures. The survey was conducted by a coalition of four pro-democracy non-profits: Common Cause NM, Fair Districts NM, NM First, and NM Open Elections. Candidates were contacted via email with follow-up requests to respond. Out of 170 candidates, 37 responded, resulting in a 21% response rate.
The survey results will be presented at an event on Thursday, Sept. 26 at Juno Brewery in downtown Albuquerque.
“While this is not a scientific poll, the response rate is comparable to other candidate surveys and helpful in ascertaining the level of support for our issues and where candidates need additional information,” said Mason Graham, policy director of Common Cause New Mexico.
“We are heartened by the huge support (over 75%) for two sixty-day legislative sessions, additional lobbyist disclosure laws, open primaries, an independent redistricting commission, and the removal of a constitutional provision preventing legislative salaries,” stated Perry Radford, deputy director of NM Open Primaries.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 89.8% supported amending the constitution to extend legislative sessions to 60 days in both odd and even-numbered years.
- 89.5% backed legislation requiring increased disclosure of lobbying activities.
- 87.2% supported opening primaries to voters who decline to state their affiliation or belong to minor parties without changing their voter registration.
- 87.1% favored amending the constitution to establish an independent redistricting commission for future elections.
- 84.7% supported removing the prohibition on legislative compensation from the constitution.
- 79.6% endorsed increased financial disclosures from elected officials.
- 56.4% were in favor of using ranked-choice voting in state-level general or primary elections.
- Only 41% supported legislation to remove "the governor’s call."
Candidates expressed uncertainty about certain issues:
23.1% were unsure about removing "the governor’s call," while ranked-choice voting saw a higher degree of uncertainty at 20.5%, with an opposition rate of 18%.
For more details about the Sept. 26 event or access to top findings from the report visit https://www.nmopenelections.org/democracy_open_house.
The full report will be released during this event.