Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Martinez to consider bill to combine local elections

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A piece of legislation awaiting Gov. Susana Martinez's signature would reshape the political landscape for school boards, cities and other nonpartisan local governments in New Mexico by consolidating elections and putting them before voters in November every other year. The Albuquerque Journal reports that currently, such elections draw little attention, with some garnering zero ballots. Political analyst Brian Sanderoff says combining school board and municipal elections could boost turnout significantly. School elections draw maybe 5 percent turnout on their own, but Sanderoff says municipalities attract up to 45 percent. Municipalities would have the option of opting out of the combined elections. Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull says Rio Rancho will likely take that option. Martinez has until April 7 to sign the bill or it automatically is vetoed.