Bernalillo County Clerk Michelle S. Kavanaugh, along with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico Open Elections, and other partners, is celebrating a big step forward for voting rights.
The recent signing of Senate Bill 16 (SB 16) means that independent voters in New Mexico will now have a voice in primary elections — an important goal for Clerk Kavanaugh and her administration.
What Senate Bill 16 Means for Independent Voters
Until now, independent voters were not allowed to vote in primary elections in New Mexico unless they changed their party affiliation. SB 16 changes that. Starting June 30, 2025, unaffiliated voters can take part in primary elections without having to register with a political party.
Clerk Kavanaugh said, “Independent voters care about our communities, our families, and our futures. This legislation gives a voice to those voters and ensures our primary elections reflect the needs of our community.”
A Big Step for Democracy in New Mexico
Bernalillo County alone has over 424,000 registered voters. About a quarter of them — more than 100,000 people — are independent or unaffiliated voters.
Giving these voters a chance to participate in primaries will lead to more fair representation, especially in New Mexico’s largest county.
With this move, New Mexico joins 34 other states that already allow some form of open primaries, helping to make elections more inclusive across the country.
Important Dates and Information
Senate Bill 16 officially takes effect on June 30, 2025.
New Mexico’s next primary election, where independent voters will be able to participate, will be held in June 2026.
Voters who wish to update or check their voter registration can visit the official site: NMVOTE.org.
The passing of Senate Bill 16 is a historic moment for New Mexico and Bernalillo County. It shows a strong commitment to fairness, inclusion, and democratic participation. Independent voters now have a bigger role to play in shaping the future of their communities. This new law is a reminder that every voice matters, and by opening up primaries, New Mexico is making democracy stronger and more representative for everyone.
