02.23.2021
RCV is a simple electoral reform that ensures a candidate receives a majority of the vote without a costly run-off election, and promotes civil campaigning and boosts voter engagement.
As written, SJR22 would amend the NM Constitution to require all municipal elections be conducted using a ranked choice voting method. Common Cause New Mexico has been and remains a strong supporter of ranked choice voting, and we see this piece of legislation as a good step toward considering statewide RCV. However, we are currently working with the sponsor to draft language that would focus on amending the constitution to allow for the use of additional voting methods, other than the plurality voting method. We believe ranked choice voting language is best outlined in our state laws, making for a more nimble and flexible process if updates are needed, rather than including specific RCV provisions in the constitution itself.
The documents must be made available for public inspection during business hours, under the Financial Disclosure Act, but the act does not specify that they must be available online. To view mayor and councillors’ financial disclosure documents, residents must make an appointment to visit city hall, but the building is closed to walk-in traffic during the pandemic. The Grumpy Taxpayer$ are raising concerns about having to go in person to see the documents during a pandemic, and have filed the complaint. Stan Bartlett, former chair of the Grumpy Taxpayer$, said the city’s decision not to share the documents online is consistent “with a general lack of transparency in Langford.”