My View Law change expands ballot access

Ben R. Luján |

2/24/2008 - 2/24/08

Congratulations to the New Mexico Legislature for again allowing candidates to earn a spot on primary ballots by gathering enough petition signatures, thereby opening ballot access beyond just those who earn 20 percent of delegates' support at party conventions.

After sending legislators a letter supporting expanded ballot access, I attended House and Senate committee hearings to speak on behalf of the legislation as it made its way through the Legislature.

As the only Democratic candidate from Congressional District 3 to attend these hearings, I urged our state's lawmakers to give all voters a voice in who represents them.

Until last year, candidates were able to earn entry onto primary ballots either by gaining 20 percent of delegates' support at their parties' primary conventions or by gathering a sufficient number of petition signatures from registered voters.

The change that allowed only party delegates to decide nominees, sponsored by Rep. Ed Sandoval (D-Bernalillo), received wide bipartisan support when it passed during last year's legislative session, but legislators have reconsidered because the law would have kept worthy candidates off primary ballots. I'd rather make change by working with people than by filing lawsuits.

The fact that the law was successfully changed proves that working together is always the approach that should be taken first. I'm proud to support fair opportunity for every worthy candidate to represent New Mexico through elected service.

Ben R. Luján is this district's public regulation commissioner and candidate for Congress.