New Mexico Democrats to shift presidential primary, who pays the $15 million cost?

According to widespread news reports New Mexico’s Democratic Party is expected to move forward from June to February. The idea is to make New Mexico’s primary votes more relevant in the early stages of their party’s primary elections.

Most New Mexicans are likely okay with this move, but there is ONE major problem: who pays? That’s because it means the Party’s presidential primary and its other primaries would have to be split up thus creating TWO primaries (one in February and one in June). According to the Legislative Finance Committee New Mexico currently spends $15 million for its primary elections. Because the cost is in manning the polls and setting up the machines etc. a second Democrat primary would likely cost New Mexico taxpayers AN ADDITIONAL $15 million each time it is held (the plan is to do this in 2028, but future dates remain open to debate).

It is hard to justify New Mexico taxpayers of any party having to pay the costs of one party’s attempt at national relevance, but Democrats are in control of New Mexico and, so far, we haven’t heard who will be paying for this additional statewide election. Before the ink is signed on this deal New Mexicans should be told whether they or the Democratic Party are paying for this change.