Electioneering During a Pandemic

If you are in the Albu(r)querque area and able to help collect signatures for State House Candidate Stephen Verchinski please contact us.  Or contact Stephen directly:  505.238.2398. WANT BIG EFFORT THIS WEEKEND JUNE 20!

While states must take actions–including social restrictions–to promote and preserve public health, the same thought must be given to promoting and preserving the health of a fragile representative democracy.  Minor party and independent candidates in New Mexico face the same difficulties as those in other states with respect to petitioning.  Minor party and independent candidates may canvass only during prescribed time periods.  Because of the public health order imposed by the governor, this signature-collecting period was effectively reduced to a couple of weeks in March.  In New Mexico, the power to change election law resides with the state legislature and the courts.  The non-major-party candidates must hope that potential future colleagues understand the importance of a truly representative democracy overrides the self-preservation tendencies of entrenched power.  Relief from the stringent petition-gathering requirements should be granted to all minor party and independent candidates during this extraordinary situation.

The Green Party of New Mexico requested relief from the governor–who has the powers to call a special legislative session and put items on the agenda.  The other possible remedy is seeking relief from the courts.  Lawsuits have been filed across the country.  Accounts can be found at Ballot Access News and GPUS.