The New Mexico Supreme Court on Tuesday cleared the way for ranked-choice voting in Santa Fe’s March 6 municipal election. The high court rejected city government’s petition seeking to overturn state District Judge David Thomson’s December ruling that Santa Fe had to implement ranked-choice voting, or RCV, in 2018. The Supreme Court’s order simply denied the city’s petition without explanation or comment. City spokesman Matt Ross said the decision was a disappointment, partly because no explanation was provided.
“We hoped the Supreme Court would clarify the constitutional and separation of powers questions before them. While we have an order, we don’t have a written explanation resolving any post-election challenge that may arise,” Ross said.
“That being said, the City has been working around the clock for weeks to implement Ranked Choice Voting and educate the public about the change, so nothing will change on that front and we are confident in the City’s ability to run yet another smooth and successful Santa Fe election.”
Full Article: Supreme Court clears way for ranked-choice voting in Santa Fe | Albuquerque Journal.