On February 10, the New Mexico House Local Government, Elections, Land Grants & Cultural Affairs Committee passed HB 206 and HB 226 without opposition. HB 206 says that parties with primaries must allow independent voters to vote in those primaries. HB 226 eases the number of signatures for independent candidates, and the nominees of qualified parties that nominate by convention (such as the Green Party, and Better for America).

The bills now go to the Judiciary Committee. HB 206 is undergoing a slight amendment. The bill as introduced just lets independent voters choose a major party primary ballot, but the amendment will extend that to people who are registered in unqualified parties.