hyperlocalloop.com · OBBM Network Editorial Staff · September 6, 2026
Poll Shows Majority of Decided New Mexico Voters Back Legislator Salary Amendment – Hyperlocal Loop
## Poll Shows Majority of Decided New Mexico Voters Back Legislator Salary Amendment
OBBM Network Editorial Staff
September 6, 2026
A new poll conducted by KOAT and the Albuquerque Journal reveals strong backing for a constitutional amendment that would provide New Mexico legislators with a base salary tied to the state’s median household income. Among voters who have already decided, 39% said they would vote “yes” on the amendment, compared with 21% who would vote “no.”
## Undecided Voters Remain a Large Segment
The survey also shows that a plurality of respondents—34%—remain undecided, and another 6% said their vote would depend on further information. “We found that many people were still not aware that legislative compensation is on the ballot for the upcoming general election,” said KOAT political analyst Brian Sanderoff. “One third of voters are still undecided or confused about the issue,” he added.
## What the Amendment Proposes
The proposed amendment would replace the current per‑diem and travel‑expense system with a fixed base salary of roughly $64,000 per year, calculated as a percentage of the state’s median household income. New Mexico is currently the only state in the nation that does not pay its legislators a base salary, relying instead on daily stipends and reimbursements.
## Legislative History and Campaign Efforts
The amendment originated as House Joint Resolution 5 (HJR 5), sponsored by Rep. Cristina Parajón and other lawmakers. It cleared the legislature in February 2026 with a 41‑to‑26 vote after previous attempts had failed. A statewide campaign to promote the measure launched this week, led by the political action committee Vote for Change in partnership with the Las Cruces‑based nonprofit NM CAFé.
## Implications for Voters
Supporters argue that a salaried legislature will attract a broader pool of qualified candidates, reduce the financial burden on citizen legislators, and allow lawmakers to focus more fully on serving their constituents. Critics worry about the cost to taxpayers and question whether a salary will improve legislative performance.
## When Voters Will Decide
New Mexico voters will have the chance to approve or reject the amendment on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026. As the poll indicates, voter education will be crucial in the weeks leading up to the ballot, especially for the sizable group that remains undecided.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
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