10-05-2025
Rio Rancho City Council rejects ordinance that would allow state to run city elections
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) – Should Rio Rancho hand over its city-run election to the county and state? That question took center stage and drew strong opinions at Rio Rancho City Council this week as the potential shift would allow Rio Rancho Mayor Greg Hull to run for governor but also extend his current term in office an extra year and a half.
Rio Rancho City Council delays vote on development after contentious meeting
Just one of nine cities in New Mexico to do it, Rio Rancho still runs its own city elections with voters picking local officials in March of even-numbered years. But a change up for consideration this week would give city election control to the county and state. The potential shift would move the city's election to November in odd-numbered years while also extending the terms of current officials, including Mayor Greg Hull. His term is supposed to end in March, and he's planning to run for governor.
The consideration of an election control shift comes as they've gotten more expensive under state law requiring more polling places. City administrators think they could save nearly half a million per election by handing election control to the county and state. The idea drew strong opinions. 'I get it is about money, you guys know how to cut costs, you do it all the time, we see it, so let's not talk about the money,' said Michael Farrell, Rio Rancho resident.
'Threats of extortionary costs by state officials to force municipalities to fold is unacceptable,' said Ramona Goolsby, Rio Rancho resident.
Rio Rancho voters approved a rule in 2012 that requires photo ID for municipal elections. But if the city gave up control, that rule would also go away drawing strong feelings from some.'If go on a plane, go to the bank to do a transaction everywhere, you require a photo ID. For us to now to take steps back when everyone has waved the flag, we are helping with voter integrity,' said Anita Levo, Rio Rancho resident.
After Mayor Hull recused himself from the discussion and vote, city councilors ended with a 3-3 tie on the potential election change, meaning the ordinance failed.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
