Part 2: Advocacy in Action – Securing the Governor’s Signature Before the Deadline

With the April 11th deadline looming, the final phase of legislative advocacy is well underway: persuading the governor to sign your bill into law. While passing legislation through the New Mexico House and Senate is a significant accomplishment, your work is not finished until the governor takes action—and ideally, signs your bill.

Mobilizing Support: The Final Push

Now is the time to marshal all available resources and relationships. Your message to the governor must be clear, compelling, and grounded in broad support. Here are key strategies to help get your legislation across the finish line:

1. Activate Stakeholders

Engage coalition members, local governments, community leaders, and organizations that supported the bill during the legislative session. Encourage them to send letters, make calls, and submit op-eds urging the governor to sign the bill. The more voices echoing the same message, the harder it is to ignore.

2. Leverage Legislators

Legislators who championed the bill can—and should—continue advocating directly with the governor’s office. Encourage them to meet with the governor, speak with staff, or even hold joint press events to demonstrate the bill's importance and urgency.

3. Engage the Media

Earned media can be a powerful tool at this stage. Consider submitting op-eds or letters to the editor in major newspapers, placing stories that highlight the impact of the bill, and elevating community voices that benefit from the legislation. Public pressure and visibility can shape perception and push the governor toward action.

4. Direct Communication

Request meetings with the governor’s policy advisors or legal counsel. Provide them with clean, digestible summaries of the bill, responses to potential concerns, and personal stories that humanize the issue. Ensure they understand not just what the bill does but why it matters now.

Watching for Pocket Vetoes

As mentioned in Part 1, failure to sign a bill by the April 11th deadline results in a pocket veto. These are often used quietly, particularly for bills the governor may not want to veto publicly but is unwilling to sign into law. As you advocate, remember that silence is not neutrality—it is often a sign that your bill is at risk.

Keep in close contact with legislative liaisons in the governor’s office, and don’t hesitate to ask for updates on your bill’s status. If your bill is still unsigned in the final days before April 11th, escalate your efforts—make the case that inaction is not acceptable.

Conclusion

The journey from bill drafting to gubernatorial signature is long and complex, but each step matters. By organizing effectively and applying focused, strategic pressure in this final window, you increase the likelihood of success. With the deadline rapidly approaching, there is no time to lose—this is when your advocacy counts the most.

If you’d like help drafting targeted communications or building an outreach plan to the governor’s office, we’re here to assist. Let’s finish strong.