MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
THIS MATTER сomes before the Court on: (i) Shannon Robinson’s Motion to Intervene, filed August 18, 2008 (Doc. 25)(“Robin-son’s Motion”); and (ii) Nazarena Martinez, Justine Fox-Young, Rhoda Coakley, and the Republican Party of New Mexico’s Motion to Intervene, filed August 18, 2008 (Doc. 27)(“Motion to Intervene”). The Court held hearings on August 19, 2008 and August 29, 2008. The primary issues are: (i) whether the Court should permit Shannon Robinson, a state Senator, to intervene as a Defendant in this case regarding the legality of New Mexico’s voter-registration law; (ii) whether the Court should permit Nazarena (Nina) Martinez, Secretary of the Republican Party of New Mexico and a voter, to intervene as a Defendant; (iii) whether the Court should permit Justine Fox-Young, a state Representative for District 30 and a candidate for re-election in the general election on November 4, 2008, to intervene as a Defendant; (iv) whether the Court should permit Rhoda Coakley, the Chavez County Clerk, to intervene as a Defendant; and (v) whether the Court should permit the Republican Party of New Mexico (“RPNM”), a Section 527 non-profit organization, to intervene as a Defendant. Because the Court concludes that Robinson may not intervene as of right, and because allowing Robinson to intervene permissively would likely delay the resolution of the case without any concomitant benefits, the Court will deny Robinson’s motion. Because Martinez, Fox-Young, Coak-ley, and the RPNM are all unable to meet the requirements to intervene as of right, and because allowing them to intervene permissively would likely substantially slow the resolution of the preliminary injunction issue, the Court will deny their motion.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
In 2005, the New Mexico Legislature amended its electoral statute. The amendments included new requirements for third parties — persons or organizations other than government officials — who register voters. Four individuals and one political party seek to intervene in this case, which involves the constitutionality and legality of those new amendments
1. N.M.S.A.1978, § 1-4-49.
Section 1-4-49 of the New Mexico Statutes, N.M.S.A.1978, § 1^-49, is a state electoral law dealing with voter registration in New Mexico. In March of 2005, the New Mexico Legislature passed Senate Bill 678 (“SB 678”) as part of a package of bills aimed at electoral reform. SB 678 included amendments to laws regarding voter registration, voter identification, and paper records of voter’s ballots. See Legislative History of SB 678, http://legis.state.nm.us/lcs/_session.asp? ehamber=S&type= + +&number=678&
The statute mandates the registration of third-party registration agents and provides for various procedures and penalties regarding the activities of third-party registration agents. See N.M.S.A.1978, § 1-4-49. The statute has been in effect for more than three years. See N.M.S.A.1978, § 1-4-49 (history).
2. Proposed Defendants in Intervention.
Robinson is a resident of Albuquerque, a citizen of New Mexico, “a voter, and a New Mexico State Senator concerned about fraud, possible fraud, and the perception of fraud in the registratiоn process.” Robinson’s Motion ¶ 3, at 2. Robinson, as a member of the New Mexico State Senate, voted in favor of the statutes that the Plaintiffs attack. See id. ¶ 4, at 2. Robinson “supports meaningful requirements with regard to voter registration, to provide confidence in the registration and election process.” Shannon Robinson’s Memorandum in Support of Motion to Intervene at 1-2, filed August 18, 2008 (Doc. 26)(“Robinson’s Memo, in Support”). Robinson is aware of the alleged problems in the voter-registration process that led to the enactment of the statutes at issue from public reports and debate in the Legislature. Id. at 2.
Martinez is a registered voter and the RPNM’s Secretary. See Motion to Intervene ¶ 1, at 1. She has lobbied the New Mexico Legislature “for more effective registration and voter identification requests to deter fraud and to increase public confidence in the election process.” Id.
Fox-Young is currently a state Representative and a candidate for state Representative for District 30 in the upcoming general election on November 4, 2008. See id. ¶ 2, at 1. She “has advocated and worked for effective registration and voter identification laws to deter fraud and to increase confidence in the election process.” Id.
Coakley is the Chavez County Clerk and has thirty years of experience as either the County Clerk or Chief Deputy County Clerk. See Affidavit of Rhoda Coakley ¶2, at 1 (executed August 18, 2008)(“Coakley Aff.”).
The RPNM is a Section 527 non-profit organization. See Motion to Intervene ¶ 4, at 2. Section 527 organizations are tax-exempt political organizations, so named because of the section of the Internal Revenue Code they receive their tax-exempt status under. See 28 U.S.C. § 527 (2008). The RPNM employs persons who have registered as third-party registration agents and received training concerning the registration process. See id.
3. The State Court Case.
The Plaintiffs filed a Complaint against Defendant New Mexico Secretary of State Mary Herrera in the Second Judicial District of New Mexico on July 24, 2008, seeking a determination that certain New Mexico statutes, regulations, and practices are unconstitutional and unenforceable. See Exhibit 1 to Notice of Removal, Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief at 39-40, filed July 24, 2008 in the Second Judicial District Court, County of Bernalillo, New Mexico (Doc. l-2)(“Complaint”). The Plaintiffs did not request a temporary restraining order. See id. at 39-41. The Plaintiffs also do not identify any person who has been prevented from registering because of any statute or practice by the Secretary of State. The Plaintiffs maintain that the case was widely reported in the media, and that on July 24, 2008, when the Complaint was filed, Mr. Patrick Rogers, on behalf of the RPNM, indicated that the RPNM was considering intervening. See Declaration of John W. Boyd (taken August 20, 2008) ¶ 2, at 2, filed August 20, 2008 (Doc. 34-2)(“Boyd Dee.”). Rogers admits to telling Mr. John Boyd, the Plaintiffs’ counsel, that he might try to intervene, but disputes saying he was going to intervene on the RPNM’s behalf. See Letter from John Boyd to the Court (dated August 21, 2008)(Doe. 44)(“Letter”). Mr. Boyd advises the Court to rely on Mr. Rogers’ memory rather thаn on the Plaintiffs’. See Letter.
PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
On July 29, 2008, the Defendant removed the state case to federal court under 28
On August 18, 2008, Robinson filed his motion to intervene, and Martinez, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM filed their motion to intervene later that same day. Robinson did not contact the Plaintiffs’ counsel before he filed his motion to intervene. See Robinson’s Motion ¶ 6, at 2. Robinson contacted the Defendant’s counsel and the Defendant does not oppose his motion. See id. ¶ 7, at 2.
Martinez, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM contacted the Plaintiffs’ counsel about their motion, but at the time they filed their motion to intervene, the Plaintiffs’ counsel had not responded to the motion except to note their opposition to the request for a continuance. See Motion to Intervene ¶ 5, at 2. Martinez, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM also contacted the Defendant’s counsel, and the Defendant does not oppose their motion. See id. ¶ 6, at 2.
Robinson moved the Court, pursuant to rule 24 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, for an order permitting him to intervene in this lawsuit as a Defendant. See Robinson’s Motion at 1. Robinson did not have an answer to file and requested a reasonable continuance of the hearing on the preliminary injunction to аllow for the preparation of an answer to the Complaint and response to the motion for a preliminary injunction. See id. at 2-3.
Martinez, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM also moved the Court, pursuant to rule 24, for an order allowing them to intervene in the action as Defendants. See Motion to Intervene at 3. They also did not have an answer to attach to their motion and requested a reasonable continuance of the hearing on the preliminary injunction to allow for the filing of an answer to the Complaint and a response to the motion for preliminary injunction. See id. ¶ 7, at 2.
At the August 19, 2008 hearing, the Court heard initial argument on the motions to intervene. The prospective intervenors indicated their desire to participate fully in the proceedings if allowed to intervene. See Transcript of Hearing at 14-15, 34 (taken August 19, 2008)(Doc. 40)(“August 19 Tr.”).
On August 20, 2008, the Plaintiffs filed a motion in opposition to the motions to intervene. See Memorandum in Opposition to Motions to Intervene of Shannon Robinson and Nazarena (“Nina”) Martinez, et al., filed August 20, 2008 (Doc. 34)(“Response”). The Plaintiffs contend that “[t]he proposed inter-venors filed their motions to intervene on the eve of Plaintiffs’ preliminary injunction hear
On August 21, 2008, Robinson filed a reply brief. See Shannon Robinson’s Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Intervene, filed August 21, 2008 (Doc. 35)(“Robinson’s Reply”). Robinson stated that he is a plaintiff in Silva v. Chavez, CV-2008-08053, in state court. See Robinson’s Reply ¶ 1, at 1. He states that Southwest Organizing Project (“SWOP”), a plaintiff in this action, is a defendant in Silva v. Chavez. See id. Robinson believes SWOP has been illegally using charitable and deductible funds to finance political attack ads against him and other legislators to influence the primary election. See id. Robinson maintains that he believеs SWOP “and other parties similarly situated are violating state and federal law with regard to registration and disclosure of donors.” Id. ¶ 1, at 1. Robinson contends that SWOP and “related groups”
seriously distort the public contribution information of candidates they oppose in order to prepare political attack ads to improperly influence elections. They (mis)use the public contribution information to prepare these distorted and false claims, all in the name of “good open government” while refusing to register or timely disclose who is funding their dirty and false campaigns.
Id. ¶ 3, at 2. Robinson contends that it is his intention, through his state lawsuit and his intervention in this federal action, “to provide the court and the voters and citizens of New Mexico with information about the practices of SWOP and others who employ similar tactics.” Id. at ¶ 4, at 2. Robinson maintains that:
If SWOP and other similarly situated Plaintiffs are allowed to ignore the 48-hour rule and continue registering voters and withholding their contact information from the Secretary of State, County Clerks or candidates, political parties, me or other individuals they will be provided yet another improper, illegal and very problematic advantage over honest candidates and person[s] who are registering, filing and timely disclosing important information.
Id. ¶ 6, at 2.
Also on August 21, 2008, Martinez, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM filed a reply brief. See Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Intervene by Nazarena “Nina” Martinez, et ah, filed August 21, 2008 (Doc. 36)(“Re-ply”). They argue that their motion to intervene is timely because it was filed a weеk after the Plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction. See id. at 1. They also argue that the motion was timely because the Court had not set any discovery deadlines, motions deadlines, or similar scheduling deadlines that would prejudice the Plaintiffs. See id. at 4-5. They also stated that they would file a draft answer the following day and requested permission to file a proposed response to the motion for preliminary injunction. See id. at 5.
On August 22, 2008, Martinez, Fox-Young, Vicky Perea,
On August 29, 2008, the Court held a hearing on the motions to intervene. Robinson did not appear at the hearing. Martinez, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM contended that the Defendant was not ade
Coakley, and the RPNM suggested that the reason the Plaintiffs had ceased their registration activities is because ACORN, another third-party register of voters, had been so successful, making the Plaintiffs’ efforts unnecessary. Transcript of Hearing at 31 (Rogers)(taken August 29, 2008)(“August 29 Tr.”).
The Defendant’s counsel stated that he had good grounds for assuming, from the affidavits, that at least some of the Plaintiffs had registered voters in New Mexico and had standing. See id. at 29 (Fuqua).
The Plaintiffs expressed concern that the intervenors would slow the resolution of the motion for preliminary injunction, and delay a ruling on the merits until too close to New Mexico’s October 4, 2008 book closing date for registering voters for the November 2008 election dates. See id. at 25 (Bridge).
The Court indicated that it was inclined to deny the motions to intervene. See id. at 36-37 (Court). The Court believed that Coak-ley, Fox-Young, and the RPNM had protect-able interests, but that the Defendant was currently adequately representing those interests. See id. The Court also indicated that it was likely to deny the motion to intervene without prejudice as to Fox-Young and the RPNM. See id. аt 38 (Court). The Court stated that it would remain vigilant to make certain that the Defendant continued to vigorously defend § 1-4-49, and that, if the Defendant had to agree to a consent decree or began to make concessions different than she has now, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM would be able to move again to intervene. See id. at 38. The Court also decided to allow the Intervenors’ Answer to remain on file as an attachment to the Motion to Intervene, even though the Court had not granted leave for the filing of the Interve-nors’ Answer. See id. at 66-67 (Court). The Court stated that it had not read Martinez, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM’s response to the Plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction and asked the proposed in-tervenors to withdraw their response. See id. at 66. Martinez, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM agreed to withdraw the response. See id.
STANDARDS FOR INTERVENTION
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure allow for the intervention of new parties into a case pursuant to rule 24. Rule 24(a) provides that, upon timely application, an applicant should be permitted to intervene when the applicant claims an interest in the action, and the applicant is so situated that disposition of the action may impair or impede the applicant’s ability to protect that interest, and existing parties do not adequately represent the applicant’s interest. Rule 24(b) permits the court to allow an applicant to intervene where the applicant has a claim оr defense sharing common questions of law or fact with the main action.
Rule 24(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides that:
(a) Intervention of Right. On timely motion, the court must permit anyone to intervene who:
(1) is given an unconditional right to intervene by a federal statute; or
(2) claims an interest relating to the property or transaction that is the subject of the action, and is so situated that disposing of the action may as a practical matter impair or impede the mov-ant’s ability to protect its interest, unless existing parties adequately represent that interest.
Fed.R.Civ.P. 24(a)(bolded in original). Under rule 24(a), an applicant for intervention may intervene as of right if: (i) the application is timely; (ii) the applicant claims an interest relating to the property or transaction that is the subject of the action; (iii) the lawsuit may as a practical matter impair or impede the applicant’s interest; and (iv) existing parties do not adequately represent the applicant’s interest. See Coalition of Ariz./N.M. Counties for Stable Economic Growth v. Dep’t of Interior,
a. Timeliness.
While rule 24 does not specify what makes a motion to intervene timely, the Tenth Circuit has held that “[t]he timeliness of a motion to intervene is assessed in light of all the circumstances, including the length of time since the applicant knew of his interest in the case, prejudice to the existing parties, prejudice to the applicant, and the existence of any
unusual circumstances.” Utah Assoc, of Counties v. Clinton,
An application is not untimely simply because of the “mere passage of time ... rather, the important question concerns actual proceedings of substance on the merits.” 6 Moore’s Federаl Practice § 24.21[1], at 83-84 (3d ed.2008). Intervention is properly denied where, for example, a case is near its end stage, and allowing a party to intervene would cause undue prejudice and delay in the proceeding. See, e.g., United States v. Washington,
b. Protectable Interest.
“Under Rule 24(a)(2), the intervenors must ‘claim ... an interest relating to the property or transaction which is the subject of the action.’” See Utah Assoc, of Counties v. Clinton,
While rule 24(a) does not specify the nature of the interest required for intervention as a matter of right, the Supreme Court has held that “what is obviously meant ... is a significantly protectable interest.” Donaldson v. United States,
The threshold for finding the requisite legally protectable interest is not high. The Tenth Circuit has stated that, in determining whether to grant intervention, the court may consider any significant legal effect on the applicant’s interest, as the court is not bound by a strict res judicata test. See Coalition of Ariz./N.M. Counties for Stable Economic Growth v. Dep’t of Interior,
An intervenor must specify a “particularized interest rather than a generalized grievance.” Chiles v. Thornburgh,
c. Impairment of Interest.
Rule 24(a)(2) also requires the intervenors to demonstrate that the disposition of this action may as a practical matter impair or impede their ability to protect their interest____To satisfy this element of the intervention test, a would-be inter-venor must show only that impairment of
Utah Assoc, of Counties v. Clinton,
d. Inadequate Representation.
Acсording to the Supreme Court, this prong of the intervention analysis requires the intervenor to show only that representation of its interest “may be” inadequate, and the applicant’s burden on showing this element should be viewed as “minimal.” Trbovich v. United Mine Workers of America,
[T]he government’s representation of the public interest generally cannot be assumed to be identical to the individual parochial interest of a particular member of the public merely becausе both entities occupy the same posture in the litigation. In litigating on behalf of the general public, the government is obligated to consider a broad spectrum of views, many of which may conflict with the particular interest of the would-be intervenor.
Id. at 1255-56. Thus, when a prospective intervenor shows that the “public interest the government is obligated to represent may differ from the would-be intervenor’s particular interest,” the burden of demonstrating inadequate representation is met. Id. at 1255.
e. Cases Involving Political Parties and Party Officials
In United States v. State of Alabama,
*248 This is because most Alabama voters could be fairly characterized as having expressed at one time or another a general party affiliation. Because the аlleged interest could be claimed by any voter, the interest is only of a general — not a direct and substantial — concern. Such general interests do not justify intervention in litigation brought by the United States against a state for the enforcement of a federal statute.
Id. (footnote omitted). The intervenor argued “that it may or may not be the case that appointment of a special master who is a Republican creates the perception that the Republican Party seeks to control the voter registration database to its own ends.” Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). The district court also determined that the “speculative nature of the alleged interest ... clearly demonstrates that the alleged interest is not related to the property or transaction that is the subject of the lawsuit.” Id. The district court also rejected the intervenor’s contention that his interests and the interests of the Alabama Democratic Conference were inadequately represented in the lawsuit, because “all of the parties, amici, and voters of Alabama have an interest in the enforcement of HAVA.... All other interests, including the proposed intervenors’ partisan concerns, are subordinate to the implementation of the database.” Id. at *5. The district court denied the intervenor permissive intervention, stating:
This lawsuit is about whether Alabama has violated Section 303 of HAVA and, if so, how to remedy the violation; the prоposed intervenors challenge neither the violation nor the remedy. Instead, they seek to prevent the possible perception or suspicion that partisan politics may have an effect on the creation of a voter registration database. This suggestion, which is vague, speculative, and wholly unsupported by any evidence, is not at issue in this case, much less the “main” issue required by the rule.
Id. at *9.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit stated in Yniguez v. Arizona,
2. Permissive Intervention.
Rule 24(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides:
(b) Permissive Intervention.
(1) In General. On timely motion, the court may permit anyone to intervene who:
(A) is given a conditional right to intervene by a federal statute; or
(B) has a claim or defense that shares with the main action a common question of law or fact.
(2) By a Government Officer or Agency. On timely motion, the court may permit a federal or state governmental officer or agency to intervene if a party’s claim or defense is based on:
(A) a statute or executive order administered by the officer or agency; or
(B) any regulation, order, requirement, or agreement issued or made under the statute or executive order.
(3) Delay or Prejudice. In exercising its discretion, the court must consider whether the intervention will unduly delay or prejudice the adjudication of the original parties’ rights.
Fed.R.Civ.P. 24(b)(bolded in original). “To permissively intervene, a party need not have a direct personal or pecuniary interest in the subject of the litigation.” San Juan County, Utah v. United States,
LAW REGARDING STANDING TO INTERVENE
Intervenors are not required to establish standing sufficient to meet the standards of Article III of the United States Constitution. See San Juan County, Utah v. United States,
1. Legislators.
Legislators do not have standing to intervene simply because they voted for a legislative act later invalidated by a court. See, e.g., Tarsney v. O’Keefe,
In Planned Parenthood of Mid-Missouri and Eastern Kansas, Inc. v. Ehlmann, the Eighth Circuit explained that “legislators may obtain standing to defend the constitutionality of a legislative enactment when authorized by state law,” but rejected the legislators’ contention that they had standing “to defend the constitutionality of an appropriations bill that was passed in compliance with the state’s asserted interest as expressed by” that statute.
In State v. American Tobacco Co., No. 5-98CV-270,
While Article III requires parties to have standing, it does not require intervenors to independently possess standing to intervene in a continuing case or controversy when the ultimate relief sought by the intervenor is sought by another party with standing to do so. See Ruiz v. Estelle,161 F.3d 814 (5th Cir.1998), cert. denied,526 U.S. 1158 ,119 S.Ct. 2046 ,144 L.Ed.2d 213 (1999). This Court, by separate order, has granted Legislators’ motion to intervene. The relief sought by the Governor is the same relief sought by the Legislators. Therefore, Governor Bush does not need*250 an independent basis for standing to intervene.
2. Political Parties.
In Santiago Collazo v. Franqui Acosta,
An organization can, however, sue in certain cases to protect the rights of its members, with standing based on the injury to the members. The Supreme Court has stated:
[W]e have recognized that an association has standing to bring suit on behalf of its members when: (a) its members would otherwise have standing to sue in then-own right; (b) the interests it seеks to protect are germane to the organization’s purpose; and © neither the claim asserted, nor the relief requested, requires the participation of individual members in the lawsuit.
Id. at 390 (quoting Hunt v. Washington State Apple Advertising Comm’n,
although it may be simply due to a poorly drafted pleading[, njowhere in the motion to intervene is it even alleged who the members of the [the political party] are, or that any of them suffer actual or threatened harm. While the organization has stated that “one of its priorities is the welfare of the residents of the Island Municipality of Vieques who are in great need of housing and or economic development,” it has failed to allege that any of these residents for whose welfare the party is concerned are actually members of the party.
Santiago Collazo v. Franqui Acosta,
ANALYSIS
As an initial matter, the proposed interve-nors need not have Article III standing to intervene in a case. Here, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM have or may have a protectable interest. Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM have not, however, shown that the Defendant is not adequately representing their interests or that permissive intervention is warranted under the circumstances of this case.
I. THE MOTIONS TO INTERVENE ARE TIMELY.
The Plaintiffs contend that the intervenors waited until the eve of the preliminary injunction hearing to submit their motions, although “the proposed intervenors knew of their interests in this case” when the Plaintiffs filed their complaint nearly four weeks ago. Response at 2. In response, Martinez, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM contend that the Plaintiffs’ delayed filing of a request for preliminary injunction in a matter that raises so many issues of fact and law suggests that a careful consideration, investigation, and analysis is appropriate. Martinez, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM assert that a short continuance of a week or ten days cannot prejudice the Plaintiffs who chose to wait more than three years to file the motion for preliminary injunction.
The primary purpose of the timeliness requirement is to guard against prejudice to the original parties and not to sanction proposed intervenors who might have intervened earlier. See Utah Assoc. of Counties v. Clinton,
The statute has been in existence for more than three years, but the Plaintiffs filed then-case within the last month. There is no
Moreover, the Plaintiffs did not file a motion for a temporary restraining order. Instead, the Plaintiffs waited until August of 2008 to file their motion for a preliminary injunction. The prospective intervenors filed their motions to intervene one week after the Plaintiffs filed their motion for a preliminary injunction.
Despite all the activity in this ease, litigation is at an early stage, and there has been limited activity to date. The motions to intervene were filed a week after the motion for a preliminary injunction. Under these circumstances, while the potential interve-nors could have filed their motions earlier, the motions to intervene are timely.
II. ROBINSON IS NOT ENTITLED TO INTERVENE AS A MATTER OF RIGHT.
Robinson contends that he is entitled to intervene as a matter of right under rule 24(a)(2). Rule 24(a)(2) provides that, upon timely application, an applicant shall be permitted to intervene when (i) the applicant asserts an interest relating to the property or transaction that is the subject of the action; (ii) the applicant is so situated that the disposition of the action may, as a practical matter, impair or impede the applicant’s ability to protect that interest; and (iii) existing parties do not adequately reprеsent the applicant’s interest. See Coalition of Ariz./ N.M. Counties for Stable Economic Growth v. Dep’t of Interior,
A. ROBINSON DOES NOT HAVE A LEGALLY PROTECTABLE INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT OF THIS ACTION AS RULE 24(a) DEFINES THAT TERM.
Robinson asserts that he has a protectable interest in this suit because he is a voter and because he was a legislator who voted in favor of the challenged statute. These interests, however, are not ones that can be recognized as the basis of a rule 24(a) intervention. Registration fraud is a legitimate concern of any voter and certainly of the legislators who enacted the statute under attack. Because, however, Robinson shares his interest with almost everyone else, and has no particularized interest in this case, Robinson’s interest is a generalized one and not the sort of particularized interest that is required for intervention of right. See Chiles v. Thornburgh,
The Court need not decide whether a legislator should never be allowed to intervene when a statute for which the legislator voted is challenged in court. Robinson did not sponsor the legislation, so he has no more special relationship with the statute than any other legislator who voted for the statute, which was a majority of the legislature. Legislators do not have, under the case law, standing by virtue of voting for a piece of legislation, and given the link between standing and protectable interests, voting for a bill alone will not create a protectable interest absent unusual circumstances. See Tarsney v. O’Keefe,
The Court also does not believe that Robinson’s status as a candidate in the most recent election — the Democratic primary — is sufficient to bestow an interest under rule 24 on him. While Robinson feels wronged by one of the Plaintiffs’ activities in that election, that election is in the past; the results of this case will not impact that election or have any impact on Robinson’s career. With no more legislative sessions scheduled for the rest of Robinson’s career, his intеrest in the constitutionality of voter registration laws is currently not significantly different from that of other voters or citizens.
The Court does not believe that Robinson’s status as a voter or citizen gives him a protectable interest under rule 24. While it might, at first blush, appear that voters have a special interest in avoiding voter registration fraud, so that their votes count as much as they should, on closer reflection, all citizens, non-citizens, and people who do not even reside in New Mexico have an interest in fair New Mexico elections. This election cycle will elect a president, and practically every person in the world has an interest in whom the United States elects president and whom the voters of New Mexico send to Congress. These elections will help shape the course of the nation’s domestic and foreign policy. Unless the Court is prepared to say that almost anyone who wants can intervene in this case as a matter of right, which it is not, Robinson’s status as a voter or citizen does not provide him with a protectable interest under rule 24. Such generalized interests do not fit within the framework of the direct, substantial, and legally protectable test. See Utah Assoc. of Counties v. Clinton,
B. ROBINSON IS NOT SO SITUATED THAT THE DISPOSITION OF THE ACTION MAY, AS A PRACTICAL MATTER IMPAIR OR IMPEDE HIS ABILITY TO PROTECT HIS INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT OF THIS ACTION.
Robinson has not made an adequate showing that disposition of this action may “impair or impede” his interest. Fed. R.Civ.P. 24(a)(2). While the burden of the required showing is minimal, it is not a meaningless test. The inquiry into what impairs the ability to protect a right is linked with the determination of whether the proposed intervenor has a protectable interest. See Utah Assoc, of Counties v. Clinton,
C. THE EXISTING DEFENDANT ADEQUATELY REPRESENTS ROBINSON’S INTERESTS.
Robinson contends that the Secretary of State does not adequately represent his interests. The Plaintiffs contend that, to the extent Robinson has any recognizable interest in this matter, the Defendant is already asserting and representing Robinson’s interests. See Reply at 5. The Plaintiffs are correct on this point. Robinson asserts interests in preventing fraud and maintaining confidence in the election process. Even if those general interests are protectable under rule 24(a) and Robinson’s ability to protect them would be impaired by his absence from the case, the Defendant is vigorously asserting and adequately representing those interests.
That the Defendant is the Secretary of State, a member of the government, does not change this conclusion. In the right circumstances, the burden of demonstrating inadequate representation can be met by showing that “the party upon which the intervenor must rely is the government.” Utah Assoc. of Counties v. Clinton,
III. MARTINEZ IS NOT ENTITLED TO INTERVENE AS A MATTER OF RIGHT.
While Martinez is an official of the RPNM, she primarily asserts that her interest is as a voter. Martinez contends that, under any analysis, and certainly under the Tenth Circuit’s liberal analysis towards intervention, she satisfies each of the criteria required for intervention. The Court, however, believes that Martinez does not meet rule 24(a)’s requirements and is not entitled to intervene as a matter of right.
A. MARTINEZ DOES NOT HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT OF THIS ACTION AS RULE 24(a) DEFINES THAT TERM.
Martinez contends that her rights to an honest and accountable registration system, and the right of pеople to vote and to have their votes counted, are unquestionably significant protectable interests. She also contends that voter fraud, registration fraud, and threats to the sanctity of the ballot process because of fraud or possible fraud are legitimate concerns of individual voters. Martinez asserts that she has an interest in promoting equal voting rights and combating voter registration fraud. She further contends that the Plaintiffs’ litigation puts the registration ballots and the New Mexico voters at the risk of fraud. Martinez maintains that the elimination of the modest identification requirements, as the Plaintiffs propose, will further erode public confidence in the election process and discourage voters from voting in the future election. She favors effective registration requirements to address voter-registration fraud that has already occurred.
Voting rights are unquestionably important, and preserving the integrity of the electoral process is a legitimate and important interest. See Burdick v. Takushi,
In addition to asserting an interest as a registered voter, Martinez is the Secretary of the RPNM. She does not, however, appear to assert this position as a basis for intervention, and the Court need not address this as a separate or additional ground. In any case, for the reasons that the Court sets forth for denying the RPNM’s motion to intervene, Martinez’ reliance upon her position at the RPNM would not change the Court’s analysis for her motion to intervene in her individual capacity.
B. MARTINEZ IS NOT SO SITUATED THAT THE DISPOSITION OF THE ACTION MAY, AS A PRACTICAL MATTER, IMPAIR OR IMPEDE HIS ABILITY TO PROTECT HIS INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT OF THIS ACTION.
The existence of a protectable interest and whether that interest can be protected with
C. THE EXISTING DEFENDANT ADEQUATELY REPRESENTS MARTINEZ’S INTERESTS.
Martinez is, like Robinson, asserting an interest that is not “an individual parochial interest.” Utah Assoc. of Counties v. Clinton,
IV. FOX-YOUNG IS NOT ENTITLED TO INTERVENE AS A MATTER OF RIGHT.
In some respects, Fox-Young’s interest in this case resembles Robinson’s. In one significant respect, however, her interest is different. She is, unlike Robinson, running for re-election.
A. FOX-YOUNG HAS NOT SHOWN THAT SHE HAS AN INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT OF THIS ACTION AS RULE 24(a) DEFINES THAT TERM.
Fox-Young is currently a state Representative for District 30 and is a candidate for state Representative in the upcoming general election. As someone who is a candidate, Fox-Young occupies a different position than that of Robinson, who while currently a legislator, will not be a candidate in the general election. Fox-Young’s asserted interests in a fair election, and in prompt access to accurate information on newly registered voters, see Reply at 5, is distinctly different from the general interests in electoral fairness shared by all voters. Voter fraud or an inability to access voter information could effect the success of Fox-Young’s candidacy. As an actual candidate for office Fox-Young could be impacted by the challenged laws and so could have the direct interest protectable under rule 24(a). See Utah Assoc. of Counties v. Clinton,
The problem of Fox-Young’s motion is that, while she may have a protectable interest, she has not shown that interest to be endangered in this case. There is no evidence the Plaintiffs intend to register in her district or that any third parties will register in her district. Here fears from these Plaintiffs’ registration activities, ACORN’s activities, or any registration activities remains theoretical. While the Court believes that Fox-Young may have a protectable interest, she has not, in her affidavits or otherwise, established how that interest is endangered in this case. Fox-Young’s counsel admitted that “there is no specific information” regarding any registration efforts in her district. August 29 Tr. at 17 (Rogers). At the second hearing and in her reply, although not in her initial briefing, Fox-Young asserted an interest in identifying new voters who would be likely to be aligned with her views, speaking to these new voters, and getting these new voters to the polls. See id. at 15-17; Reply at 5. She asserted a special interest in the forty-eight hour deadlines for turning in completed forms, because this deadline facilitated this political speech. Her asserted interest is similar to the First Amendment right that the Plaintiffs assert in their Complaint. The Court need not, however, decide whether Fox-Young’s interest rises to the level of a First Amendment right to note that it is an interest that is not general and is not shared by the general population. The Court’s decision whether that interest is pro-tectable may have to wait until the Court decides this case on the merits. Nevertheless, Fox-Young has not shown that enjoining the Defendant from enforcing N.M.S.A. 1978, § 1-4-49 will impact her interests because she has not shown that the Plaintiffs or others will cease turning in forms within forty-eight hours in her district.
While the Court finds that Fox-Young has not shown a protectable interest on the record, she may be able to do so at some point.
B. FOX-YOUNG HAS NOT, ON THE RECORD, SHOWN THAT SHE IS SO SITUATED THAT THE DISPOSITION OF THE ACTION MAY, AS A PRACTICAL MATTER, IMPAIR OR IMPEDE HER ABILITY TO PROTECT HIS INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT OF THIS ACTION.
Showing that impairment of protectable interests is possible if intervention is denied is not a high burden to meet. See Utah Assoc. of Counties v. Clinton,
C. THE EXISTING DEFENDANT ADEQUATELY REPRESENTS FOX-YOUNG’S INTERESTS.
The Plaintiffs contend that, to the extent Fox-Young has any general interest in preventing fraud or maintaining confidence in the election process, those interests are asserted and represented by the Defendant. See Response at 5. Fox-Young contends that the Defendant is not able to adequately represent her distinct interests. At the present time, the Court believes that the Defendant is adequately representing the protectable interests Fox-Young may have in this ease.
Fox-Young is asserting an interest in having the statute enforced to ensure fair elections and prompt access to information on newly registered voters. Even if Fox-Young has adequately shown that these are protect-able interests under rule 24(a) and that those interests are in danger in this case, she has not shown that the Defendant is not adequately representing those interests. The Defendant has adopted the same legal position that Fox-Young advocates and is defending vigorously the constitutionality of the statute.
While the Tenth Circuit has cautioned that district courts must be skeptical that the government can adequately represent private interests, it has not eliminated that requirement in eases against the government. The potential intervenor still must make the minimal showing. In her briefing, Fox-Young said that the Defendant was not representing her interests, but made no attempt to show how the Defendant’s representation was inadequate. Only at the hearing did Fox-Young identify a special interest in the forty-eight hour request and explain what she would do different than the Defendant.
As to standing, Fox-Young has only asserted strong claims regarding the standing of two of the Plaintiffs, see August 29 Tr. at 31, but regardless of whether or not all the standing of all the Plaintiffs are challenged, this case is likely to proceed, at least through the preliminary injunction hearing. If the case proceeds, and the Defendant never questions or explores standing, Fox-Young remains free to renew her motion and seek to intervene again.
Second, Fox-Young contends that the Defendant is not questioning the Plaintiffs’ affidavits and accepting the fact that the Plaintiffs ceased to conduct voter registration because of N.M.S.A.1978, § 1-4-49. Fox-Young expresses skepticism and suggests that the Plaintiffs ceased because ACORN is registering so many of the same voters that the Plaintiffs would. Fox-Young offered no evidence to support her speculation. If the case proceeds, the Defendant may need to explore this thoroughly with discоvery, but at this stage there is no suggestion that the Defendant will not in the course of this case.
Adequate representation does not mean exactly the same representation. Sanguine
It is possible in the future that Fox-Young will supplement the record, fully establish her “parochial private interest,” Utah Assoc. of Counties v. Clinton,
Y. COAKLEY IS NOT ENTITLED TO INTERVENE AS A MATTER OF RIGHT.
Coakley is in a similar posture as the Defendant. Because the requested injunction would effectively enjoin Coakley from enforcing N.M.S.A.1978, § l-^L-49, she has a protectable interest similar to the Defendant’s. Nevertheless, because she is a government official like the Defendant, she has not shown that the Defendant is not adequately representing her interests.
A. COAKLEY HAS AN INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT OF THIS ACTION AS RULE 24(a) DEFINES THAT TERM.
Coakley contends that her rights to an honest and accountable registration system, and the right to vote and to have votes counted are unquestionably significant pro-tectable interests. Coakley further asserts that voter fraud, registration fraud, and threats to the sanctity of the ballot process because of fraud or possible fraud are legitimate concerns of individual county clerks. Coakley maintains that she has an interest in promoting equal voting rights and combating voter registration fraud. Coakley, also, as a county clerk has statutory duties under the challenged laws and regulations.
As the Clerk of Chavez County, Coakley would be subject to the preliminary and permanent injunctions that the Plaintiffs seek. If the injunction was issued, Coakley would be prohibited from performing certain electoral duties that New Mexico law requires. This direct effect on what Coakley can and cannot do as a county clerk is the direct and substantial effect that is recognized as a legally protected interest under rule 24(a). See Utah Assoc, of Counties v. Clinton,
B. COAKLEY IS SO SITUATED THAT THE DISPOSITION OF THE ACTION MAY, AS A PRACTICAL MATTER, IMPAIR OR IMPEDE HER ABILITY TO PROTECT HER INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT OF THIS ACTION.
If the Court grants the relief that the Plaintiffs seek, Coakley’s ability to protect her interests will be, as a practical matter, impaired. If a preliminary injunction, or later, a permanent injunction, were granted, Coakley would be subject to that injunction. This injunctive relief could make it difficult for Coakley to protect her interests by putting the burden on her to protect her statutory obligations by seeking to dissolve or modify the injunction. It is possible that preclusion doctrines or stare decisis will prevent her asserting her interests if they are not raised now. See Ute Distrib. Corp. v. Norton,
C. THE EXISTING DEFENDANT ADEQUATELY REPRESENTS COAK-LEY’S INTERESTS.
The Plaintiffs contend that Coakley’s interests “are presumably identical to those of the County Clerk of Bernalillo County and the Chief Deputy Clerk of Santa Fe County, both of whom have submitted declarations in support of Defendant’s position.” Response at 5. Coakley contends that the existing parties do not adequately represent her interests. She asserts that the Secretary of State’s interests are broad, diverse, and could potentially shift or change because of politics, the nature of the political process, and litigation.
The showing necessary to establish that Coakley’s interests are not adequately represented is a “minimal” burden, and she need only show that representation by the existing parties “may” be inadequate. See Utah Ass’n of Counties v. Clinton,
VI. RPNM IS NOT ENTITLED TO INTERVENE AS A MATTER OF RIGHT.
Because the RPNM has statewide candidates that the Plaintiffs’ voter registration will or could impact, the RPNM has a pro-tectable interest. This case’s result could effect the RPNM’s efforts for its candidates. As with Fox-Young and Coakley, however, the Defendant is currently adequately representing the RPNM’s interest.
A. RPNM HAS AN INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT OF THIS ACTION AS RULE 24(a) DEFINES THAT TERM.
The RPNM contends that voter fraud, registration fraud, and threats to the sanctity of the ballot process because of fraud or possible fraud are legitimate concerns of the RPNM. The RPNM asserts that it has an interеst in promoting equal voting rights and combating voter registration fraud. The RPNM also states that it employs persons who have properly registered as third-party agents under the challenged law and have been trained as required. The RPNM contends that it is an entity that complies with the allegedly onerous and unconstitutional third-party registration limitations, and that it has important facts to present that are contrary to the Plaintiffs’ presentation.
The Court does not believe that the RPNM has a protectable interest merely because it employs third-party registration agents and is thus directly impacted by N.M.S.A.1978, § 1-4-49. All third parties have this interest, and this not the particularized interest that can form the basis of inter
The RPNM is similar to the environmental organizations who many courts have recognized to have protectable interests in litigation challenging the goals of those organizations. See id. at 1252. As an organization involved in helping to elect candidates to office, it has a direct and specific interest in the litigation that is not the same general interest in fair elections that is common to all voters. The Plaintiffs contend that “[c]ourts have been hesitant to permit the intervention of political parties ... on the basis of indirect and speculative partisan concerns.” Response at 4 (citing U.S. v. Alabama,
B. RPNM IS SO SITUATED THAT THE DISPOSITION OF THE ACTION MAY, AS A PRACTICAL MATTER, IMPAIR OR IMPEDE HIS ABILITY TO PROTECT HIS INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT OF THIS ACTION.
Showing that impairment of protectable interests is possible if intervention is denied is not a high burden to meet. See Utah Assoc, of Counties v. Clinton, 255 F.3d at 1253. The possibility of legal preclusion or adverse effects from stare decisis are sufficient to meet that burden. See Ute Distrib. Corp. v. Norton,
C. THE EXISTING DEFENDANT ADEQUATELY REPRESENTS RPNM’S INTERESTS.
The RPNM contends that the existing parties are not adequately representing its interest. The Plaintiffs maintain that the Defendant “has defended and continues to vigorously defend the challenged law and any [RPNM] interest in combating voter-registration fraud.” Response at 6. At the moment, the Plaintiffs are correct. The RPNM does not assert any protectable interest that the Defendant is not already adequately protecting.
While the RPNM has a protectable interest stemming from its running a slate of state-wide candidates and others who may be effected by the Plaintiffs’ voter-registration efforts, the RPNM seeks to intervene to protect its intei-ests by defending the constitutionality of the registration law. The Defendant is already advocating this position. While the Defendant is governmental, the RPNM’s protectable interest is essentially the same as the public interest asserted by the Defendant, not a distinct private interest. See Utah Assoc, of Counties v. Clinton, 255 F.3d at 1256. It is certainly possible that in the future the Defendant will cease representing the RPNM’s interests adequately and so the Court will not foreclose the possibility of future intervention by the RPNM if that were to occur. For the time being, though, the RPNM’s interests are adequately represented, for substantially the reasons that the Defendant is adequately representing Fox-Young and Coakley, and so intervention as a matter of right is not available to the RPNM.
VII. THE COURT WILL NOT ALLOW ROBINSON, MARTINEZ, FOX-YOUNG, COAKLEY, AND THE RPNM PERMISSIVE INTERVENTION UNDER RULE 24(b) AT THIS TIME.
In the alternative to intervening as a matter of right, Robinson, Martinez, Fox-
Permissive intervention, as relevant here, is allowed where the would-be intervenors have claims or defenses that share a common question of law or fact with the main action. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 24(b)(1)(B). Once the threshold requirement of a common question is met, the decision to allow or deny permissive intervention lies within the discretion of the district court. See United Nuclear Corp. v. Cranford Ins. Co.,
In this case, intervention is likely to lead to delays that could prejudice the Plaintiffs case and the Defendant. Intervening parties are entitled to all the rights and responsibilities of original parties to litigation, including the right to present evidence and to have their schedules considered in setting hearing dates. The proposed intervenors have indicated their intention to exercise these rights if they enter the case. See August 19 Tr. at 14-15 (Rogers), 34 (Robinson).
This сase is very time sensitive, as the deadline for book-closing preceding the gen-
eral election is fast approaching. See Reply at 3. With less than one month until the book-closing, the Court believes that it is important to avoid any unnecessary delays. Both sides may want to appeal an adverse judgment; if the Court grants the injunction, the Plaintiffs want as much time as possible to register voters before October 4, 2008. The proposed intervenors were aware of this case and their interest in it several weeks before they moved to intervene. While the Court has held the motions to intervene to be timely, the lateness of the motion, and the resulting nearness to the book-closing date, weigh against allowing permissive intervention.
Given that the Court finds that the Defendant is adequately representing any interests the prospective intervenors have in the litigation, it would be inappropriate to allow them to intervene permissively, with the delays to the resolution of the ease such intervention would entail. See City of Stilwell, Oklahoma v. Ozarks Rural Elec. Co-op. Corp.,
Finally, the Court must consider fairness. If it lets one voter, or one legislator who voted for the bill, intervene, it may need to let others similarly situated intervene. At some point, the Court must cut off the evidence and make the best decision it can. Because of the need to rule on the Plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction as soon
IT IS ORDERED that Shannon Robinson’s Motion to Intervene is denied, and Na-zarena Martinez, Justine Fox-Young, Rhoda Coakley, and the Republican Party of New Mexico’s Motion to Intervene is denied, without prejudice as to refiling by Justine Fox-Young, Rhoda Coakley, and the Republican Party of New Mexico.
Notes
. The prospective intervenors stated that they did not want to participate as amicus curiae. See id. at 33-34 (Rogers, on behalf of Martinez, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM), 34 (Robinson). The Plaintiffs stated that, given that the prospective intervenors had filed their motion the day before the hearing, they wanted an opportunity to respond. See id. at 32-33 (Boyd). Maritnez, Fox-Young, Coakley, and the RPNM said they would try to filed their reply by August 20, 2008. See id. at 229. While the Plaintiffs did not fully state their position at the August 19, 2008 hearing, they indicated that they would not oppose the RPNM’s intervention at a later time, but that they would oppose their intervention for the preliminary injunction. See id. at 31-32.
. Vicky Perea was named in the Intervenors’ Answer as a Defendant-Intervenor. To the Court's knowledge, it is the first mention of her in the record. The Court is not aware of her status in this case and does not address her as a potential intervenor.
. The Court's citations to the transcript of the August 29, 2008 hearing refer to the court reporter's original, unedited version. Any final transcript may contain slightly different page and/or line numbers.
. The original, unedited transcript states that the speaker is unidentified, but it is clear from the context that it is Mr. Fuqua.
. Indeed, the case of the Defendant adequately representing Coakley is even stronger, because Coakley does not have the associational interest that Fox-Young is asserting.
. At the hearing on August 19, 2008, Mr. Boyd indicated that the Plaintiffs were not opposed to intervention by the RPNM at a later time so long as it did not delay resolution of the case. See August 19 Tr. at 31-32. The Court, of course, cannot guarantee there will be no delay once an intervenor is admitted and has all the rights of a party. The Plaintiffs also later stated that they opposed the motions to intervene in their actual response to the motions to intervene. See Response at 6. The Court will treat the Plaintiffs as being opposed to the motions to intervene by all the prospective intervenors, including the RPNM.