Voters in New Mexico capital flock to decide soda tax

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Voters in New Mexico's capital city flowed through polling places in droves Tuesday to cast their decision on whether to add a tax on sugary sodas and other sweetened beverages that would follow the examples of several cities across the country.

Backers of the tax crowded into a union hall Tuesday to make last-minute calls to vote, as tax opponents knocked on doors and stood at busy intersections calling for a "no" vote.

At a polling station near downtown, eager voters moved quickly through a line of more than 50 people, offering candid opinions on the tax proposal that would pay to expand early childhood education.

At another voting center, first grade teacher Kyla Proctor cast her ballot against the tax, saying it would be unfair to increase the prices of the drinks.

A supporter of the tax, New York billionaire Michael Bloomberg, provided the political action committee Pre-K for Santa Fe with $1.1 million worth of contributions.