Same-day voter registration proving popular in 2022 NM primaries

New Mexicans could register and vote on the same day for the first time ever in a Primary Election — and that’s exactly what many did.

Over 8,000 New Mexicans took the opportunity at the polls so far today.

Eligible New Mexico voters could also update their existing registration and still vote in today’s primaries at their County Clerk’s Office or any polling location.

Republicans led same-day registration voter numbers with 4,223, although the initiative was primarily pushed by Democrats. Democrats stood at 3,716 voters registered as of 5 p.m., while 239 voters registered Libertarian today and voted in the primary.

Bernalillo County had the most people using the option by far, with 3,041 people registering. The next highest counties were Sandoval at 648 and Doña Ana at 564.

These numbers show “how many more people that this election has engaged that otherwise would not have been engaged,” said Mario Jimenez III, campaign director for Common Cause New Mexico, a nonpartisan group that also sent volunteers at the polls.

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People already registered under a major party as of May 10 cannot switch their party affiliation until after Election Day. Voters registered as decline-to-state or with a minor party can update their registration to a major party and vote in the primary, then may revert back online after voting.

Democrat, Republican and Libertarian Parties are major parties in the state.

New Mexico is one of 19 states plus Washington, D.C. that has implemented same-day registration and voting on Election Day.

“I think it’s going to be extremely helpful to take a look at (same-day registration numbers) once the election is over and see what the overall is, of how many people took advantage of that,” Jimenez said.