Remark:

Primary election voting is underway in New Mexico. Unfortunately, voter turnout in primaries is often relatively low compared to general elections. Nationally in 2018, the last non-presidential primary, only about one in five eligible voters voted. This means that a very small group of voters, a group less representative of the general electorate, determines which candidates will appear on the general election ballot in November.

Eligibility to participate is one of the factors contributing to declining participation. New Mexico requires a voter to be affiliated with one of three major parties (Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian), leaving out those who refused to declare party affiliation (often referred to as independent voters). The rationale behind this restriction is that party members must select the candidates who will represent the party in the general election. With the growing number of voters choosing not to affiliate with a party, many voters are excluded from an important step in the process. For example, in Dona Ana County, nearly 27% of voters refuse to declare a party; statewide, the number is 22.5%. Younger voters are less likely to indicate a preference for a large party, so they are more likely to be excluded.

New Mexico allows those who are not registered with a major party to vote in the primary by joining a major party on the same day as the relevant primary vote. (This ability to select party affiliation in the primary vote is not available to those who are already members of a major party.) A voter wishing to revert to state or minor party denial status can change his registration – but not before 45 days after the day of the primary election.

During New Mexico’s last legislative session, a proposal to streamline this process was introduced, but it did not make it to a final vote. Under the proposal, the voter would receive a ballot for their preferred primary without having to register as a party member.

Other states have adopted other types of primary conductors. For example, in New Hampshire, unaffiliated voters declare their party affiliation at the polls and can become an independent voter again immediately after voting in the primary. Recently, voters in Alaska selected from all primary candidates, regardless of party. The top four voters then appear on the general election ballot, and the state uses ranked choice voting to ensure that the final choice has at least 50% of the vote.

The League of Women Voters of New Mexico has invited all female candidates to participate in the nonpartisan online voter guide at VOTE411.org. Voters can type in their address and identify all candidates on their ballot, with answers to questions about their backgrounds and positions in the candidates’ own words. If you cannot find answers for your candidates, please encourage them to participate. Make a plan to vote in the primary no later than June 7. Learn about the candidates and vote.

Eileen VanWie and Kathy Brook are co-chairs of the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico.