SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democrat-backed efforts to expand voter access in New Mexico are coming to fruition with the rollout of same-day voter registration.
The first trial run took place in a low-turnout special congressional election June 1. It allowed people to register at early voting centers in the final weeks of balloting, including Election Day. In all, 2,012 residents took advantage of the opportunity during the pilot run.
Previously, voter registration in the state was cut off 28 days before elections. Voting regulators are likely to adopt same-day registration for future elections. A 2019 bill opened the way for same-day registration on a delayed timeline.