Early voting proves popular among GOP, Democrats in New Mexico's 2022 election

Mike Smith, Carlsbad Current-Argus
·4 min read
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Republicans and Democrats in New Mexico may have found common ground in the 2022 general elections as more voters of both parties cast their ballots early, in-person than on Election Day Nov. 8, according to data from the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office.

Across New Mexico, about 172,054 Democrats voted early in-person compared to about 77,000 that voted on Tuesday. Of the 134,013 Republicans who voted in the election, 79,020 voted early in-person, according to data from the New Mexico Secretary of State.

In total, 307,391 Democrats cast ballots in the election, along with 233,120 Republicans, including absentee ballots, records show.

That means about 56 percent of Democrats, and 57 percent of Republicans voted early, in-person.

Alex Curtas, spokesperson for the New Mexico Secretary of State, said early in-person voting started in New Mexico nearly 15 years ago and Tuesday’s numbers fall in line with past elections.

More:Republican David Finger defeats Democrat Eileen Riordan for District Court judgeship

“Year over year we see more people utilizing early voting than Election Day,” he said.

Curtas said 1.3 million people were registered to vote in New Mexico Tuesday and about 704,000 people cast ballots in the 2022 midterm election.

New Mexico’s three U.S. House seats were on the ballot along with major statewide races for governor, secretary of state and attorney general.

Voters also cast ballots for the New Mexico House of Representatives, spending of public funds, constitutional amendments and county races.

Voters wait in line on Election Day at the Eddy County sub office in Artesia.
Voters wait in line on Election Day at the Eddy County sub office in Artesia.

Curtas said 51 percent of the state’s registered voters cast ballots during 2022. That’s four percent lower than the last mid-term election in 2018.

“We’re seeing a consistent level of turnout. We could do better. This tracks with historical trends,” he said.

During presidential elections, he said voter turnout was about 60 percent in New Mexico.

Early in-person voting in New Mexico started Oct. 11 and concluded Nov. 5.

Southeast New Mexico follows state trend of more voters voting early

More:Early voting ends with GOP in the lead for southeastern New Mexico. Dems lead statewide

The popularity of early voting in New Mexico extended into the southeast region, although Republicans outnumbered Democrats despite the less GOP ballots cast statewide.

In Eddy County, 1,829 Democratic voters cast their ballots early in person, about 145 more than the 1,684 who voted on Election Day. For Republicans 5,159 voted early in person, 245 more than the 4,914 GOP voters who cast ballots Tuesday, read Secretary of State information.

“I think early voting has a good place in our elections,” said Eddy County Clerk Darlene Rosprim. “It is helpful for those who may have a trip planned or if you are trying to plan a surgery. I think it’s more convenient."

Rosprim said ballots conducted during the early voting period remained in tabulators at Eddy County voting centers and are counted on the official day of the election.

“They are not tabulated until Election Day. I think early voting is a positive note,” she said.

In Lincoln County, 827 Democrats voted early in person, 279 more than the 543 that voted on Election Day. For Republicans 2,418 voted early in person 117 more than the 2,301 that voted Tuesday, per the Secretary of State's Office.

More:Your guide to general elections in Eddy County

In Otero County, 2,052 Democrats voted early in person, 920 more than 1,132 that voted on Election Day. Otero County had 4,902 Republicans vote early in person, 1,816 more than the 3,086 that voted on Election Day.

Chaves County saw 1,893 Democrats vote early in-person, 539 more than the 1,354 voting on Tuesday. Chaves County had 5,309 Republicans cast ballots early in person, 895 more than the 4,414 voting on Election Day.

In Lea County, 967 Democrats voted early in person, 32 more than the 935 that voted early. Lea County had 5,349 Republicans vote early in person, 1,402 more than the 3,947 who voted Election Day, according to the Secretary of State's Office.

Curtas said all election day figures are unofficial and are set to be certified Nov. 29 by the State Canvass Board.

More:Michelle Lujan Grisham reelected governor of New Mexico

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Early in person voting grows all over New Mexico including southeast