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Same-Day Voter Registration Launches In Albuquerque

BUSCHAP VIA FLICKR
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CREATIVE COMMONS

National politics command a lot of airtime and attention across the United States, but local elections can have a bigger impact on the day-to-day. A citywide election is coming up in Albuquerque. Tuesday, Oct. 8, before 5 p.m. is the deadline for folks to register to vote online. And starting Tuesday, for the first time, people will be able to register to vote in-person on the same day they cast their ballots.

Bernalillo County Clerk Linda Stover said her office is prepared for this change, and she doesn’t expect any problems. She said she’s hoping same-day registration will boost turnout.

"I absolutely think it’s helpful to the voter," Stover said. "There’s really no reason somebody doesn’t vote now. We’ve really made this as easy as possible. You can come in and register. You can come in and change your registration and vote—all at the same time."

For now, people can both register and vote on the same day at the Clerk’s Annex. Starting Oct. 19, you’ll be able to register and vote at early-voting locations throughout the city. Election Day, on Nov. 5, is the only day you won’t be able to register.

People in Albuquerque will be weighing decisions about who will represent them on the City Council, several public education boards, and in their water conservation district. They’ll also see questions about changing how campaign public financing works.

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Marisa Demarco began a career in radio at KUNM News in late 2013 and covered public health for much of her time at the station. During the pandemic, she is also the executive producer for Your NM Government and No More Normal, shows focused on the varied impacts of COVID-19 and community response, as well as racial and social justice. She joined Source New Mexico as editor-in-chief in 2021.