SANTA FE — For years, New Mexico voters who decide not to affiliate with a major political party have faced challenges — if not outright barriers — when it comes to voting in primary elections.
But that is set to change next year, after lawmakers approved legislation during this year’s 60-day session allowing roughly 310,000 registered independents to cast a ballot in the primary election without having to change their party affiliation.
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The number of New Mexico voters who are not registered with either of the state’s main political parties has grown steadily since 1980.
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