voting

Record turnout in NM early voting ahead of high-stakes Tuesday election

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As early voting wrapped up on Saturday, New Mexico saw a substantial turnout, with 663,874 ballots cast. According to the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office, this figure represents about 48.2% of the state’s registered voters. Comparatively, the 2020 election saw a turnout of 928,230 voters or 68% of eligible voters. Early voting numbers for 2024 suggest that 71.5% of the 2020 turnout has already been reached, indicating significant interest in the election.

The breakdown of the early voting turnout by party affiliation shows that Democrats cast 307,311 ballots (46.2%). Republicans followed with 243,376 votes, making up 36.6% of the total. Voters registered as Decline to State (DTS) or Independents (Declined to State voters) accounted for 104,904 ballots, or 15.8%, while Libertarians and other parties contributed smaller portions, with 5,301 (0.79%) and 2,982 (0.44%) ballots, respectively.

Analyzing the early voting turnout by county reveals an engaged Republican base in key counties. For example, Republicans in higher-population counties outpaced Democrats in participation percentages in Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Otero, and Sandoval counties. This trend highlights areas where the GOP may have gained momentum compared to past elections.

Adding to the intrigue, recent polling shows a tightening race in New Mexico. As we previously reported, a recent Rasmussen poll suggests that 45th President Donald Trump has gained considerable ground against incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris in New Mexico, hinting that the state may be more competitive than in recent cycles. 

Mid-October analysis by Piñon Post editor and state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) using leftist polls shows the Trump campaign’s path to victory, factoring Democrat and Republican vote flipping from the past presidential election and margins in polls that showed a larger disparity between Harris and Trump in the Land of Enchantment. The recent Rasmussen poll, which came out after Block’s analysis, shows an even closer race, with Trump leading, according to vote-switchers’ figures.

According to the Republican Party of New Mexico, “Republicans continue to outpace and dominate in the Same Day Registration counts. As long as Republicans are in the deficit of voters, Voter registration needs to remain a top priority in every county!”

Historically, New Mexico has leaned blue in presidential elections, but the recent surge in Republican and Independent early voting turnout could signal a shift. The Rasmussen poll positions New Mexico as a closer race than anticipated, which has generated interest from national political observers who traditionally view the state as a secure Democratic stronghold.

If these early voting patterns hold and Election Day turnout continues to surge, New Mexico may be on track for one of its highest voter turnouts in recent history. Both parties are mobilizing to make a final push, with Republicans aiming to capitalize on their strong showing in early voting and Democrats looking to secure their base. As the final votes are cast, all eyes will be on New Mexico, which could be pivotal in shaping the national political landscape.

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All three of NM’s congressional reps. want illegals to vote in U.S. elections

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House Republicans and several Democrats approved a bill on Wednesday to expand proof-of-citizenship requirements for federal elections and impose voter roll purges on states. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act passed with a 221-198 vote, with five Democrats supporting it. 

Despite this, New Mexico’s Democrat Reps. Gabe Vasquez, Melanie Stansbury, and Teresa Leger Fernandez opposed the bill, showing a clear divide even within the Democrat Party. The vote shows the trio’s support for allowing illegal aliens to vote in U.S. elections.

The legislation is unlikely to progress in the Senate due to strong Democratic resistance. President Biden has also promised to veto it. Critics argue that the bill’s core idea—making noncitizen voting illegal—is redundant and more likely to disenfranchise U.S. citizens than prevent illegal voting.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) insisted on the House floor that the bill is necessary because noncitizens have participated in U.S. elections, despite existing laws against it. Johnson stated, “Even though it’s already illegal, this is happening.” He further emphasized the need for the legislation to prevent noncitizen voting and to make it unlawful within states.

The far-left “Brennan Center for Justice” cataloged 30 suspected cases of noncitizen voting out of 23.5 million. The notion that noncitizens are voting and that Democrats are importing undocumented immigrants for electoral gains is central to the bill’s purpose.

The Heritage Foundation found illegal alien voting in abundance, including 11,000 illegals previously registered on Virginia’s voter rolls. 

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who introduced the bill, argued that progressive Democrats use open border policies and attack election integrity laws to transform America. Roy’s stance is that Democrats aim to leverage undocumented immigrants to maintain one-party rule.

“This is a matter of national security and election integrity, and Gabe Vasquez is willing to compromise both just to avoid contradicting Biden’s open border. NM-02 deserves better than someone who would sell out their votes like that,” wrote National Republican Congresional Committee Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar following the vote. 

“The only reason New Mexico’s Democratic representatives would oppose states requiring proof of citizenship to vote is because they want illegal immigrants to vote in our elections,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Spokeswoman Ash Soular. “They stood by while Joe Biden let 10 million illegal immigrants into our country and now, they’re going to stand by while our national security, election integrity and democracy are threatened. Only American citizens should be allowed to vote in U.S. elections. The SAVE Act is a common-sense and crucial step to restoring confidence in our voting system.”

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Vasquez refuses to join vast bipartisan majority against illegal voting

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In a major move, the House of Representatives has passed bipartisan legislation to overturn a progressive immigration policy that allows illegal aliens to vote in local elections in Washington, D.C. This legislation garnered widespread support, with over fifty Democrats joining Republicans to endorse the measure. It passed 262 to 143. However, far-left Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-CD2) voted against it, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, especially since Vasquez represents southern New Mexico, where New Mexico’s entire border with Mexico is located. Vasquez was joined by Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-CD3) in opposing the bill, while Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-CD1) was absent from the vote.

The legislation, seen by many as a common-sense approach to ensuring electoral integrity, was supported by a broad coalition in the House, including 52 Democrats. Maureen O’Toole, Regional Press Secretary for the Congressional Leadership Fund, emphasized the bipartisan nature of the vote and criticized Vasquez’s stance. “Preventing noncitizens from voting in American elections is as basic and commonsense as it gets, which is why it passed with a clear bipartisan majority in the House, yet Gabe Vasquez was too extreme to support it,” O’Toole stated. “Today’s vote makes it clear: Gabe Vasquez’s top priority is pushing radical illegal immigration policy, not fighting for New Mexico citizens or protecting the security of our elections.”

The National Congressional Committee’s Spokeswoman, Delanie Bomar, wrote following the vote, “Don’t believe extreme Democrat Gabe Vasquez’s election year posturing, just look at his votes – he is a radical open borders zealot. As long as Vasquez is in office, illegal migrants will get the red carpet treatment while American citizens get the shaft.”

Vasquez’s vote against the legislation is consistent with his history of advocating for progressive immigration policies. He has previously called for defunding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and has supported shutting down ICE facilities altogether. 

Critics also point out that Vasquez has downplayed the severity of the border crisis, accusing Republicans of politicizing the issue rather than addressing it substantively. He has consistently voted against stricter border security measures despite concerns about an increase in crimes committed by illegal immigrants.

The decision to allow noncitizens to vote in local elections in the nation’s capital has been a flashpoint, with many arguing that voting should be a privilege reserved for citizens. 

Vasquez faces a tough reelection battle against GOP former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell, who has the support of Republican House leadership and many other key voices.

Vasquez refuses to join vast bipartisan majority against illegal voting Read More »

Dems’ extreme election code rewrite heads to governor’s desk

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On Monday, the New Mexico House of Representatives voted 42-25 to concur with the Senate’s changes of H.B. 4, an extreme rewrite of many portions of the state’s election code. The bill now goes to the governor’s desk.

Provisions in the bill would erode election security by letting felons vote, mandating a permanent absentee voter list, ballot drop boxes, and mandating voters be automatically registered at the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), where they would have to opt out by mail.

There were many concerns in committees and during floor discussions about the bill infringing on religious freedoms because some religions do not permit voting. Forcibly registering people to vote would be a violation.

According to the bill’s fiscal impact report, the Taxation and Revenue Department reports that “implementation of this bill will have a high impact on its IT Division. The estimated time to develop, test, and implement the changes is approximately 2,704 hours or 17 months and approximately $717,700 ($567,800 contractual resources including gross receipts tax and staff workload costs of $149,900). The bill will require MVD to partner with [the Secretary of State’s office] to make changes to the interface between the two agencies.”

According to the New Mexico Sun, “The New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) strongly opposes HB 4. NMBC President Carla Sonntag published a letter arguing that the legislation would endanger both voting rights and voting system integrity in many ways, including automatically registering voters without their consent, increasing the likelihood of non-U.S. citizens being registered to vote and giving full voting rights to felons prior to completion of parole/probation.”

Provisions on the Senate side that were amended in include giving county clerks the opportunity to get waivers from the Secretary of State’s office to opt out of ballot drop boxes and clarifying language regarding prisons and detention facilities.

The bill now goes to Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk for a signature.

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Bill to erode election security one hurdle away from becoming law

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On Wednesday, the New Mexico Senate voted 27-14 to pass H.B. 4, an extreme rewrite of many portions of the state’s election code. 

Provisions in the bill would erode election security by letting felons vote, mandating a permanent absentee voter list, mandatory ballot drop boxes, and mandating voters be automatically registered at the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), where they would have to opt out by mail.

There were many concerns in committees and during floor discussions about the bill infringing on religious freedoms because some religions do not permit voting. Forcibly registering people to vote would be a violation.

According to the bill’s fiscal impact report, the Taxation and Revenue Department reports that “implementation of this bill will have a high impact on its IT Division. The estimated time to develop, test, and implement the changes is approximately 2,704 hours or 17 months and approximately $717,700 ($567,800 contractual resources including gross receipts tax and staff workload costs of $149,900). The bill will require MVD to partner with [the Secretary of State’s office] to make changes to the interface between the two agencies.”

According to the New Mexico Sun, “The New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) strongly opposes HB 4. NMBC President Carla Sonntag published a letter arguing that the legislation would endanger both voting rights and voting system integrity in many ways, including automatically registering voters without their consent, increasing the likelihood of non-U.S. citizens being registered to vote and giving full voting rights to felons prior to completion of parole/probation.”

Following the Senate vote, Republican Senate Leader Brian Baca said in a statement, “I am incredibly disappointed in the Secretary of State and Democratic legislators who put progressive special interests above the people of New Mexico with the passage of this legislation,” adding, “The only beneficiaries of this legislation are felons and those seeking to compromise the integrity of our elections.”

While the bill was in the House, Republicans attempted to amend it with a provision to require photo identification to vote, which all died. In the Senate, Republicans attempted to add amendments, including one to create an opt-in system for the MVD registrations. Those attempts failed also.

Since the Senate amended the bill in that chamber, it will now have to go back to the House for concurrence. If that happens, it will go to Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk, where she is all but guaranteed to sign it. New Mexicans can contact their state representatives to ask them to oppose the bill.

Bill to erode election security one hurdle away from becoming law Read More »

House committee tables bill to let 16 and 17-year-olds vote

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On Saturday in the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee, a bipartisan group of representatives tabled H.B. 217 by Reps. Christine Trujillo (D-Bernalillo) and Christina Ortez (D-Taos). The bill would have allowed 16 and 17-year-olds to vote.

The bill also notes that 17-year-olds would be allowed to vote in state primaries if they are 18 by the time the primary election is over. “For the purposes of a political primary, 17-year-olds may also currently vote if they will turn 18 on or before the general election immediately succeeding that primary election,” reads the fiscal impact report (FIR) for the bill, which implies that even in federal elections the minor could vote.

The FIR further notes that this move could likely increase Democrat voter turnout, according to Tufts University.

It reads, “[I]t should be noted Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life find that 63 percent of voters aged 18 to 29 nationally voted for democratic candidates in the House of Representative elections, so it is possible that allowing 16-year-olds to vote as provided for in HB217 could result in a disproportionate increase in turnout for democratic candidates. However, it is unclear whether this is because 16-year-old Democrats are more likely to turn out to vote or that 16-year-olds are more likely to be Democratic-leaning. Further, data does not indicate whether the turnout from youth voters (ages 18 to 29) effectively changed the results of prior elections.”

Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) noted a scientific study by Tak Wing Chan, Ph.D., and Matthew Clayton, D.Phil., which read, “research in neuroscience suggests that the brain, specifically the prefrontal cortex, is still undergoing major reconstruction and development during the teenage years.” He said he was going to be “following the science” and reject the bill.

The bill ultimately died on a tie 4-4 vote, with Reps. Block, Bill Rehm (R-Albuquerque), D. Wonda Johnson (D-Rehoboth), and Martin Zamora (R-Santa Rosa) all voting against the bill. 

Similar bills in the past have shared similar fates, with science proving that 16 and 17-year-olds would not be appropriate qualified electors. 

House committee tables bill to let 16 and 17-year-olds vote Read More »

Dem bill to let 16 and 17-year-olds vote scheduled for Saturday hearing

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On Saturday, a bill by Reps. Christine Trujillo (D-Bernalillo) and Christina Ortez (D-Taos), H.B. 217, would make 16 and 17-year-olds “qualified electors” will be heard in New Mexico House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee. 

The bill also notes that 17-year-olds would be allowed to vote in state primaries if they are 18 by the time the primary election is over. “For the purposes of a political primary, 17-year-olds may also currently vote if they will turn 18 on or before the general election immediately succeeding that primary election,” reads the fiscal impact report (FIR) for the bill, which implies that even in federal elections the minor could vote.

The FIR further notes that this move could likely increase Democrat voter turnout, according to Tufts University.

It reads, “[I]t should be noted Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life find that 63 percent of voters aged 18 to 29 nationally voted for democratic candidates in the House of Representative elections, so it is possible that allowing 16-year-olds to vote as provided for in HB217 could result in a disproportionate increase in turnout for democratic candidates. However, it is unclear whether this is because 16-year-old Democrats are more likely to turn out to vote or that 16-year-olds are more likely to be Democratic-leaning. Further, data does not indicate whether the turnout from youth voters (ages 18 to 29) effectively changed the results of prior elections.” 

The committee will consider the bill on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in Room 317 of the state Capitol. To join the meeting via Zoom, the instructions are below:

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88261854647 Or One tap mobile : US: +12532158782,,88261854647# or +13462487799,,88261854647# Webinar ID: 882 6185 4647 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kqF4xwnAY 

Below, find the contact information for the members of the committee:

  • Chair: D. Wonda Johnson (D). District 5 (McKinley & San Juan). Room 413D, 986-4236. Email: dwonda.johnson@nmlegis.gov
  • Vice Chair: Natalie Figueroa (D). District 30 (Bernalillo). Room 203AN, 986-4255. Email: natalie.figueroa@nmlegis.gov
  • Ranking Member: Martin R. Zamora (R). District 63 (Curry, DeBaca, Guadalupe, Roosevelt & San Miguel). Room 203EN, 986-4211. Email: martin.zamora@nmlegis.gov
  • Member: Janelle Anyanonu (D). District 19 (Bernalillo). Room 203BN, . Email: Janelle.Anyanonu@nmlegis.gov
  • Member: John Block (R). District 51 (Otero). Room 202B, 986-4220. Email: John.Block@nmlegis.gov
  • Member: Gail Chasey (D). District 18 (Bernalillo). Room 134C, 986-4777. Email: gail@gailchasey.com
  • Member: Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D). District 15 (Bernalillo). Room 312A, 986-4327. Email: dayan.hochman-vigil@nmlegis.gov
  • Member: Charlotte Little (D). District 68 (Bernalillo). Room 203CN, 986-4254. Email: Charlotte.Little@nmlegis.gov
  • Member: William “Bill” R. Rehm (R). District 31 (Bernalillo). Room 201B, 986-4214. Email: bill.rehm@nmlegis.gov

Dem bill to let 16 and 17-year-olds vote scheduled for Saturday hearing Read More »

What you need to know before you vote Tuesday

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On Tuesday, New Mexicans will decide many key races in New Mexico to determine the trajectory of the state by selecting who will appear on the General Election ballot.

These races include the fight for the governorship, where five Republicans face off to challenge Democrat scandal-ridden alleged serial groper Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. These include Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block of Rio Rancho, state Rep. Rebecca Dow of Truth or Consequences, former television weatherman Mark Ronchetti of Albuquerque, former Mayor of Cuba Ethel Maharg of Albuquerque, and financial advisor Greg Zanetti of Albuquerque. On the Libertarian ticket, Karen Bedonie faces off against write-in candidate Ginger Grider Tuesday. 

There are multiple moderate Democrats facing off against far-left incumbents in the state House of Representatives, while some Democrats are facing off against primary challenges to the left. The most visible of these races is between one-term state Rep. Roger Montoya of Velarde who is being challenged by former State Rep. Joseph Sanchez, a pro-life, pro-Second Amendment Democrat. Montoya voted for abortion up to birth and backed most of the Democrats’ anti-gun measures.

On the Republican side, four moderate incumbents face off against conservative Republican challengers. State Rep. Larry Scott of Hobbs faces off against Elaine Sena Cortez, Randall Pettigrew of Lovington goes up against Rebecca Jill Jones, Rachel Black of Alamogordo faces Piñon Post editor and founder John Block, and  Jane Powdrell-Culbert of Corrales faces off against Frida Susana Vasquez. All of these challengers have focused their campaigns on the lack of representation from the current incumbents in the Legislature, as well as bad votes taken by these incumbents.

These include voting for the Democrats’ far-left 2022 budget, which Black and Powdrell-Culbert voted for. Also, Pettigrew voted for an anti-gun bill in a committee hearing, despite having the opportunity to kill the bad bill with one  Democrat who voted against the measure. 

All statewide elected state-level offices are up for grabs, including the lieutenant governorship, where Republicans Ant Thornton and Peggy Muller-Aragón face off. Two Democrats, Heather Benavidez and Laura Montoya face off for state treasurer, a seat currently held by term-limited Treasurer Tim Eichenberg. The winner of that contest faces Republican Harry Montoya. In the race for attorney general, Democrat State Auditor Brian Colón, who has the backing of retiring Attorney General Hector Balderas, is running against Albuquerque-area District Attorney Raúl Torrez, who has the backing of George Soros and Sen. Martin Heinrich. The winner of that primary contest faces Republican Jeremy Gay in November.

For state auditor, Democrat Public Regulation Commissioner Joseph Maestas faces former ombudsman under the Lujan Grisham regime and failed Albuquerque City Council candidate Zackary Quintero.

Totals as of Saturday from the Secretary of State’s Office show that Democrats have cast 59,718 votes early, Republicans trail slightly with 44,986 votes cast so far, and Libertarians casting 409 votes. Of those who voted early in person, Democrats made up 47,867, while Republicans had 39,907, and Libertarians had 368. Democrats lead in absentee ballots, with 11,851, Republicans with 5,079, and Libertarians with 41. 

To find your closes polling locations and to see your sample ballot, click here on the Secretary of State’s website.

In this primary election, independent (declined to state) voters are permitted to vote in either the Republican or Democrat primaries, so those who have not selected a party affiliation but are registered to vote can participate in either of the primary elections.

For all voting locations in your area, you can search the closest one here. If you have any questions before the June 7 primary, contact your local county clerk’s office or the Secretary of State’s Office, which can be reached here: (505) 827-3600. 

What you need to know before you vote Tuesday Read More »

One week later, NM Dems finally release convention results

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One week after Democrats’ “lovefest” convention in Roswell, they finally have the results from the contentious races. This came after the Democrats employed the use of absentee ballots, over-the-phone voting, and electronic voting which allowed votes days after the convention.

In the Second Congressional District, far-left ex-Las Cruces City Councilor Gabe Vasquez outpaced Dashel Patel 80.43% to 19.57%. Patel was just shy of the 20% needed to get on the ballot but could get extra signatures to get a ballot slot.

In the state treasurer race, Laura Montoya got 58.29% to Heather Benavidez’s 41.71%. The nominee will face Republican Harry Montoya in the general election.

Zack Quintero, who previously ran an unsuccessful race for Albuquerque City Council, got 61.81% to Joseph Maestas’ 38.19%. Maestas is a Public Regulation commissioner and former Santa Fe city councilor. 

In the hotly contested attorney general race, ​​state auditor Brian Colón led Albuqurque-area District Attorney Raúl Torres 61.46% to 38.54%. Torres has support from George Soros. The winner will face Republican Jeremy Gay. 

The governor’s race, lt. governor’s race, Congressional Districts One and Three, Secretary of State, and Land Commission are uncontested on the Democrat side. Republicans have not put up a candidate for state auditor. But they have put up a candidate, Jeff Byrd, for Land Commission.

Whoever the Democrats choose on June 7 as their nominees will face Republicans, who have been rallying to take back New Mexico with a strong showing across the state.

In contrast to the Republican convention, the GOP had primary results the night of the convention, which were released the day afterward.

[READ NEXT: Dem convention: MLG calls herself a ‘bada**,’ breaks self-imposed mask mandate]

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NM Senate committee rushes through amended far-left bill lowering voting age to 17

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On Friday, the Senate Rules Committee passed a bill, S.B. 412, brought forth by Sen. Carrie Hamblen (D-Doña Ana) to lower the voting age in New Mexico state and local elections. Although the original proposal listed the minimum age of 16 to be a qualified elector, the committee amended the bill to the age of 17.

During committee, Sen. Hamblen brought forth two high school-aged “witnesses” who emphatically endorsed the bill. One of them claimed the bill was “a vaccine for our political atmosphere.” 

The other witness claimed, “to not pass this bill is to invalidate me” when they were at the age of 16 and 17. The student also claimed people who had access to voting “tokenize me for my youth.”

The committee sped through the bill in fewer than 20 minutes of committee time, with only a motion from Sen. Mark Moores (R-Sandoval) to remove the provision for 16-year-olds to vote and make it 17-year-olds. The motion passed on a vote of 6-3. 

The final vote on the committee for passage was 7-2, with Moores voting with all the Democrats on the committee to advance the bill. Sen. Linda Lopez (D-Bernalillo) claimed she supported 16-year-olds being able to vote because, “When I was a senior in high school, I was sixteen, and I think I could make some pretty good decisions at that time,” she claimed. 

Sen. Lopez sponsored the radical abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill, S.B. 10, which passed last month and was signed into law shortly afterward. 

Radical far-left dark money groups, including OLÉ, NM Café, NM Dream Team, billionaire Mike Bloomberg’s Moms Demand Action, among others, and are already rallying behind the bills, which would likely add around 50,000 underaged voters on the rolls, according to the fiscal impact report (FIR) for S.B. 412. 

The proposal now goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee chaired by Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Doña Ana).

NM Senate committee rushes through amended far-left bill lowering voting age to 17 Read More »

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