Voter turnout dropped sharply in New Mexico's general election. Unofficial returns from the secretary of state's office show that about 512,000 voters cast ballots. That's roughly 40 percent of the state's registered voters and would represent the lowest turnout rate in decades. The turnout rate could increase somewhat once final returns become available.
Four years ago, 607,700 votes were cast when Gov. Susana Martinez won election a record high turnout for a gubernatorial election year. That represented about 53 percent of registered voters. In 2002, there were nearly 504,000 total votes for a turnout rate of 53 percent. In 2006, turnout was about 52 percent and 568,000 votes were cast.
Pollster Brian Sanderoff said Wednesday a lack of enthusiasm among Democratic voters contributed to the depressed turnout.
