ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Early voting has come to a close in Bernalillo County, with election officials reporting steady turnout ahead of Tuesday’s primary election.
According to the county clerk’s office, more than 65,000 voters have already cast ballots, representing roughly 14% of registered voters in the county. That figure is approaching the total turnout from the last primary election, which ended at about 22%.
County Clerk Michelle Kavanaugh says initial numbers suggest voter participation could surpass previous years.
A mobile voting unit deployed at a local Albuquerque event over the weekend also drew strong interest. Officials say the unit recorded 111 votes in a single day, about five times higher than typical turnout at similar locations during this election cycle.
Some voters said convenience played a key role in their decision to participate early. Others took advantage of same-day registration offered at the mobile site.
Election officials also point to new legislation allowing independent, or “decline to state,” voters to participate in primary elections as another factor contributing to increased turnout.
Although early voting has ended, voters will still have an opportunity to cast ballots on Election Day Tuesday, when 74 polling locations across Bernalillo County will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
County leaders say they expect a final surge in voter participation on Election Day.
