New Mexico is one of 15 states in America that has closed congressional and state primaries.
In New Mexico, voters must be registered with a particular party to vote in that party’s primary election. Registered Democrats can only vote for Democratic candidates, and vice versa for registered Republicans.
So where does that leave independent voters?
If you are registered with a minor party, you can only vote in that party’s primary, assuming they hold one. The top vote-getter for each party moves on to the general election. Unaffiliated/independent voters cannot vote in closed primary elections.
One of your NW Albuquerque neighbors had an opinion on the closed primary.
Michael Carey Jr. responded to a post on the Ventana Ranch West Neighbors page on Facebook.
“There should never be any restrictions on how someone votes,” Carey wrote on Facebook. “I personally do not believe in registering party affiliation. I know Democrats who have crossed over and voted for Republicans and independents. The same goes for Republicans and independents voting for other parties.”