Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday for New Mexico primary election

New Mexico kicks off its primary election today with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., marking a historic shift to a semi-open primary system. For the first time, independent voters can join the major parties' primary contests without switching their party affiliation, which could significantly broaden participation. This change aims to make the electoral process more inclusive and reflective of the state’s diverse political landscape, potentially influencing voter turnout and the dynamics of the upcoming general election.