Records: Most new voters in New Mexico are independents
SANTA FE, N.M. – State records show the biggest increase in New Mexico voter registration is among residents who declined to state a party affiliation.
The Albuquerque Journal reports nearly 54 percent of those who registered to vote from March 2017 through August of this year registered without stating a party affiliation or did so with a different political party besides Democrats or Republicans.
That’s 23,380 of the 43,434 newly registered voters. The figure is more than the number of newly registered Democrats and Republicans combined.
Overall, about 22 percent of the state’s registered voters are now classified as declined-to-state voters, commonly referred to as independents.
Voter registration for the coming general election closes on Oct. 9. Election Day is Nov. 6.
Elizabeth School District dismisses challenge to book-ban injunction on eve of appellate arguments
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 44 minutes ago
An Elbert County school district has dismissed its challenge to a judge’s injunction ordering it to return banned books to library shelves, days before the Denver-based federal appeals court was set to hear oral arguments this week. Although a three-judge...
Colorado farmers warn U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper tariffs and research cuts endanger agriculture
Marianne Goodland
marianne.goodland@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 3 hours ago
Northern Colorado farmers told U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper this week that tariffs and President Donald Trump’s decision to import $40 billion worth of beef from Argentina have hurt Colorado’s agricultural industry. But the administration’s cuts to scientific research are almost...
‘Doesn’t do enough’: House Democrats reject GOP deal on cutting ICE funding
Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner
rachel.schilke.washington.examiner@gazetteedit.wpenginepowered.com
Updated 2 hours ago
House Democratic leaders are planning to oppose a bipartisan homeland security funding bill set for a vote this week, even after Republicans agreed to cut funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A source familiar with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’s...
Vance heading to Minneapolis amid Trump’s ICE crackdown
Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner
christian.datoc.washington.examiner@gazetteedit.wpenginepowered.com
Updated 6 hours ago
Vice President JD Vance will deliver remarks and visit with ICE agents in Minneapolis Thursday, as President Donald Trump continues his immigration crackdown in the state. The vice president has been a critical messenger for the administration combating public opposition...
Gov. Polis, Democratic lawmakers introduce trio of housing affordability bills
Marissa Ventrelli
marissa.ventrelli@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 3 hours ago
Democratic lawmakers were joined by housing advocates and Gov. Jared Polis at the Capitol on Wednesday to announce a trio of bills they say will increase affordable housing in Colorado. “This session, Colorado Democrats are focused on lowering costs, and...
Colorado Supreme Court to hear cases on insurance coverage for COVID, witness credibility
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 3 hours ago
The Colorado Supreme Court announced on Tuesday that it will decide the degree to which a virus or other hazard must affect a commercial property before it can trigger loss-or-damage coverage under an insurance policy. At least three of the...
Colorado halts wolf releases for 2026 as federal pressure mounts
Marianne Goodland
marianne.goodland@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 4 hours ago
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, facing mounting criticism from the Trump administration over its management of the wolf reintroduction program, announced Wednesday they will not bring in any new wolves to the state for the 2026 winter season. CPW was turned...
Colorado wildlife officials report first wolf death of 2026 as mortality count reaches 13
Marianne Goodland
marianne.goodland@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 4 hours ago
Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced late Monday that another British Columbia female gray wolf, known as 2504-BC, was found dead in northwest Colorado on Friday. No cause of death nor an exact location of where the wolf was found was...
Trump’s threats challenge Europe’s security and prosperity, EU chief says ahead of summit
Lorne Cook
lorne.cook@associatedpress.com
Updated 12 hours ago
BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland and impose tariffs on its backers pose a challenge to Europe’s security, principles and prosperity, European Council President António Costa said on Wednesday. “All these three dimensions are being...
Federal judge says prisoner cannot sue for dog-bite injury
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 12 hours ago
A federal judge concluded last week that a man cannot sue the government for injuries he sustained when a dog allegedly attacked him while he participated in a prison program. Kenneth M. Chandler, representing himself, was participating in the “FIDOS”...
PREV
PREVIOUS
Steamboat Pilot & Today: Vote ‘yes’ on 2A
Steamboat Springs voters will be deciding on a 0.20 percent sales tax for air service this fall, and we hope the measure flies. The tax, if approved, will fund the airline program, which we believe has been a success and is the envy of other mountain communities. The program has greatly increased the number of […]
Kansas congressional candidate's adventure claims challenged
TOPEKA, Kan. – A political novice who rode his profile as an outsider-adventurer to the Republican nomination in a competitive Kansas congressional district is facing scrutiny about some of the biographical details he shares with voters. Steve Watkins’ campaign website featured a since-removed testimonial to his “heroic leadership” when a deadly earthquake shook Mount Everest […]