Get ready to make your voice heard

Journal North kicks off its 2020 primary election coverage with a preview of races for Santa Fe County commission, clerk and treasurer.

If you haven’t registered to vote, there’s still time … but not a lot of time. The last day to register to vote in the June 2 primary election is Tuesday, May 5. It’s also the first day to cast early and absentee ballots.

You can register to vote in person at the new county administration building, 100 Catron St. — two blocks north of the county’s former base on Grant Street — between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and also cast your vote at that time. Or you can register online on the Secretary of State’s website: www.sos.state. nm.us.

Those voters who would like to maintain social distancing and vote without having to go to the polls next month may go online to request an absentee ballot. Visit www.nmvote.org or Santa Fe County’s website, www. santafecountynm.gov, to print an absentee ballot. You may also call the County Clerk’s Office at 505-986-6280 to request an absentee ballot.

But, remember, New Mexico has a closed primary, so only registered Democrats can vote for Democratic candidates, only registered Republicans can vote for Republican candidates, and only Libertarians can vote for Libertarian candidates. Members of other political parties and people who have “Declined To State” their political affiliates must sit this one out.

In-person early voting at the new county administration building begins Tuesday and runs through May 30. But that can be done only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (except Memorial Day, May 25). You can also vote early from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 30.

The County Clerk’s Office will open alternative early voting sites, beginning Saturday, May 16. At the sites listed at right, voters can cast early votes from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays prior to the election.