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Albuquerque Officials Look To Boost Low Voter Turnout

Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry

A recent Albuquerque election saw the lowest voter turnout for a city election since 1974.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that only 8.2 percent of registered voters participated in last week's election. City records say that's the lowest percentage since the city's modern form of government started.

Officials say they are now looking for a way to boost participation in New Mexico's local elections.

Mayor Richard Berry says he wants to see a broader movement dedicated to the issue, but thinks it could also help to reduce the frequency of elections so voters can make fewer trips to the polls.

State Rep. Javier Martinez agrees with the idea of consolidating elections, but says the state needs to do more to bolster turnout. He suggests allowing same-day or automatic registration.

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Information from: Albuquerque Journal.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.