The Census Bureau reports that three out of four New Mexicans are old enough to vote, but state figures indicate many residents aren't eligible to cast a ballot because they haven't registered to vote.
Statewide voter registration totaled nearly 1.3 million at the end of December. That represents about 80 percent of New Mexico's voting age population.
The Census Bureau reported earlier this month that nearly 1.6 million New Mexicans are age 18 year or older — accounting for about 76 percent of the state's total population.
Voter registration often climbs during an election year as political groups try to organize potential supporters. New Mexicans will go to the polls this year to elect statewide officials including the governor. All 70 state House members also are up for election.
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