On the evening of March 14, the New Mexico legislature passed SB 672. It provides for automatic voter registration, in which each adult citizen known to exist is automatically registered. The individual is then informed and is free to decline. Also the bill allows voters to register at the polls on election day. However, no one can change parties during the 28 days before any primary. See this story. Thanks to Rick Lass for this news.

On March 14, an important vote occurred in the U.S. Senate on whether to disapprove of President Trump’s declaration of emergency spending on a border wall. There are 53 Republicans. Twelve of them (22.6%) voted against President Trump.

Advocates of open primaries are constantly saying that open primaries produce more moderate office-holders. However, Republicans nominated in closed primary states were approximately twice as likely to vote against the President, than Republicans nominated in primaries in which independent voters may participate.

Fifteen Republican Senators are elected in states in which the Republican primary is closed. Of those 15, 6 voted against President Trump, or 40.0%.

Fourteen Republican Senators are elected in states in which the Republican primary is semi-closed. Of those 14, two voted against President Trump, or 14.3%.

Twenty-four Republican Senators are elected in states in which the Republican primary is open. Of those 24, four voted against President Trump, or 16.7%.

On March 15, filing closed for candidates in the U.S. House election, North Carolina 9th district. Here is the list. There are ten Republicans, one Democrat, one Libertarian, and one Green. The only party that will hold a primary is the Republican Party; the unopposed candidates of the other parties are deemed nominated.

This election is necessary because the original election last November was tainted by illegal handling of absentee ballots.