New Mexico joins states permitting same-day voter registration

New Mexico will become the 18th state to permit its people to register and vote on Election Day, but not until 2022.

Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a measure Wednesday ending the longtime registration deadline of four weeks before a primary or general election. Next year, the deadlines will be the Saturday beforehand.

The new law, which was opposed by almost all Republicans in the state legislature, also expands automatic voter registration beyond dealings with the Motor Vehicle Division to include applicants for Medicaid, food stamps or other benefits through the state Human Services Department.

Turnout in the state last year was 55 percent, above the national average for the midterm.