Early and Often

Early voter turnout is robust

The secretary of state reported over the weekend that 76,839 Democrats, 34,674 Republicans and 256 Libertarians voted early in their respective closed primary elections, which she says is a "substantial increase in the number of voters choosing the early voting option compared to the last midterm Primary Election in 2014." Everyone else registered with a major party can hit the polls between 7 am and 7 pm tomorrow. Find your polling place here, and get a load of a roundup from the Sunday edition of the Albuquerque Journal on the significance of several races ($) if you have not heard enough already.

Keeping the peace 

With just one day remaining before the primary election, it's the last chance for voters to check in on issues that matter most to them. SFR's Aaron Cantú reported Friday about how Santa Fe County sheriff hopefuls differ on cooperation with ICE in answers to the newspaper's interview questions and to a report compiled by the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Blazes burning 

Yesterday's rain was a minor contributor to the news that wildland firefighting crews now have the Ute Park Fire about 23 percent contained after it raced over more than 36,000 acres near Eagle Nest and Cimarron since it started on Thursday. Both communities are on mandatory evacuation and a meeting is planned this afternoon at the Angel Fire Community Center. Another fire is burning near Reserve.

Forest closures likely to expand

A weekend without recreation in the Santa Fe National Forest is the start of what could be a monthslong prohibition to prevent more fire, and most locals are supportive ($) of the plan.The Gila National Forest is still open, but a report from the Silver City Daily News and Independent says it could be the next to close.

Ladies behind bars

The number of women incarcerated in New Mexico has climbed more than 47 percent since 2001, and many of the women are serving time for drug crimes, according to legislative testimony ($) from the New Mexico Sentencing Commission. Some lawmakers asked questions about whether that data shows the state is too punitive when it comes to drug crimes.

#WearOrange 

SFR's HQ wore orange this weekend as part of gun violence prevention and awareness events across the nation. Meanwhile, the NRA spent its time and media capital in a campaign to reclaim the color, and students in Texas are trying to send a message to their governor.

Media watch 

New Mexico native and former Santa Fe journalist Chris Quintana has gone on to Washington DC to report for the Chronicle of Higher Education. A UNM alum who also served as editor-in-chief of the student paper, he was profiled last week in the The Daily Lobo.

Wet! 

Albuquerque metro saw record rainfall on Sunday, the most rain to fall there in a single day since September. Today is looking good for scattered afternoon showers in the north, with the potential for another storm toward Friday.

Thanks for reading! The Word knows no one can claim a color. Well, unless it's Reporter Red. Get out there and show Monday who's boss.   

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