Libertarian Party of Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is a libertarian?
A libertarian is someone who believes that no human being has the right - under any circumstances -- to initiate force against another human being, nor to threaten, incite or delegate its initiation.
This idea is referred to as the Non-Aggression Principle [NAP] or the Zero Aggression Principle [ZAP]. See the Philosophy page on the main LPNM site for more details about what it means.
Aren't you a pacifist, then?
Not necessarily. While there are some pacifists that also qualify as
libertarians, many more of us have no problem using defensive or
retaliatory force against an aggressor. Some of our detractors are
particularly upset about our support for the right to own and carry
weapons, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment.
What is required to be a Libertarian Party member?
1. Adherence to the NAP or ZAP, whichever term you prefer, as specified above (first, be a libertarian before you become a Libertarian).
2. Intelligence
3. Integrity
4. A sense of humor.
For Affiliate members, simply register to vote as Libertarian. Caucus
members take it a step further by signing the Non-Aggression Pledge and
donating Ø25 a year to the LPNM. See the sign-up page for the full details
What is the Libertarian Party?
The Libertarian Party (or LP)
was established in December, 1971, as a way to bring libertarian ideas
to the political scene by running candidates against other parties'
offerings.
How do I register to vote?
Simple -- click here and scroll down until you find "How do I register to vote in New Mexico?"
Follow the directions there and either mail in the form (it's
pre-addressed to the Secretary of State's Office with pre-paid postage)
or take it to the County Clerk's Office at One Civic Plaza in Albuquerque.
Or download and print the National Voter Registration Form, fill it out and send it in to the address listed under "New Mexico" in the "State Instructions" section.
What precinct am I in?
If you don't know what voting precinct you're in, simply go to the Bernalillo County website's GIS section and click on "Political Map and play around with it til your find your house.
How do I get involved?
Follow some of the ideas listed in "Getting Started" by Mike Blessing as a way to get started. Or get involved at the precinct level -- check the Contacts page to see who your precinct chair is. If there's no one listed there, why not volunteer for the spot?
Am I wasting my vote by voting Libertarian?
Libertarians here lines like this all the time --
"I really like your candidate, but I have to vote for the __________ to keep the __________ out of office."
If everyone who said that just bit the bullet and voted for the LP
candidate instead of spouting this stuff, there would be more
Libertarians in state legislatures, on city councils and county
commissions, and the LP's presidential candidate would break the
million-vote barrier on a regular basis.
Jay Vandersloot says it better here.