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Division of Elections & Voting

Semi-Open Primaries in New Mexico

New Mexico has adopted a new semi-open primary system that will first be used in the June 2, 2026 Primary Election. Under this system, independent and Declined-to-State (DTS) voters can participate in a primary election without changing their voter registration, while voters already registered with a major party continue to vote in that party's primary.

This change is designed to make primary elections more accessible and inclusive, while keeping the process clear and manageable for voters, poll workers, and election administrators.

Important: Your primary ballot is determined by your registered party status as of the close of voter registration for the election.

Key Dates for the June 2, 2026 Primary

  • May 5 - Voter registration online and by mail closes. Early Voting begins at county clerks' offices. Same Day Registration is available in person during the election period.
  • May 16 - Expanded Early Voting begins in participating counties.
  • May 19 - Last day to request a mail-in absentee ballot.

For registration, sample ballots, and absentee ballot requests, visit NMVote.org.

Watch: How Semi-Open Primaries Work

Choose a language below to watch a short video explaining New Mexico's semi-open primary system.

Semi-Open Primaries: Quick Guide

Prefer a quick visual overview? This guide explains how semi-open primaries work in New Mexico and what voters should know before casting a ballot.

Open this guide in a new tab

Semi-Open Primary FAQs

Primary elections are how political parties choose which candidates will appear on the ballot for the General Election. In New Mexico's new semi-open primary system, registered major party voters still vote in their own party's primary, while independent and Declined-to-State voters may choose which major party primary they would like to participate in without changing their party registration.

What is a primary election?

A primary election is how political parties select their nominees for the General Election. Voters choose among candidates from a single party, and the winning candidate from each party then appears on the General Election ballot.

What is a semi-open primary in New Mexico?

In New Mexico's semi-open primary system, your options depend on your current party registration status:

  • Major parties - you must vote the ballot of your party.
  • Qualified minor parties - you may use Same Day Registration to affiliate with a major party, or to register as Decline to State.
  • DTS and unqualified minor parties - you may select a major party and vote that ballot in person or absentee.

Voters still cast one primary ballot in one party's primary.

Who can vote in a primary under the new law?
  • Major party voters participate in their own party's primary.
  • Independent and Declined-to-State voters can choose which major party primary they would like to vote in, without re-registering.
  • Some minor-party voters may have additional options through Same Day Registration.
  • New or unregistered voters can still use Same Day Registration to register and participate in the primary.
Do I need to change my party registration to vote?

If you are already registered with a major party and want to vote in that party's primary, you do not need to change anything.

If you are registered as Independent or Declined-to-State, you may choose a major party primary ballot without permanently changing your registration.

Can I switch parties after receiving my ballot?

No. Once an official ballot has been printed at the polls, voters cannot switch to another party ballot unless they vote provisionally.

Voters deciding between a Democratic or Republican ballot are strongly encouraged to review both sample ballots before making their selection.

Does this change affect how I vote in the General Election?

No. General Elections remain the same. All registered voters may participate in the General Election, and all eligible contests appear on your ballot based on where you live.

Where can I check my registration or update my information?

To confirm your current voter registration, update your address, or check your party affiliation, visit NMVote.org.

I am registered Libertarian or Green. What are my options?

If you are registered with a qualified minor party such as Libertarian or Green, you may use Same Day Registration to affiliate with a major party, or to register as Decline to State.

I am registered with another minor party. Can I choose a major party primary ballot?

If you are registered as DTS or with an unqualified minor party, you may select a major party and vote that ballot in person or absentee.

Still have questions?

Email the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office at elections@santafecountynm.gov or call (505) 986-6280.