League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County
The League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County (LWVSFC) is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote informed citizen participation in government by providing unbiased information about political issues and candidates. The LWVSFC focuses on issues that affect Santa Fe County residents and are within the scope of elected and appointed officials in Santa Fe County. The LWVSFC does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. Rather, we are focused on providing information that will allow Santa Fe County residents to form their own opinions based on factual information. The LWVSFC does adopt positions on local issues following a process of study and consensus or concurrence, after which we advocate publicly based on those positions.
Who Can Vote in the Primary in 2026?
This year for the first time New Mexico will have a semi-open primary (SOP). The state of New Mexico recognizes only four political parties for the purposes of primary elections: Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, and Green. A person who listed any other party name, did not specify a party, or wrote Declined to State (DTS), would be considered DTS for the purpose of the primary election. Those considered as DTS can participate in primary elections without having to change their voter registration. They may request either a Republican or a Democratic ballot at the polls. If they wish to vote absentee, they will be able to request the ballot of one of the major political parties when they apply for an absentee ballot.
Same day voter registration (SDR) is available to those who are not registered. It is also available to voters registered with a minor party (Libertarian or Green), who wish to register with one of the two major parties and vote.
Voters registered as Republican or Democratic can change their registration on May 5 or earlier. They cannot use SDR to switch parties. They can use SDR to change their name, address, or other contact information.
All voters, particularly those who recently changed their registration forms, should check their registration status. To check your voter registration status, go to NM Secretary of State Voter Serices
Note that any registration changes made after May 5, whether with the SOS website, on paper, or at MVD will not take effect until after the primary election on June 2, 2026.
VOTER SERVICES
The LWVSFC believes we are all equal at the ballot box, but only if we vote. We engage thousands of Santa Fe County residents every year – ensuring that they are registered to vote, and that they have the information they need to participate in the local, state and national elections that determine our future.
ACTION & ADVOCACY
The LWVSFC follows local issues and monitors the workings of local government to identify opportunities to advocate for a course of action. The A&A Committee works to influence public policy through education and advocacy, based on positions the League has adopted after extensive study – and a consensus of our members.
OUR POSITIONS
Click on a button below to see the League’s Local Positions, State Positions and/or National Positions:
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
The LWVSFC offers opportunities for our members and the public to attend forums, presentations and seminars to strengthen their understanding of local issues. The League is committed to presenting unbiased, accurate information so that individuals can decide where they stand based on facts, not outside influence. See the list of upcoming events to the right – or click on the button below for the Annual Calendar of Events – downloadable and printable.
Latest News!
“Lunch with a Leader”: A Conversation with SFPS Superintendent Christine Griffin
March 4, 2026, 11:30 – 1:00 pm at St. John’s United Methodist Church. Box lunch option. Register HERE.
LWVSFC 2026 Program Planning Meeting
Tuesday, February 17, 1-3 pm
LWVSFC’s annual Program Planning Meeting is an opportunity to review our current positions and consider proposals for new positions. All members are invited to participate.
The Winter “La Palabra” Is Here!
“La Palabra” is the quarterly newsletter of the League of Women Voters of New Mexico. This issue contains information about the League’s activities in the 2026 NM Legislative Session. Read it here: https://lwvnm.org/newsletters/Winter2026.pdf
LWVNM President Hannah Burling Interviewed about VOTE411
Hannah Burling, president of the League of Women Voters of New Mexico, joined PBS’ host Nash Jones on “New Mexico in Focus” to talk about the customizable voter guide the organization puts together each year.
VOTE411 – All in One Voting Information
All the races, all the candidates, all the ballot questions across the state and nation this November 4!
Ranked Choice Voting Explained
What is Ranked Choice Voting?
Everyone has basic rights under the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws. Learn more here about what your rights are, how to exercise them, and what to do when your rights are violated.
https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights
From The Contrarian: How to dismantle the media’s “bothsides-ism”
Back in 2016, New York Times columnist Paul Krugman described bothsidesism as ‘the almost pathological determination to portray politicians and their programs as being equally good or equally bad, no matter how ludicrous that pretense becomes.’ ”
Thank you, Anne Culp!
LWVSFC awarded Anne Culp our Outstanding Contribution Award at the annual meeting May 10 for reframing how the League registers high school voters.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are looking for volunteers to help defend democracy!
Upcoming Events
PRESENTATIONS
The Future of Water Supply in Santa Fe
A talk by Maya Clifford, General Manager, Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District.
Why We Need IPRA (Inspection of Public Records Act) Panel Discussion
LWVSFC joined the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government to host a panel discussion March 17 at St. John’s UMC in celebration of Sunshine Week, held annually in mid-March to celebrate and support the so-called “Sunshine Laws” that assure local, state and national governments operate in the open.
New Mexico’s Water Challenges
Click the image above to download the Powerpoint presentation.