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 Services

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.

Offices on the Ballot in the

2026 Primary Election

Federal Offices 

  • U.S. Representative – District 1
  • U.S. Representative – District 2
  • U.S. Representative – District 3

Statewide Offices 

  • Governor
  • Lieutenant Governor
  • Secretary of State
  • Attorney General
  • State Auditor
  • State Treasurer
  • Commissioner of Public Lands
  • Court of Appeals Judge – Position 1

State & District Offices (varies by district)

  • New Mexico House of Representatives – Districts 41, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50
  • 1st Judicial District Judge – Divisions 4 & 8 (unexpired term)

Santa Fe County Offices

  • Magistrate Judge – Districts 1, 2, 3, 4
  • County Sheriff
  • County Assessor
  • County Commissioner – District 1
  • County Commissioner – District 3
  • Probate Judge

For complete information on the races and candidates, go to the Santa Fe County Clerk’s website.