For the first time, New Mexico will have a semi-open primary, which means that more registered voters will be eligible to vote. Prior to this year, the state of New Mexico recognized only four political parties for the purposes of primary elections: the Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, and Green parties. 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. But with the new law in place, voters who are considered DTS can now participate in the primary elections without having to temporarily change their voter registration. In addition, 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.
Voters should also be aware that 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, 2026, or earlier. They cannot use SDR to switch parties; however, 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: voterportal.servis.sos.state.nm.us/wheretovote.aspx . Note that any registration changes made after May 5, whether with the NM Secretary of State’s website, on paper, or at the Motor Vehicle Department will not take effect until after the primary election on June 2, 2026.
For additional voting information, go to https://www.sos.nm.gov/.