April Wrap-Up Newsletter

Santa Fe County, New Mexico sent this bulletin at 05/01/2026 03:27 PM MDT

April Wrap-Up Newsletter

May 1, 2026

As preparations continue for the June 2, 2026 Primary Election, the Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office is encouraging voters to review their registration, understand how New Mexico’s semi-open primary system applies to them, and take advantage of available voter resources in advance of key deadlines.

What's New at the Clerk's Office?

May 5 Deadline for Party Affiliation Updates

As the Primary Election approaches, the Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office is encouraging all voters to review their voter registration and confirm how they are currently registered.

Voters can make updates to their registration online through May 5. After that date, online registration updates will no longer be available.

Most voters will still be able to make changes using Same Day Registration at a polling location. However, registered Democratic and Republican voters will not be able to change their party affiliation after May 5, including at a polling location, and will receive their registered party’s ballot for the Primary Election.

Under New Mexico’s semi-open primary system, how a voter is registered determines how they will participate in the Primary Election. Checking registration in advance helps voters understand what ballot they will receive or what options will be available to them when voting.

The Clerk’s Office strongly encourages voters—especially major party voters—to review their registration and make any desired updates before the May 5 deadline.

Sample Ballots Now Available

Voters are encouraged to review their sample ballot and verify their registration ahead of the Primary Election.

Because this is a semi-open primary, Independent and Decline to State (DTS) voters may choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot. The Clerk’s Office strongly encourages these voters to review both major party sample ballots in advance and arrive prepared to make their ballot selection. Sample ballots for both parties are available online, and voters may also request to view both sample ballots at a polling location before making a decision. Once a voter makes their selection and an official ballot is printed, they will not be able to switch to the other party’s ballot. If a voter later decides they would prefer a different party’s ballot, the only option is to vote using a provisional ballot.

Sample ballots can be accessed online through NMVote.org or by visiting SantaFe.Vote and selecting “Check Voter Registration.” Reviewing a sample ballot in advance allows voters to research races, understand what will appear on their ballot, and move more efficiently through the voting process.

The Clerk’s Office has also launched a dedicated Sample Ballot webpage featuring step-by-step visual guides and all available ballot styles organized by precinct, making it easier for voters to preview local ballots and understand what to expect before voting.

Understanding the Semi-Open Primary

This year’s election is a semi-open primary, meaning all eligible voters have a path to participate, but the process depends on how a voter is currently registered.

Major Party Voters (Democratic and Republican) Registered Democratic and Republican voters will receive their party’s ballot when they vote. Voters in these parties must update their registration online by May 5 if they wish to change party affiliation. After May 5, major party voters will not be able to change parties and will receive their registered party’s ballot.

Independent and Decline to State (DTS) Voters Independent and DTS voters do not need to change their registration to participate. At the time of voting, they may choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot.

The Clerk’s Office strongly encourages these voters to review both major party sample ballots in advance and arrive prepared to make their selection. Sample ballots are available online, and voters may also request to view both sample ballots at a polling location before making a decision.

Once a voter selects a ballot and an official ballot is printed, that choice cannot be changed. If a voter later decides they would prefer the other party’s ballot, the only option is to vote using a provisional ballot.

Minor Party Voters (Libertarian, Green, etc.) Voters registered with a qualified minor party must update their party affiliation in order to participate in the Primary Election. This can be done online before May 5 or at a polling location after May 5.

Understanding how registration status affects ballot options before arriving at a polling location can help prevent confusion and ensure a smoother voting experience.

The Clerk’s Office has also launched a dedicated Semi-Open Primary Education webpage featuring explanations, FAQs, a visual guide, and links to resources.

infographic flyer with explanation of the NM semi-open primary system

Youth Engagement at the State Capitol

In April, the Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office partnered with the YMCA Youth & Government program to conduct a hands-on election at the New Mexico State Capitol, giving approximately 250 student participants the opportunity to vote for youth legislators using real election equipment and procedures.

The event was part of the YMCA’s Youth & Government program, which brings students together to participate in a mock legislative session. As part of that experience, the Clerk’s Office administered the election component, providing ballots, tabulation equipment, and guidance on official voting procedures.

Ballots were developed in partnership with Liberty Vote, and students used the same tabulators and processes utilized in Santa Fe County elections. By replicating the real voting experience, the program helps make the voting process more familiar and accessible while building confidence in future voters.

Research consistently shows that voting is a learned, habit-forming behavior. Providing early, hands-on opportunities to participate in the voting process is one of the most effective ways to build that habit and strengthen long-term civic engagement.

In addition to the voting experience, the event included voter registration and pre-registration opportunities, and broader voter education. Programs like this reflect the Clerk’s Office’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to civic education and ensuring that all future voters feel prepared and empowered to participate in elections.