Santa Fe County Clerk's Office Encourages Voters to Review Sample Ballots Ahead of Primary Election
Santa Fe County, NM – The Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office is encouraging voters to review their sample ballots ahead of the upcoming Primary Election, particularly as New Mexico implements its new semi-open primary system.
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 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.
Qualified minor party voters, such as those registered Libertarian or Green, may also participate in the Primary Election but will need to update their registration before voting. Voters may make this update using Same Day Registration at a polling location. Voters who update to a major party will receive that party’s ballot, while those who update to Decline to State (DTS) may choose which major party ballot to vote.
Once a voter makes their selection and an official ballot is printed and issued, 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.
Voters can access their personalized sample ballot online through NMVote.org or by visiting SantaFe.Vote and selecting “Sample Ballots.” 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 at SantaFe.Vote 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.
“Reviewing your sample ballot ahead of time is one of the easiest ways to save time and avoid confusion at the polls,” said Katharine E. Clark. “We especially encourage Independent and Decline to State voters to look at both ballot options in advance and arrive ready to make their choice.”
Voters are encouraged to review their sample ballot and make a plan to vote early.
For more information, visit SantaFe.Vote.
Important Election Dates
May 5, 2026 – Early voting begins at the Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office.
May 5, 2026 – Absentee (mail-in) ballots begin mailing to voters who have requested them.
May 16, 2026 – Expanded early voting begins at additional early voting locations throughout the county.
May 19, 2026 – Last day to request an absentee (mail-in) ballot (must be received by this date).
May 25, 2026 – Polls are closed for Memorial Day.
May 30, 2026 – Last day of early voting at expanded early voting locations.
June 2, 2026 – Primary Election Day (Polls open 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.).
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