VOTING INFORMATION

How do semi-open primaries work?

Instead of having to switch their registration, Independent and Decline-to-State (DTS) voters will be able to vote by simply selecting the ballot of the major party in which they want during primary elections. No need to change their voter registration.

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How is this different from the previous primary system?

Previously, voters registered as Independent and DTS would have to switch their registration to one of the major parties, thereby adding extra work, a barrier to participation for a large number of voters.

 

Now, voters who are registered as Independent and DTS can vote in primary elections by selecting the major party of their choices’ ballot. This process promotes accessibility, without adding work to election workers.

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When will semi-open primaries go into effect?

Semi-open primaries are in effect. They’ll be used for the first time during the primary election cycle this year.

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What’s the difference between semi-open and open primaries?

In semi-open primaries, Independent and DTS voters can select one major party’s ballot in the primary. They don’t have to change their voter registration and candidates are on their respective party’s ballot.
 

Under open primaries, all candidates are presented on one single ballot where any voter can vote for any candidate regardless of party affiliation. California, Alaska, and Nebraska are some of the states that use this form of primaries.

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How many unaffiliated (Independent and Decline-to-State) voters are there in New Mexico?

As of March 31st, 2026, there are 371,380 voters that are registered as Independent or DTS in New Mexico.

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Who can vote in primary elections in New Mexico?

New Mexico has semi-open primary elections, effective July 1, 2025. This means that:
 

1. Major party voters may participate in the primary elections of the major party with which they areregistered 28 days before Election Day. Once voting has started, voters registered with one major party cannot change the party on their voter registration to vote in the primary elections of another major party.
 

2. Voters who have not registered with a qualified major or minor party (including “declined-to-state” or “independent” voters) can also participate by selecting a major party’s ballot and vote, without changing the political party on their voter registration.
 

3. Voters registered with a qualified minor party may update the political party on their voter registration to either a major party (Republican or Democratic) or “Declined-to-State”/Independent before the election or through same day voter registration at a polling location and vote in the primary election.

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How do I know if I’m registered with a party or not?

You can visit nmvote.org, or click here to check your registration.

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