ELECTION 2026
OPINION: Observe New Mexico Elections gears up for state鈥檚 first semi-open primary
As the June primary election approaches, New Mexicans have an opportunity to once again participate in one of the most important responsibilities in our society: voting. Our primary elections shape the future of our communities and the trajectory of our state.
Likewise, Observe New Mexico Elections will have the opportunity to again bring nonpartisan election observation coordinators, observers and other passionate volunteers together to collect valuable information about how our elections are run.
ONME is a nonpartisan election observation effort designed to increase trust and transparency in our elections by training and placing nonpartisan election observers at polling places throughout the state.
This June, ONME observers are expected to complete nearly 170 observations across six key election processes: poll worker training, election machine certification, early voting, absentee vote processing, Election Day voting and election results certification. ONME trains voters from across the state to observe electoral procedures and report their findings impartially.
This summer鈥檚 observation effort across 33 counties will mark a historic milestone, as this will be the state鈥檚 first-ever semi-open primary. In 2025, New Mexico passed Senate Bill 16, allowing independent voters to take part in publicly funded primary elections without changing their registration. These voters can now select a major party ballot on which to vote in the primary election.
New Mexicans should have the assurance that their vote matters, that election processes work, and elections are administered fairly and transparently. That鈥檚 exactly what we鈥檝e set out to do in recent years 鈥� gaining critical insights from our observations during both the 2024 general election and 2025 state municipal elections. This work is actively helping to build trust in a fair, secure, accurate election process.
To get involved and learn more about ONME鈥檚 mission, visit .
Ryan Cangiolosi is a Observe NM Elections board member and former chair of the Republican Party. Sharon Berman is the co-lead of ONME.
