Observe New Mexico Elections Deploys 35 Election Observers Across the State for Primary Election

Santa Fe, N.M. – Residents across the state are heading to the polls during the Primary Election for major party candidates who will appear on the general election ballot this November. Observe New Mexico Elections’ (ONME) nonpartisan election observers are assessing how the election was administered, what worked well, and what processes can be improved for the future.

Election observers are trained on relevant laws, procedures, and safeguards in New Mexico’s electoral process and verify that those procedures are consistently followed. Across 32 counties today, 35 trained observers are assessing and reporting back on six different election processes leading up to Primary Election Day. They include poll worker training, election machine certification, early voting, absentee vote processing, Election Day voting, and election results certification.

Observations received from 35 polling locations from the first half of the day show that processes at large ran smoothly with few issues. All polling locations opened on time and there were minimal delays reported related to software and tabulator functioning.

“With each election, we learn more and strengthen our observation efforts. This marks the third election in which we have collected observers’ findings and shared recommendations, and I’m again encouraged by the attentiveness and dedication of our observers and volunteers throughout this effort,” said Carmen López, Co-Lead of ONME.

This is the first semi-open primary in state history, where independent voters can now 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. Previously, only registered members of major parties could vote in primaries, and independent voters had to change their party affiliation to participate.

“Elections are a vital part of our democracy, and it is essential that every voter’s voice be heard. This Primary Election is another reminder of the importance of protecting the security, integrity, and reliability of our elections,” López continued.

Primary Election observers are expected to produce up to 170 observations of processes across 32 counties. A topline report brief will be released by the end of June. It will highlight both strengths and areas for improvement as New Mexican voters prepare for November’s general election. Data and findings related to specific counties will be included.

For more information about ONME’s election observation initiative or to learn how to get involved, visit https://observenmelections.org/.

About Observe New Mexico Elections 

The mission of Observe New Mexico Elections is to increase transparency and trust in New Mexico’s elections by training and deploying nonpartisan election observers throughout the state. Observers will report on how election laws and procedures are followed, representing all voters without interfering in the electoral process. Findings from their observations will be compiled to assess the overall quality of elections in New Mexico.