Observe New Mexico Elections (ONME) Shares 2026 Primary Election Findings

Santa Fe, N.M. – Observe New Mexico Elections (ONME) releases findings about the 2026 Primary Election, where the organization mobilized 42 observers to assess six different election processes, including Voting Machine & Equipment Certification, Poll Worker Training, Absentee Ballot Counting, Early Voting, Primary Election Day, and Election Results Certification across New Mexico from April 16 to June 15, 2026.

“ONME is proud to report that the New Mexico Primary Election was well-organized and effectively administered at the locations observed,” said Carmen López, co-lead of ONME. “There were a few challenges related to navigating the voting process, which were addressed promptly with minimal disruption. ONME will be working with county clerks and other officials to share our findings and identify ways to improve voter processes in advance of the General Election.”

ONME’s findings do not indicate any systemic or widespread irregularities. Instead, they highlight areas where stronger consistency would improve voter access and public confidence, particularly around language access, accessible voting system instructions, and consistent adherence to voter check-in procedures.

Notably, in 34 of the 35 observed Election Day locations, observers did not report inappropriate voter ID requests. However, in one Union County location, observers reported that voters were consistently asked for ID, which resulted in 150 voters being inappropriately asked. Poll workers asked voters for their ID, telling them that it’s not mandatory this year but will be eventually and noted that poll workers are getting the voters used to it. ONME recommends that Union County update its poll worker training to ensure that voter check-in procedures align with state law.

In addition, observers noted some issues regarding election observer access in Sandoval County. In advance of elections in 2024 and 2026, Sandoval County introduced unique regulations related to the accreditation of election observers, requiring that observers travel to a specific location during a short time window to procure county-manufactured photo identification. These regulations impacted ONME’s recruitment and training processes and contradict state regulations. ONME was pleased to be informed after the conclusion of the 2026 primary elections that these requirements will be treated as voluntary moving forward and that ONME may observe in the future without complying with them.

“We are very proud of the detailed, attentive efforts of our election observers leading up to and during this year’s 2026 Primary Election,” López continued. “Our trained, nonpartisan election observers are everyday New Mexicans from different political backgrounds who all share a commitment to democracy and fair and transparent elections. This summer’s effort feels especially important with the recent celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, and we’re reminded again about the bedrock of our nation: free and fair elections. Now, we set our sights on November, where we will utilize this summer’s findings to inform our goals and sharpen our assessments for the General Election.”

Detailed findings and summaries related to the six processes observed, as well as additional ONME recommendations across all processes, can be found in the full report.

For more information about ONME’s election observation initiative or to learn how to get involved, visit 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.