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Clerk clarifies open primary rules, early voting schedule and absentee statistics
Summary
County Clerk Sylvia Chavez summarized the New Mexico open primary interpretation: only 'Decline to State' voters may choose a major-party ballot; same-day registration rules and early voting dates (May 5 start; alternate site in Moriarty May 16) were announced; 398 permanent absentee voters noted.
County Clerk Sylvia Chavez told commissioners she attended election school and received final Secretary of State guidance on New Mexico's open primary implementation: only voters registered as "Decline to State" (DTS) may choose either a Republican or Democratic primary ballot without changing party registration. Voters registered with minor parties (e.g., Libertarian or Independent) must complete same‑day registration to receive a major‑party ballot.
Chavez urged DTS voters to request sample ballots ahead of voting to avoid provisional ballots and noted voter registration closes May 5 (which coincides with the start of early voting). Early voting will begin May 5 at the Administration Building with additional early voting May 30–31; an alternate early voting site at the Civic Center in Moriarty opens May 16. Chavez said 398 voters were on the permanent absentee list and emphasized tabulator certification and public observation as part of transparency efforts.
