2026 New Mexico Primary Election: Key Dates

Housing policy doesn’t stop at the city council chambers, and neither does your voice.

From property taxes and zoning to housing supply, landlord regulations, infrastructure, and economic development, elected officials make decisions that directly impact real estate professionals, homeowners, and the communities we serve. The 2026 New Mexico Primary Election is an important opportunity for REALTORS® to stay engaged and informed before the November General Election.

New Mexico voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to determine which candidates advance to the General Election ballot for federal, statewide, legislative, and local races. 

Key Primary Election Dates

Tuesday, May 5

Voter registration deadline (online or by mail)

This is the final day to register online or by mail before the primary election.

Also on May 5:

  • Early voting begins at your local County Clerk’s office
  • Absentee voting begins for approved mail ballot requests

New Mexico also offers same-day voter registration, meaning eligible voters can still register in person at participating early voting locations or on Election Day. 

Saturday, May 16

Expanded early voting begins

Additional voting locations open throughout counties across New Mexico. Hours and locations vary by county, so voters should confirm details through NMVote.org or their county clerk’s office.

  • Bernalillo County Clerk Elections: Bernalillo County Elections
    Great resource for early voting locations, absentee ballots, and Election Day voting centers in Albuquerque/Bernalillo County.
  • Sandoval County Bureau of Elections: Sandoval County Elections
    Helpful for Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Corrales, and surrounding Sandoval County voters looking for polling locations and election details.
  • Torrance County Clerk: Torrance County Elections
    Includes early voting dates, alternate voting sites, and Election Day information for Torrance County voters.
  • Valencia County Clerk: Valencia County Clerk Elections
    Includes voter services, election updates, and absentee ballot information for Valencia County voters.

Tuesday, May 19

Deadline to request an absentee ballot

If you plan to vote by mail, this is the last day to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you. 

Saturday, May 30

Last day of early voting

This is the final day to vote early before Election Day. 

Tuesday, June 2

Primary Election Day

Polls are open statewide, and this is your final opportunity to cast your ballot in person.

Important: Absentee ballots must be received by your county clerk by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. 

What’s on the Ballot?

The 2026 Primary Election includes several high-profile races that could shape housing policy and business regulations across New Mexico, including:

  • Governor
  • Lieutenant Governor
  • Secretary of State
  • State Legislature races
  • Congressional races
  • Local races, depending on your district

You can review the full list of candidates through the New Mexico Secretary of State's Candidate List.

What This Means for REALTORS®

Real estate is deeply connected to public policy.

Decisions made by elected officials can impact:

  • Housing affordability initiatives
  • Property taxes
  • Land use and zoning regulations
  • Development incentives
  • Rental housing policies
  • Infrastructure planning
  • Economic growth in your market

GAAR’s advocacy efforts work year-round at the local, state, and national levels, but member participation at the ballot box remains one of the most important ways to help shape the future of housing in New Mexico.

Make a Voting Plan

Before June sneaks up on your calendar:

  • Confirm your voter registration
  • Review your ballot
  • Decide whether you’ll vote early, absentee, or on Election Day
  • Encourage your colleagues and clients to stay informed

Visit NMVote.org and Vote 411 for voter registration, absentee ballot requests, polling locations, and sample ballots.

An informed REALTOR® is a stronger advocate, and a REALTOR® who waits until the last minute is just volunteering for stress.

Get Involved

If you have already contributed to RPAC in 2026, we sincerely thank you. If you have not, we would like to invite you to join the effort so that we may keep up the important work of protecting private property rights, home ownership, fair property taxation, and housing for all New Mexicans.

Ways to Contribute to RPAC

  • Call GAAR Membership at 505-842-1433
  • Log in to your GAAR Member Portal, click the REALTOR® Party logo
  • Participate in YPN Music Bingo for RPAC on May 15th

100% of your RPAC investment is used to elect candidates at the local, state, and national level who both understand and support REALTOR® issues. RPAC looks to build the future by putting dollars in places that will help advance the interests of REALTORS®. RPAC is the only political group in the country organized for REALTORS® and run by REALTORS®. RPAC exists solely to support issues important to REALTORS®. Candidates who receive support from RPAC are not selected based on their political party or ideology, but solely on their support of real estate issues. Our legislative allies are members of the REALTOR® Party. The REALTOR® Party supports the issues important to you as a REALTOR®, regardless of political party affiliation.