Early Voting Begins Today: Independents and DTS Voters Can Participate in Otero County Republican Primary — Sheriff's Forum Tonight at 6 PM

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — May 5, 2026

Early voting kicks off today in New Mexico, and Otero County voters who consider themselves independent or are registered as Decline to State (DTS) have a rare and consequential opportunity: they can cast a ballot in the Republican primary — and in Otero County, that primary is where the real action is.

For the first time, New Mexico is using a semi-open primary system during the June 2, 2026 primary election. This reform allows more New Mexicans — particularly those registered as Decline to State (DTS) or with minor or unrecognized parties — to participate in selecting major-party candidates without needing to switch their voter registration permanently. 

Early in-person voting begins today, May 5, 2026, which is also the first day absentee ballots are mailed and the final deadline for Democrat and Republican voters to change their party affiliation. That means the window to switch parties has officially closed — but DTS and independent voters can still walk in and choose the Republican ballot. 

Why It Matters in Otero County

Otero County voter registration skews heavily GOP, with about 60% Republican, meaning the Republican primary is effectively the decisive contest in most local races. Democrats have largely sat out this cycle. The Democratic Party has fielded only one candidate in a key commission race, signaling potential cross-party competition in the general election. With so few contested general election races, the June primary is where Otero County's future gets decided — and independent voters could tip the scales. 

The Sheriff's Race: Reform vs. Continuity

No race on the ballot is generating more heat than the contest for Otero County Sheriff. Three Republican candidates — Raul Robles, Cesar Ramos, and Geraldine Yazza Martinez — are vying for the nomination. 

The race is unfolding in the shadow of outgoing Sheriff David Black's controversial tenure and a deep rift within the local Republican party, shaping up as a referendum on continuity versus accountability. At the heart of the debate is the fatal 2024 shooting of Elijah Hadley by an Otero County deputy, ongoing allegations of cronyism, and political infighting that has fractured the Republican establishment. 

Robles has pledged to appoint outgoing Sheriff David Black as his undersheriff — a move that signals full continuity with the current administration. Ramos, a retired U.S. Border Patrol firearms instructor and former Otero County Republican Party chair, is running on a platform of reform, transparency, and improved training. 

Geraldine Yazza Martinez: A Historic and Formidable Contender

Of the three candidates, Geraldine Yazza Martinez may carry the most distinctive résumé — and potentially the broadest cross-community appeal heading into a primary where independent and DTS crossover voters could be decisive.

A seasoned law enforcement officer and lifelong resident of Otero County, Martinez brings over two decades of experience across multiple agencies and jurisdictions. Born in Mescalero and a registered member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Martinez graduated from Alamogordo High School before serving in the United States military. She holds an associate's degree in criminal justice and is a certified New Mexico law enforcement officer. 

Her career began with a federal certification from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in 2003, followed by state certification from the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in 2008. She worked with the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was hired as a deputy with the Otero County Sheriff's Department, then worked as a sergeant with the narcotics unit. She later made history as the first female Undersheriff of Lincoln County, a milestone recognized when Lincoln County Sheriff Michael Wood praised her as more than qualified and expressed the utmost confidence in her abilities. 

Martinez currently serves as the first female Chief of Police for the Village of Tularosa Police Department — itself a historic appointment, making Tularosa the first municipality in Otero County to be led by a female police chief. 

Martinez focuses her campaign on rebuilding interagency cooperation, public trust, and accountability. As a Mescalero Apache Tribe member and lifelong Otero County resident, she is seen as appealing to a diverse coalition of voters, and she has used the Hadley case to highlight equity in policing, especially in tribal-adjacent areas. Analysts have noted that her tribal ties and reform platform could be particularly compelling to moderate Republicans and the independents now eligible to vote in the primary — the very voters who will be heading to the polls for the first time in this contest starting today.

With three candidates splitting the vote, no single faction is guaranteed a majority, making every crossover ballot cast by DTS and independent voters potentially decisive.

Tonight, voters will get a rare chance to see all the candidates side by side. Alamogordo Town News is hosting its "Voices of Alamogordo" series, bringing all Republican primary contenders for Sheriff together for a live and streaming event. The forum begins at 6 p.m. and will be available both in person and via livestream for those who cannot attend. 

Emery vs. Barela: A Race With Statewide Implications

The other must-watch contest is the District 2 County Commissioner race, where the stakes extend well beyond Otero County lines.

The race pits incumbent Amy Barela — who also serves as Chairwoman of the Republican Party of New Mexico — against veteran law enforcement officer Lt. Jonathan Emery. 

Emery, a lieutenant with the Otero County Sheriff's Office approaching retirement after decades of service, has emphasized his desire to continue serving the community in a new capacity. District 2 encompasses a diverse area of southern New Mexico, including La Luz, Tularosa, Mescalero, Bent, the Alamo area, extending west to Holloman Air Force Base, and portions of Alamogordo proper. 

The race carries added intrigue because of Barela's dual role. The state Republican Party faces a delicate decision: enforcing party rules could force Barela to step down as chair if both candidates formally filed, potentially disrupting party leadership during an important election year. Independent and DTS voters casting a Republican ballot today and through June 2 could determine whether the sitting state GOP chair keeps her county seat — with ripple effects felt across New Mexico Republican politics. 

How to Vote

DTS and independent voters who wish to participate simply need to request a Republican ballot at their early voting location. No permanent party change is required. All voters, especially those who have made recent changes to their registration, should verify their current status well in advance through the SOS Voter Information Portal. 

Early voting runs through May 30, with Election Day on June 2, 2026.

Tonight's Sheriff's Candidate Forum, hosted by Alamogordo Town News, begins at 6 p.m. It is free and open to the public, with a livestream option available. Voters are encouraged to come ready with questions — this race is far from settled, and your voice could make all the difference.

Alamogordo Town News is an independent local news outlet serving Otero County and the surrounding region.

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