5-08-2026 4:26am

Historic Semi-Open Primary: Early Voting Underway in Otero County for June 2 Election

Chris Edwards Editor

Alamogordo, NM – Early voting is now underway for the 2026 Otero County Primary Election on Tuesday, June 2, marking New Mexico’s first-ever semi-open primary. This historic change allows independent and Declined-to-State (DTS) voters to participate without switching their registration, creating new opportunities to boost turnout across the county.

According to the Otero County Clerk’s office, the main early voting location is at the Otero County Administration Building, 1101 New York Ave., Room 101 in Alamogordo. Hours run Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (May 5–29) and Saturday, May 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.

Additional satellite early voting sites with convenient hours include:

• Otero County Fairgrounds (401 Fairgrounds Rd., Alamogordo): Tuesday–Saturday, May 16–30, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Tularosa Public Safety Facility Courtroom (609 St. Francis Dr., Tularosa): Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Cloudcroft High School (10 Swallow Pl., Cloudcroft): Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Inn of the Mountain Gods (287 Carrizo Canyon, Mescalero): Wednesday–Friday, May 27–29, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Chaparral Far South Fire Station (827 Luna St., Chaparral): Thursday–Saturday, May 28–30, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

On Election Day, June 2, all polling locations countywide will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

New Opportunity for Independents and DTS Voters

For the first time in state history, unaffiliated and Declined-to-State voters can simply request a Republican or Democratic ballot at any early voting site or on Election Day. In Otero County, where Republican-leaning races often decide local outcomes, the emphasis this year is on increasing voter turnout by engaging these no-party voters in the primary process—many for the very first time.

This primary features several key contested races, including Otero County Sheriff and County Commissioner positions. Officials encourage all eligible voters to take advantage of the expanded early voting schedule to avoid long lines and make their voices heard.

Voters can check their registration status, view sample ballots, and find the nearest location by visiting the New Mexico Secretary of State’s voter portal at NMVote.org or contacting the Otero County Clerk’s office. Absentee ballots by mail are also available.

Mayor Sharon McDonald says this semi-open primary represents a significant step forward for voter access and participation. Residents—especially independent and DTS voters—are urged to get involved early and help make this landmark election a success.