Today marks an important day for voters in Doña Ana County as they participate in the primary elections. Polls opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 7 p.m., with several key races drawing attention both locally and statewide.

Key Races and Candidates

The race for Governor of New Mexico is particularly notable, with six Republican candidates vying for their party’s nomination. Gregory Hull, Duke Rodriguez, Belinda Robertson, Steve Lanier, James Ellison, and Doug Turner are all on the ballot. Meanwhile, Democrats Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman are competing to replace the current Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham.

In addition to the gubernatorial race, voters in Doña Ana County will also decide on candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the state legislature, and local offices such as Sheriff and the Board of County Commissioners.

Voting Process and Participation

New Mexico operates a semi-open primary system, allowing voters who are not registered with a qualified political party to participate by choosing a major party’s ballot. This system enables greater participation and encourages voter engagement across party lines.

Voters can verify their registration status, find polling locations, and view sample ballots on the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website. Same-day registration is available at the Doña Ana County Government Center during early voting, and absentee ballots must be returned to the County Clerk’s Office or any polling location by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.