There were 33 counties in New Mexico as of 2002. Each is governed by commissioners elected for two-year terms. Other county officers include the clerk, assessor, treasurer, surveyor, sheriff, and probate judge. Municipalities are incorporated as cities, towns, or villages. As of 2002, there were 101 municipalities, 96 public school districts, and 628 special districts.
The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 reaffirmed the right of Indians to govern themselves, adopt constitutions, and form corporations to do business under federal law. Indians also retain the right to vote in state and federal elections. Pueblo Indians elect governors from each pueblo to form a coalition called the All-Indian Pueblo Council. The Apache elect a tribal council headed by a president and vice-president. The Navajo—one-third of whom live in New Mexico—elect a chairman, vice-chairman, and council members from their reservation in New Mexico and Arizona.