Once the results of Tuesday's Democratic presidential-preference voting in New Mexico are calculated, the totals will help determine the make-up of the state delegation to the Democratic National Convention in August.

Under the party's formula, voters who went to the polls Tuesday will help determine how 26 delegates will be divided between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

However, that's not all of the 38-member delegation, which also includes a dozen "super delegates," who are awarded seats by virtue of holding elected office or their position in the party.

These super delegates, who aren't bound to support a particular candidate, could exercise considerable influence in choosing the party's nominee if the number of committed delegates is closely divided between the leading candidates. Collectively, these party dignitaries from around the country will make up as much as 20 percent of the convention delegates.

Here's how New Mexico's delegation will be constituted:

• Each of the state's three Congressional districts will be represented by a number of delegates based on the Democratic vote in the 2006 election.

Northern New Mexico's Congressional District 3 is allotted six delegates, same as the Albuquerque-area's Congressional District 1. Southern New Mexico's Congressional District 2 is allotted five delegates.

The number of delegates for Clinton and Obama will be awarded in proportion to the share of votes they received in each district on Tuesday.

• In addition, six at-large delegates will be named statewide, divided between the two candidates in proportion to the final statewide vote count.

• Three additional seats go to statewide leaders chosen by the state Central Committee.

• Of the dozen super delegates, 11 already have been chosen by virtue of their offices. The 12th will be selected by the state Central Committee.

Super delegates already entitled to vote at the national convention include:

• U.S. Rep. Tom Udall
• U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman
• Gov. Bill Richardson
• Lt. Gov. Diane Denish
• Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chávez
• State Party chairman Brian Colón
• State Party vice chairwoman Annadelle Sanchez
• National committeeman Raymond Sanchez
• National committeewoman Christine Trujillo
• National committeewoman Mary Gail Gwaltney
• Former Democratic National Committee chairman Fred Harris