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How to register to vote in New Mexico

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Summary

New Mexico offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in New Mexico by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

Who can register to vote?

To register in New Mexico you must:
  • be a citizen of the United States
  • be a resident of the State of New Mexico
  • be 18 years of age at the time of the next election
  • not have been denied the right to vote by a court of law by reason of mental incapacity and, if convicted of a felony, have completed all conditions of probation or parole, served the entirety of a sentence or have been granted a pardon by the Governor

Can I register to vote online?

  • New Mexico offers online voter registration.
  • You should know: you need a New Mexico ID and a Social Security number to use New Mexico's online voter registration system. If you don't have a New Mexico-issued ID, you can still register by mail to vote.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: Your full Social Security number is required. This registration card containing your Social Security number will become part of the permanent voter registration records of your locality, which are open to inspection by the public in the office of the county clerk. However, your Social Security number and date of birth will remain confidential and will not be disclosed to the public. Computerized listings of limited voter registration information (without Social Security number or birth date) are available to the general public, and are furnished upon request to incumbent election officeholders, candidates, political parties, courts and non‐profit organizations promoting voter participation and registration, for political purposes only (Sec.1-5-19B, NMSA 1978).
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: New Mexico requires that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections. You should register with the party whose primary you would like to vote in.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes:
    • A current and valid photo identification or
    • A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
    • More information here.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

New Mexico does offer in person registration on Election Day. You can register to vote or update your registration and vote on the same day at your local election office. Some local election offices will offer additional same day voter registration locations at expanded early voting sites. You should bring one of these forms of identification:
  • New Mexico driver’s license or identification card issued through the motor vehicle division of the taxation and revenue department;
  • Any document that contains an address in the county AND a photo identification card; or
  • A current valid student photo identification card from a New Mexico post-secondary educational institution AND a current student fee statement that contains the student’s address in the county

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

How do I get help registering to vote?

If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in New Mexico. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using New Mexico's voter registration lookup tool.

Which election office should I contact?

  • In New Mexico, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in New Mexico. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.