Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:30 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:09 a.m. UTC
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Summary
New Mexico allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. New Mexico offers early voting.
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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
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on New Mexico's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, New Mexico does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted in New Mexico before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't include a copy of ID when you registered, you will need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- photo ID
- student ID card
- ID issued by an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo
- a copy of a utility bill
- bank statement
- government check
- paycheck
- other government document that shows your name and current address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot.
Please note that some municipal jurisdictions in New Mexico do have voter ID ordinances in place that require voter ID be presented to vote in city elections. This includes the City of Rio Rancho.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on New Mexico’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, New Mexico does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted in New Mexico before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't include a copy of ID when you registered, you will need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- photo ID
- student ID card
- ID issued by an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo
- a copy of a utility bill
- bank statement
- government check
- paycheck
- other government document that shows your name and current address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot.
Please note that some municipal jurisdictions in New Mexico do have voter ID ordinances in place that require voter ID be presented to vote in city elections. This includes the City of Rio Rancho.
How do I vote by mail?
In New Mexico, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Request a mail ballot online using the New Mexico Absentee Ballot Application system. You can also complete a mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on New Mexico’s site.
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
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the New Mexico Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
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:
- 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.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- 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.
How do I contact my state election office?
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.