New Mexico

Ballot curing is when a voter corrects an issue with their ballot, so it can be counted.  

Does New Mexico allow ballot curing?  

Yes, New Mexico allows voters to fix an issue with their ballot.  

How will I know if there’s an issue with my absentee or mail-in ballot?  

Your county clerk will attempt to contact you immediately if your absentee/mail ballot is rejected.

What is the deadline to cure my ballot?  

The deadline to cure (correct) your absentee/mail ballot is the third Friday after Election Day. 

Can I track my absentee ballot? 

You can track the status of your mail ballot using your state’s online tool to make sure it has been received and accepted. 

For information on federal campaign contributions, please visit Open Secrets.

Information on local, state and federal candidates and ballot measures is available here.

What is a ballot drop box?

A drop box is a secure, locked structure operated by election officials where voters can deliver their absentee ballot any time, day or night.

Are drop boxes available in my state?

There are multiple ways for voters to return their absentee ballot in New Mexico. You can drop off your ballot at your county clerk’s office, a secured mail ballot drop box, or at any polling location in your county during Early Voting or on Election Day. 

Where can I find ballot drop box locations?

Each county is required to have at least two mail ballot drop boxes, otherwise known as  “monitored secure containers.” Indigenous nations, tribes, and pueblos may make written requests for voting locations and monitored secured containers (ballot drop boxes) from county clerks.

Please contact your county clerk's office for information on the nearest drop box.

Can I track the ballot after placing in the drop box? 

Yes, you can track your ballot by looking up your on the Secretary of State website.

Early Voting Starts: 28 days before Election Day 
Early Voting Ends: The Saturday before Election Day

You may vote early at your County Clerks office, beginning 28 days before an election. Early voting at alternate sites begins on the third Saturday before the election in many counties. Early voting information may be found on this state website.

Indigenous nations, tribes, and pueblos may make written requests for early voting locations from county clerks.

The next election date can be found here https://www.vote411.org/new-mexico.

Contact your local Board of Elections for information about local elections.

Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

WHO CAN REGISTER TO VOTE IN NEW MEXICO? 

To register to vote in New Mexico, you must: 

• Be a US citizen 
• Be a resident of New Mexico 
• Be at least 18 years old 
• 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the General Election may participate in the primary election. Voters must be at least 18 years old to participate in all other elections. 

WHO CAN VOTE IN NEW MEXICO? 

You can vote in New Mexico if: 

• You are properly registered by the registration deadline 
• Online registration deadline: 28 days before Election Day 
• Register by mail deadline: Postmarked 28 days before Election Day. 
• In-person registration deadline: Election Day 
• You are a U.S. citizen 
• You are a resident of New Mexico 
• You are at least 18 years old 
• 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the General Election may participate in the primary election. Voters must be at least 18 years old to participate in all other elections. 

CAN I VOTE IN NEW MEXICO IF I HAVE A FELONY CONVICTION? 

In New Mexico, you only lose your right to vote if you are currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. If you lost your voting rights because of a conviction, you could register to vote immediately after release. Your voting rights are not restricted by pretrial detention, misdemeanors, probation, or parole.   

CAN I REGISTER AND VOTE IN NEW MEXICO IF I DON’T HAVE A TRADITIONAL ADDRESS? 

In New Mexico, you do not need a permanent home to register to vote. If you are experiencing homelessness or do not have a traditional address, you can describe where you usually stay, such as a street corner, park, or shelter. This helps election officials assign you to the correct voting precinct so you receive the right ballot. You must also provide a mailing address where you can receive election mail. This can be a P.O. box, a shelter, an outreach center, an advocacy organization, or the home of someone willing to accept mail for you. 

AM I REQUIRED TO SHOW ID TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN NEW MEXICO? 

In New Mexico, ID is not required for all registration methods. If you’re registering for the first time by mail you must include a copy of an acceptable ID. If you register online or in person and your identity can be verified using a New Mexico driver’s license or state ID, no separate ID is needed. 

To register or update online, your Social Security number, driver’s license or state ID number, and date of birth must match what’s on file with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. 

WHAT TYPES OF ID CAN I USE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN NEW MEXICO? 

For first-time registration by mail, you can use: 

• A current and valid photo ID 
• A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or student ID 
• Any other government document (including those from an Indian nation, tribe, or pueblo) that shows your name and current address 

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE THE REQUIRED ID WHEN I REGISTER IN NEW MEXICO? 

If you are registering by mail and don’t include the required ID, you can still complete your registration. However, you will be required to show acceptable identification the first time you vote in person or absentee. 

Voters can call or text 844-338-8743 at any time to reach VoteRiders Voter ID Helpline 

When are official election results available in New Mexico?   

Official results are never available on Election Day. Election officials are working around the clock to count a large number of ballots, and it’s essential that they take the time to make sure every vote is counted.  

Where can I find official election results?  

Official election results will be uploaded on New Mexico’s Secretary of State website as they become available. 

You are a Military or Overseas voter if you are in uniformed services, living overseas OR a spouse or dependent of a uniformed services voter. To get registered and vote, you can utilize Overseas Vote Foundation.

If you have additional questions about elections and voting overseas you can use our state specific elections official directory or contact the Overseas Vote Foundation.

You can make sure we have safe, fair, and efficient elections for all. Become a poll worker today!

In order to be a poll worker in New Mexico you must:

• Be registered to vote in New Mexico
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a resident of the precinct
• Complete required training
• Messengers and translators may also be appointed

You will be entitled to compensation and political affiliation may be considered.

To sign up, contact your local board of elections.

You can find your polling place by utilizing your state resource. If you have any questions, please contact your county clerk.

New Mexico is a “semi-open” state. 

Who can vote in the primary elections in New Mexico?

1. Major party voters may participate in the primary elections of the major party with which they are registered 28 days before Election Day. Once voting has started, voters registered with one major party cannot change the party on their voter registration to vote in the primary elections of another major party.

2. Voters who have not registered with a qualified major or minor party (including “declined-to-state” or “independent” voters) can also participate by selecting a major party’s ballot and vote, without changing the political party on their voter registration.

3. Voters registered with a qualified minor party may update the political party on their voter registration to either a major party (Republican or Democratic) or “Declined-to-State”/Independent before the election or through same day voter registration at a polling location and vote in the primary election.

You can learn more about New Mexico's qualified political parties on the NM Secretary of State website. 

If you have any questions about your state’s primary election, please contact your local election officials.

What is a provisional ballot?  

Provisional ballots ensure that all voters can cast a ballot even if voter eligibility isn’t certain when they vote. Voters can mark a provisional ballot, and election workers set it aside until eligibility is verified at a later time.  

Does New Mexico offer provisional voting?  

Yes, New Mexico offers provisional voting. 

How do I vote a provisional ballot?   

You will be issued a provisional ballot if your name does not appear on the roster or you do not provide the required identification. 

What is the deadline to cure my provisional ballot so it will be counted? 

You have until 5pm two days after the Election to provide proper identification for your provisional ballot to be counted. 

What voting assistance is available for voters with disabilities?

The Help America Vote Act requires that election authorities have voting equipment for voters with disabilities to vote privately and independently, and New Mexico is no exception. 

You may request assistance in voting at the polls if you are blind, physically disabled, unable to read or write or a member of a language minority. 

Any person of your choice may assist you, except your employer, an agent of the employer, an officer or agent of your union, or a candidate whose name is on the ballot.

For more information on the provisions available for disabled voters, please contact your local election authority.

How do I request accommodation or report accessibility issues?

If you have any questions about receiving help in voting, please ask the clerk or inspector at the polling place.

Can I vote by mail because of my disability?

Vote-by-mail (absentee voting) is available in New Mexico and no excuse is required.

If you are blind or visually impaired, you may request an absentee ballot be sent electronically so you may use your own non-visual or low vision technology to mark your ballot. Fill out an absentee ballot application and be sure to provide your email address for delivery of the electronic ballot.

You can find more about how to vote by mail here. 

For more information, you can utilize the American Association of People With Disabilities (AAPD) resource.

Ranked choice voting may be available in your area, contact your local elections officials for more information. Voters in Santa Fe and Las Cruces began using Ranked Choice Voting in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Ranked Choice Voting allows voters to rank candidates in their order of preference. Voters do not need to rank candidates if they do not want to and may vote for just one candidate. For more information on how Ranked Choice Voting works in your area, please contact your local elections officials.

What do I need to register to vote in New Mexico? 

Here is what you need to know to register in New Mexico: 

There are three methods of voter registration in New Mexico: register in-person, register online, or mail a printable application to your local county clerk’s office. 

Can I register to vote using my college address in New Mexico? 

Yes, if you consider your campus address your residence, you can register to vote there. If you move to a different dorm or off campus, be sure to update your voter registration with your new address so you vote in the correct district.  

What’s the deadline to register to vote in New Mexico? 

New Mexico requires voters to register online or by mail at least 28 days before the election. You can also register in person up to and including Election Day. Be sure to check the exact date each year. 

What form of ID do I need to vote in New Mexico? 

A New Mexico voter is not required to show identification. However, if you are voting for the first time, you may be asked to show a form of identification when you go to the polls. This can include a driver’s license, passport, student ID from a state-supported college, or other accepted forms. 

I’m originally from another state, can I still vote in my home state while studying in New Mexico? 

Yes, you can vote in your home state using an absentee ballot, but you'll need to follow your home state's rules and deadlines. You can find the rules for your state on VOTE411 or by contacting your state’s election office. 

Does registering to vote affect my financial aid, parents’ taxes, and/or tuition in New Mexico? 

Registering to vote in your college community will not affect your Federal Financial Aid, status as a dependent on your parents’ taxes, or tuition status. 

Employers must grant employees up to two hours paid leave to vote, unless polls are open two hours before or three hours after regular working shift. The employer may designate the hours to be taken, but it may not include lunch or rest hours.

To verify your voter registration status

DO I NEED TO SHOW ID WHEN I VOTE IN NEW MEXICO? 

Most voters do not need to show ID when voting in statewide elections in New Mexico. The exception is if you are voting for the first time after registering by mail and did not include ID with your registration form. In that case, you’ll need to show ID when voting in person or absentee. Some cities, like Rio Rancho, may require ID for municipal elections due to local ordinances. Please contact your county clerk for more information. 

WHAT TYPES OF ID CAN I USE TO VOTE IN NEW MEXICO? 

A physical form of identification is only required for first-time New Mexico voters who registered by mail and did not include identification with their voter registration application form. You can use one of the following forms of ID: 

• A current and valid photo ID 
• A current utility bill 
• A bank statement 
• A government check 
• A paycheck 
• A student ID 
• An ID issued by an Indian nation, tribe, or pueblo that shows your name and current address 
• Verbal or written statement by you (the voter) with your name, year of birth and registered address 

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE AN ACCEPTABLE ID WHEN I GO TO VOTE IN NEW MEXICO? 

If you’re not required to show ID, you’ll just need to provide your name, year of birth, and registered address verbally or in writing. If you are required to show ID and don’t have it, you may need to vote on a provisional ballot or provide ID later for your vote to count. Please contact your county clerk for more information. 

Voters can call or text 844-338-8743 at any time to reach VoteRiders Voter ID Helpline 

What is the deadline to register to vote in New Mexico?  

• Online registration deadline: 28 days before Election Day 
• Register by mail deadline: Postmarked 28 days before Election Day. 
• In-person registration deadline: Election Day 

How can I register to vote in New Mexico? 

• Register online 
• Use the paper application found here:  (English / Español)  and mail it to your to your County Clerk’s Office 
• Request a copy of the paper application to be mailed to you by contacting your County Clerk’s Office 
• Register in person on Election Day 

How can I check my voter registration status?  

You can verify your voter registration status using New Mexico’s voter information tool. 

Does New Mexico have online voter registration?  

Yes! Use our online registration tool to complete your application 

Is same-day voter registration available in New Mexico?  

Yes, New Mexico has same-day voter registration. 

Can I pre-register to vote?  

Yes, you can pre-register to vote at 17 years old and participate in the primary election if you will be 18 years old by the general election. 

Who is eligible to register in New Mexico?  

Check if you’re eligible to register here. 

What types of voting machines does New Mexico use?

The voting system used in New Mexico is Optical Scan. 

What is optical scan voting? 

With optical scan voting, you will receive a card or sheet of paper, which you take over to a private table or booth. The card has the names of the various candidates and ballot measures printed on it.  

• With a pen or pencil, you fill in a little box, circle, or space between two arrows.  
• When you are finished filling out all the cards, you may bring the cards over to a ballot box, where poll workers will show you how to put the cards in the box.  
• Or in some places, you may feed the completed cards or papers into a computer device that checks your card or paper right there at the polling place to make sure you have voted the way you want to and counts the votes. 

You can learn more about voting systems by checking out the Elections Assistance Commission's (EAC) resource.