Voter Registration Information

Recent elections have been won by narrow margins, showing that every vote counts. Your vote could be a deciding factor in the upcoming elections. In order to cast your vote and have your voice heard, you need to be registered and know where to go to vote.

Voting Information

In order to vote in the United States, you have to be registered. If you are unsure whether or not you are registered, you can find out here: New Mexico Secretary of State: Voter Services.

You can also contact your local county clerk.

Getting Registered

Make sure you register 28 days before the election. Otherwise you will not be eligible to vote until the following election. If you are registered but have had a change of name or address, follow the same steps outlined here to update your information.

Before you begin, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. You can view them online by clicking here. Basically, you need to be a citizen of the United States, a resident of New Mexico, and 18 years of age or older at the time of the next election.

The easiest way to register is by completing a voter registration online. If you would rather not register online, you can download a National Voter Registration Form and Guide. Follow the instructions that correspond to New Mexico. When you have completed the form, mail it to the Bureau of Elections in New Mexico. The address is included in the guide.

You can also ask for a New Mexico Certificate of Registration form directly from your county clerk’s office. It can be requested in person, by mail, or by phone. This is an excellent option if you do not wish to use the internet. Your county clerk can assist you.

Election Day

Upcoming 2018 elections are as follows:

Primary – June 5, 2018

General – November 6, 2018

Election Day voting locations are open 7 AM – 7 PM.

You can find a voting location by visiting the Polling Location Map. Follow the prompts on the webpage to find your county’s voting options. Hover the mouse over a point on the map to see information about each location.

Early Voting

It is possible to vote before the actual election date. You can do this by visiting an early voting location. These can also be found on the Polling Location Map. Select the option for early voting and search for your county. Each location has its own voting times, so you will need to see the map or contact the county clerk’s office to verify the schedule.

Absentee Voting

If you will be unable to vote during the election, your voice can still be heard. Starting 28 days before Election Day, you can request an absentee ballot. You are also permitted to vote in person in the county clerk’s office during business hours.

If you choose not to vote in person at the county clerk’s office, you will have to fill out an absentee ballot application. This is requested from your county clerk’s office by mail, telephone, or in person. You can also download the Absentee Ballot Application here.

Your application must be received by the county clerk no later than 5:00 PM on the Friday prior to the election date. You must use the ballot that you receive because lost or damaged ballots cannot be replaced. If you do not receive your ballot, you have until the Monday before the election to visit the county clerk’s office to request a replacement.

Your local county clerk’s office is ready to help if you have questions about registration, absentee information, and voting. Every vote makes a difference, including yours. Let your voice be heard by being informed, registered, and ready to vote.