New Mexico Voting Guide

Am I eligible to vote in New Mexico?

To vote in New Mexico elections, you must meet specific requirements.

The basic criteria you must meet to vote in the primary and general elections in New Mexico include:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Maintain a current address in New Mexico
• Be 18 years old on election day

The State of New Mexico doesn’t allow you to vote if:

• The courts have declared you mentally incompetent
• You have a felony conviction and have not completed your sentence. Once you fulfill the terms of your sentence, you can re-register to vote.

You can confirm your registration status on the New Mexico voting site.

When are New Mexico’s registration deadlines?

Register to vote before the registration deadline. Otherwise, you won’t be able to vote in the next local election. Below, we have listed the deadlines for each type of voter registration.

• Online: 28 days before the election
• By Mail: The documents must be postmarked at least 28 days before the election

If you miss the deadline, you can register to vote or update your voter registration at any polling location on election day. This is because New Mexico allows same-day voter registration. Some counties also offer early voting before election day.  

You can confirm this information on the state’s voter information portal. This site will also provide details on when the upcoming elections will take place.

How do I request an absentee ballot in New Mexico?

To request an absentee ballot, visit the New Mexico Absentee Ballot Application website. In addition, you can contact your local county clerk in person, by mail, or by phone to request a ballot. You can also download an absentee ballot application, fill it out, and submit it to your local county clerk.

Some states require voters to provide a reason or excuse to cast an absentee ballot. This is not the case in New Mexico. All you have to do is request the application from your county clerk’s office. The State understands that not everybody can or wants to vote in person. It’s not always possible to cast your ballot at early voting locations.

Once election officials approve your application for absentee voting, they’ll send the ballot to your home address.

What do I need to bring to the polls in New Mexico?

In most cases, registered voters don’t have to provide photo identification when voting. There are some exceptions, however.

If you register to vote for the first time by mail and do not include a copy of your ID, you must show a valid ID at the polling place. Albuquerque and Rio Rancho have city ordinances that require voters to show an ID at the polls.

These rules apply to statewide elections.

What special accommodations are available?

New Mexico prides itself on providing accessibility for all. If you have a disability, you can ask for assistance at the polls. You can choose a person to help you, as long as that person is not a candidate, your employer, or a union representative.

What do I do if I see something illegal at the polls?

If you see something at a state election you believe is illegal, fill out a Complaint Form and submit it to the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office. It is worth noting that the Office does not investigate anonymous complaints.

You can also report voting law violations to the U.S. Department of Justice.

A New Mexico Voting Rights Lawyer Can Help

If someone has limited or violated your voting rights, consult a legal professional who understands voting laws. They may be able to provide you with advice and assistance with any civil rights issues.