Some elections in this list are local and do not apply for all New Mexico voters. Please click the “View all” button below to view all election dates in your state.
Vote-by-mail (absentee voting) is available in New Mexico and no excuse is required. The last day to request an absentee ballot is 14 days before the election. You can return your absentee ballot request form through mail, in person at your local elections office, or online.
Voted ballots must be received by 7pm on Election Day to be counted. You can sign up to track your absentee ballot on your Secretary of State website. Absentee ballots begin being counted on Election Day.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ABSENTEE?
In Arizona, all registered voters are permitted to vote absentee.
HOW DO I REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT?
Registered voters have 3 ways to request an absentee ballot:
1) Request an absentee ballot through your county clerk, by mail, by phone, or online.
2) Request an accessible absentee ballot. These are for voters who are visually impaired to independently use their screen reader technology to mark their ballot. Fill out an application online here.
3) Sign Up for the Permanent Absentee List. Eligible voters can now opt-in to the permanent absentee list to automatically be sent an absentee (mail-in) ballot for each statewide election by their county clerk.
To join the permanent mail voting list, you can complete a paper or online application and submit it to your county clerk. At least 49 days before each statewide election, the county clerk will notify voters on the list, reminding them that they will receive a ballot by mail. The notice will also include information on removing themselves from the list if they choose to do so.
WHEN ARE VOTERS REMOVED FROM THE PERMANENT MAIL VOTING LIST?
A voter would be removed from the permanent mail voting list if:
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT?
The last day to request an absentee ballot is 14 days before the election.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING AN ABSENTEE BALLOT?
Voted ballots must be received by 7pm on Election Day to be counted.
WHEN ARE ABSENTEE BALLOTS MAILED OUT TO VOTERS WHO HAVE REQUESTED THEM?
Election officials start mailing ballots to voters 28 days before the election.
HOW DO I RETURN MY ABSENTEE BALLOT IN PERSON?
Absentee ballots may be returned to the County Clerk’s Office or any Election Day polling location no later than 7pm on Election Day.
CAN I TRACK MY MAILED ABSENTEE BALLOT?
You can sign up to track your absentee ballot on your Secretary of State website.
WHAT IF I REQUESTED AN ABSENTEE BALLOT BUT WANT TO VOTE IN PERSON?
Those who requested an absentee ballot but end up voting in person: Do not mail a ballot and vote in person. For more information, you can find your local county clerk contact info here.
HOW DO I REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT AS AN OVERSEAS OR US MILITARY VOTER?
Overseas citizens and U.S. military personnel can find information on how to register to vote and request an absentee ballot at the Overseas Vote Foundation.
Request your BallotThe deadline to cure (correct) your absentee/mail ballot is the third Friday after Election Day. Your county clerk will attempt to contact you immediately if your absentee/mail ballot is rejected. You can track the status of your mail ballot using your state’s online tool to make sure it has been received and accepted. If you voted a provisional ballot, you can check the status of your provisional ballot after the election using your state’s online tool.
For information on federal campaign contributions, please visit Open Secrets.
Information on local, state and federal candidates and ballot measures is available here.
There are multiple ways for voters to return their absentee ballot. 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.
Note: a new law requires each county 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.
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:
WHO CAN VOTE IN NEW MEXICO?
You can vote in New Mexico if:
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:
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
Official results are never available on Election Day. Election officials are working around the clock to count an unprecedented number of ballots, and it’s essential that they take the time to make sure every vote is counted.
Official election results will be uploaded on New Mexico’s Secretary of State website as they become available.
Official ResultsYou 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:
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 “closed primary” state. In order to vote in the primary election, voters must be registered with a political party. Unaffiliated or independent voters are not able to participate in the primary.
If you have any questions about your state’s primary election, please contact your local election officials.
You will be issued a provisional ballot if your name does not appear on the roster or you do not provide the required identification.
You can check the status of your provisional ballot here.
You have until 5pm two days after the Election to provide proper identification for their provisional ballot to be counted.
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.
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.
For more information, you can utilize the American Association of People With Disabilities (AAPD) resource. Or, you can contact your Bureau of Elections at sos.elections@state.nm.us.
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
click here!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:
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
Online registration deadline: 28 days before Election Day
Register by mail deadline: Postmarked 28 days before Election Day.
In-person registration deadline: Election Day
Same-Day Voter Registration: available at your County Clerk’s office or at any polling location in your county on Election Day. Additional Early Voting locations may also provide SDR – it’s best to check with your local county clerk.
You’ll need to bring the following:
1. An ID issued by the federal government, a state government, a federally recognized Indigenous nation, tribe, or pueblo, or an educational institution containing your name and photo, AND includes your registration address.
OR
2. An acceptable ID with your name and photo paired with another document showing your name and registration address, such as a utility bill.
Automatic Voter Registration (Effective July 1, 2025)
If you provide a document proving your US citizenship during a DMV transaction, the DMV will check the voter registration database to see if you are registered. If not, you will be registered, offered an opportunity to affiliate with a political party, and told that the county clerk will mail you information about declining registration.
Not registered? Use our online registration tool to complete your application!
The voting machine systems used in New Mexico are optical scan.
Optical Scan: With this system, 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 candidates and ballot measures printed on it. With a pen or pencil you fill in a little box or circle or the space between two arrows. When you are finished filling out all the cards, you 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.
Secretary of State
State Capital North Annex
Suite 300
Santa Fe 87501
LWV volunteers work year-round to register new voters, host community forums and debates, and provide voters with election information they need.
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