En español | New Mexico offers same-day registration, and any registered voter can request an absentee ballot.
The 2022 midterms decided races for governor, the U.S. House of Representatives and the state House, among others. The next statewide election is in 2024, with elections in some cities, including Albuquerque, in 2023.
Essential info:
- Upcoming elections: Visit the secretary of state’s website for information about upcoming statewide elections.
- Absentee voting: All registered voters can request a no-excuse absentee ballot and vote from home.
- Early in-person voting: Vote early at your county clerk’s office or at an early voting site, if your county offers them.
- Voting at the polls: You won’t need to show ID at the polls, unless you’re a first-time voter who registered by mail and didn’t include a copy of one.
Have there been recent changes to voting in New Mexico?
Redistricting in 2021 has changed certain boundaries of some state legislative and U.S. congressional districts. Note that a lawsuit over the new congressional districts is pending.
How do I register to vote?
Register online, by mail or in person:
- Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal to register or check your registration status. You’ll need to provide a current or expired New Mexico driver’s license or state ID and your Social Security number.
- By mail: Print and complete a voter registration form from the state’s voter portal, then mail it to your county clerk’s office or secretary of state’s office. You can also contact your clerk’s office or call 800-477-3632 and request that a form be mailed to you.
- In person: Go to your county clerk’s office. You can also pick up a registration form at the secretary of state’s office in Santa Fe, at Motor Vehicle Division offices and at some other public assistance offices, such as the Human Services Department.
New Mexico also offers same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day at some early voting sites and county clerks’ offices.
Check if you’re registered to vote through the state’s voter information portal.
Does my party affiliation matter when I vote in the primaries?
Only people who are registered as Democrats, Republicans or Libertarians can participate in their party’s respective primaries in New Mexico.
Unaffiliated and minor party voters can participate if they update their registration to a major party during early voting or on Election Day. A New Mexico driver’s license, state ID or another valid form of ID is required.
How can I get an absentee ballot?
Any registered voter can request a no-excuse absentee ballot online, by mail and in person.
- Online: Use the state’s voter services portal to complete an application. You’ll need to confirm your driver’s license or state ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- By mail: Download, print and complete a ballot application, then mail it to your county clerk’s office. Or call or email your clerk’s office to request an application. Mail your completed application with proper postage to your county clerk’s office.
- In person: Visit your county clerk’s office to complete an application or return a completed form.
How do I return my mail ballot during an election?
Return completed ballots by mail or in person. You can return someone else’s completed ballot if you’re their caretaker or immediate family member. Deadlines will be listed at the state’s voter information portal closer to a statewide election.
- By mail: Send your completed ballot to your county clerk’s office. Prepaid postage is provided.
- In person: Drop off your completed ballot at your county clerk’s office, at any Election Day polling location or at any official drop box location, if your county offers them.
You may cast your ballot at a polling place if your absentee ballot was mailed but not received by Election Day. To cancel your mail ballot, you must sign an affidavit.
Use the state’s voter information portal to track the status of your absentee ballot and to find ballot drop-off locations near you.
Can I vote in person before Election Day?
Vote early and in person at your county clerk’s office or an additional early voting location, if offered. Check the state’s voter portal or contact your county clerk for more information.
What do I need to know about voting at the polls on Election Day?
You will be able to cast a ballot as long as you were in line before the polls closed. Use the state's voter portal to find a polling place near you.
All voting locations have special equipment to assist the hearing, visually or physically impaired. The secretary of state’s website has more information about resources available to people with disabilities.
Do I need identification to vote?
You need to show ID in New Mexico if you’re a first-time voter who registered by mail and didn’t include a copy of your ID with your registration form. In that case, you’ll be asked to show a current photo ID or a utility bill, bank statement or paycheck that confirms your name and address when you go to your polling place.
ID also is required for same-day registration.
Editor’s note: This guide was updated on Nov. 11 with more information about voting in New Mexico. The guide was first published on Aug. 18, 2020.
Also of Interest
- Stay updated on the 2022 election at AARP.org/elections.
- Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at states.aarp.org/new-mexico.