Voter Registration in New Mexico
Residents must register to vote in New Mexico before they are able to vote in primary and general elections. The process for voter registration in Mexico can be intimidating if you have never done it before, but there are a variety of methods available, whether it be in-person, online or via the mail. “Am I registered to vote in New Mexico?” Many Americans ask themselves this question every year.
Make sure you get registered before the next election, so that you can voice your concerns and vote. In this article, you will learn all that you need to know before the next election, who is able to register, when you need to register by, how you can register, how to vote if you will not be able to on Election Day and more.
Who can register to vote in New Mexico?
Voter registration eligibility in New Mexico ensures that the state’s voting power is only represented by those who engaged citizens of the state. In order to register to vote, it is not enough to live in New Mexico. You must have established residency in the state, and you must be recognized as a citizen by the US.
At this time, people who have been judged guilty of a felony are not eligible to vote, unless you have served your time and probation period. As well, since only adults are allowed to vote, you need to be at least 18 years old. This age requirement only applies to when you are allowed to vote. Individuals under the age of 18 are still allowed to register.
New Mexico Voter Registration Deadline
Eligible voters must be registered no less than 28 days before Election Day. You are allowed to register less than 28 days before the election, but your voter registration information will not be processed in time before the election. This means you will have to wait to vote until the next election.
How to Register to Vote in New Mexico
If you are unsure how to register to vote in New Mexico, there are several options available. You can register at:
- Most state government offices
- Online
- A voter registration drive
You can also request a form via phone or mail.
No matter which method you choose, you will be filling out either the New Mexico Certificate of Registration Form or the National Voter Registration Form. These are both voter registration forms, with the primary difference being that the New Mexico Certificate of Registration Form is tailored specifically for New Mexico residents.
The voter registration process in New Mexico requires you to provide a form of identification, which will most commonly take the form of a driver’s license. In many cases you will be able to provide your Social Security Number instead, but if you register by mail, you will need to provide both a copy of your photo ID and documentation of your current address, which may be a bill or government letter to your residence.
Early Voting in New Mexico
Early Voting in New Mexico is designed to expedite the process. 28 days prior to Election Day, you are allowed to go to a county clerk location and fill out a ballot. Beyond that, you may be able to find extra polling locations opened near you. This is managed by the county clerk, so you will need to contact yours to determine if there is a location near you. Early voting locations in New Mexico are closed the Sunday and Monday before Election Day.
New Mexico Voter Registration for Active Duty Military
Many wonder, “Where do I vote?” if they are serving overseas. The Uniform Military and Overseas Voter Act was designed to ensure that all service members received proper governmental representation. You will be able to fax, mail or email your ballot to the county clerk office
The voting deadline is the same for service members as it is for all other citizens, so you will need to ensure that the county clerk office gets your vote no later than 7 p.m. You will also need to submit a sworn statement saying that your vote does not need to be kept secret. This allows the office to properly tally your vote.
New Mexico Voter Registration for Absentee Voting
County Clerk’s offices in New Mexico allow state residents to vote even if they will not be able to on Election Day. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, you need to contact a County Clerk office and send in an application for the absentee ballot. If you get the ballot, you will not be able to vote in-person.
The absentee ballot registration deadlines vary from year to year, but you will usually be able to register for one within a week of Election Day.
Voter Registration Cards in New Mexico
Though you do not need a voter registration card in New Mexico in order to vote, some people like having them to expedite the voting process. It is useful both as a form of ID and because it indicates where your polling place is. However, it cannot replace a photo ID, like a driver’s license.
How to Change Your Voter Registration in New Mexico
If you need to get a voter registration change of address in New Mexico, the process is simple. When you submit a new registration form, your previous information will be amended. This applies whether you want to change your address or your political party.
How to Replace a Lost New Mexico Voter Registration Card
You do not need a voter registration card in order to vote. If you lose yours and would like to use it to vote, you will need to contact your local County Clerk office. If you do not know the phone number, you may contact the statewide election information center at (505) 827-3600.