Voter Registration in New Mexico

Attention: Voter information and identification requirements may change prior to an election. Please check the Secretary of State to make sure you have the most current information.

One of the privileges on the road to adulthood is turning 18 years old and being allowed to enter a voting booth to make your own political choices. No more watching on the sidelines while other people choose your state and national representatives and vote on what local taxes you will pay.

Fortunately, registering to vote in New Mexico is simple and straightforward. Keep reading for more information, including where to register, voter registration deadlines, and other helpful details.

Register to Vote in New Mexico

To sign up to vote in New Mexico, visit your local county clerk's office and fill out the voter registration form. You may also print out a nationalVoter Registration Application and mail it to your local county clerk or to the office of the New Mexico Secretary of State (SOS).

NOTE: If you're using the national application, be sure to follow the instructions specific to New Mexico.

If you submit your form by mail, you'll also need to include copes of:

  • Photo identification.
  • Proof of name and residency (e.g. utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, etc.)*.

You can also register to vote when you apply for a driver's license orID card, or renew your license or ID, at a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office.

*DO NOT bring highlighted documents—the MVD will reject them.

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New Mexico Voter Eligibility

There are a few basic requirements you must meet in order to be eligible to vote in the United States and to register in New Mexico:

  • You must be 18 years old by Election Day.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • You must be a resident of New Mexico.
  • You must not have been judged mentally unfit.

Felony Conviction and Voting Eligibility

If you have a felony conviction but are no longer incarcerated, on parole, or on probation, your voting rights are restored. You may be asked to provide an affidavit or a certification from the court system to assist the County Clerk with your registration to vote.

If you intend to vote in an upcoming election, you must register to vote at least 28 days before the event.

Deadlines to Register to Vote in NM

You must submit your NM voter registration information at least 28 days before an election. Your registration will be accepted until the Friday following the official deadline, but it must be dated or postmarked at least 28 days before the election.

Out-of-State Voter Registration

Military & Overseas Voters

If you are from NM and stationed outside of the state in the military (or as a military dependent) or living overseas, you can register to vote through the Federal Voter Assistance Program website. You will need to download a Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request Federal Post Card Application (Form 76).*

You will need a driver's license or NM ID card to complete the online application. The application also acts as a request for a ballot, so you do not have to complete a separate step for that.

The county clerk's office will also send you a waiver of secrecy form, which you must sign and submit.

*DO NOT bring highlighted documents—the MVD will reject them.

Other Absentee Voters

New Mexico voters wishing to cast an absentee ballot can register to vote using the standard procedures outlined above. You will also need to complete an Application for Absent Voter Ballot and submit it to your local county clerk.

Change Your Name or Address

If you need to change your name or address on your New Mexico voter registration card, you must complete a new voter registration application.

See the section “Register to Vote in New Mexico" above for more information.

Voter ID Laws in New Mexico

While you don't need a special voter ID, you do need identification to vote in New Mexico. You must provide one of the following:

  • A physical form of ID, such as a driver's license, utility bill, or bank statement.
  • A verbal or written statement that states your name, year of birth, and residence address.

The New Mexico SOS website has a list of accepted identification.

Forms

76
Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request Federal Post Card Application
If you're a U.S. citizen living out of your voting jurisdiction, use this form to register to vote AND/OR request an absentee ballot.
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