How to Vote in New Mexico's 2022 Elections

En español | New Mexico’s Nov. 8 general election will decide races for governor, the U.S. House of Representatives, the state House and state Supreme Court, among other state and municipal seats. The state’s primary was June 7.

Essential info:

• Voting absentee: All registered voters can request a no-excuse absentee ballot and vote from home in November’s general election.

• Early in-person voting: You can vote early and in person at an early voting site if your county offers them — or by filling out an absentee ballot at your local county clerk’s office.
  

• In-person voting on Election Day: The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What's new this year?

A new redistricting plan has changed certain boundaries of state legislative and U.S. congressional districts. These changes may affect which candidates appear on your ballot. 

What races are on the ballot?

• Governor: Incumbent Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), Mark Ronchetti (R)
• U.S. House: all three seats
  
  • District 1: Michelle Garcia Holmes (R), Incumbent Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D)
  • District 2: Incumbent Rep. Yvette Herrell (R), Gabriel Vasquez (D)
  • District 3: Incumbent Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D), Alexis Martinez Johnson (R)
• State House: all 70 seats
• State Supreme Court
• Other statewide offices, including lieutenant governor, secretary of state and state auditor 
• Other state and municipal seats  
  

How do I register to vote?

• Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal to register, change your party affiliation or check your registration status. You’ll need to provide a current or expired New Mexico state ID or driver’s license and your Social Security number. Registration through the web portal closes Oct. 11.

• By mail: Print and complete a voter registration form from the state’s voter portal, then mail it to your local election clerk’s office or secretary of state’s office. Postage is prepaid if you mail it to your secretary of state’s office, but you’ll need to provide your own if you send it to your election clerk. You can also contact your clerk’s office or call 800-477-3632 and request that a form be mailed to you. Your registration form must be postmarked by Oct. 11 and received by Oct. 14.

• In person: Go to your local election 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. Register in person by Oct. 11.

New Mexico also offers same-day registration during early voting – from Oct. 11 through Nov. 5 – 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.

How can I get a mail-in or absentee ballot? Are there important deadlines?

Any registered voter can request a no-excuse absentee ballot and vote from home in November’s general election. You can apply for an absentee ballot online, by mail or 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 and mail it to your local election clerk’s office. Or call or email your clerk’s office and request one be sent to you. Mail your completed application with proper postage to your local election clerk’s office.

• In person: Visit your local election clerk’s office to complete an application or return a completed form.
  

No-excuse absentee ballot applications are due Nov. 3 by 5 p.m. 
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. Election officials must receive your ballot by 7 p.m. on Nov. 8.

• By mail: Send your completed ballot to your local election clerk’s office. Prepaid postage is provided. State officials recommend mailing your ballot by Nov. 1 to avoid possible postal delays.

• In person: Drop off your completed ballot at your local election clerk’s office, at any Election Day polling location or at any official drop box location if your county offers them.

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?

You can vote early and in person at your local election clerk’s office from Oct. 11 through Nov. 5. Early voting dates and hours vary by county, so check the state’s voter portal for more information.

When is Election Day? When are polls open?

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You will still be able to cast a ballot after 7 p.m. 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 only 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.

Editor’s note: This guide was updated on June 9 with information about voting in the general election. The guide was first published on Aug. 18, 2020. 

Also of Interest

• Stay updated on the 2022 election at AARP.org/elections.
• For the latest coronavirus news and advice go to AARP.org/coronavirus.