How to Vote in New Mexico's 2024 Elections
Important dates and election information
Key dates
- Primary: Tuesday, June 4
- General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a glance
- Absentee voting: No-excuse absentee voting is available to all voters. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail or in person at the county clerk’s office or in person on Election Day at any polling location in your county.
- Early voting: Available between Tuesday, May 7 and Saturday, June 1 in person at your county clerk’s office. View early voting locations here or contact your county clerk for hours and locations.
- Voting at the polls: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you didn’t submit voter identification with your first-time mail-in registration, be sure to bring a valid photo ID, a current utility bill, bank statement or other government document that displays your name and address.
Voting in New Mexico
What to know about recent changes
A 2023 state law mandates that:
- Same-day registration is offered at every polling place statewide on Election Day.
- Each county offers at least two ballot drop boxes, although counties can apply to waive this requirement.
- A voluntary permanent absentee voter list was established by Jan. 1, 2024, so voters can automatically receive an absentee ballot ahead of statewide elections if they choose to do so.
- Voting rights are reinstated for those convicted of a felony once they’re released from prison.
- As part of the state Native American Voting Rights Act, tribes have access to the same resources for voting as other parts of New Mexico. This includes ballot drop boxes and allowing tribal residents to use a government building designated by their tribe as a viable mailing address for voter registration and mail ballot applications.
Voter registration
If you’re a first-time voter in New Mexico, registration is necessary.
For returning New Mexico voters, registration is permanent. But if you’ve recently moved or have not voted in several years, verify your registration status. A new registration form must be submitted to change party affiliation.
The regular registration deadline for the primary is Tuesday, May 7.
- By mail: Print the registration form online, complete it and mail it to the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office or your local county clerk’s office. You can also pick up a registration form from your county clerk’s office.
- In person: Complete your registration and vote at your county clerk’s office during early voting. Some early voting sites may also offer same-day voter registration. Check with the county clerk’s office.
- Online: Register for the first time or make changes to your registration using the online portal.
Note that if you have changed your name, party affiliation or home address, you must update your voter registration form.
Registering to vote on Election Day
Same-day registration is available in person at polling locations in your county.
Don’t forget to bring an acceptable form of ID, such as a New Mexico driver’s license or state ID card or a document displaying your address, along with a photo ID.
Primary voting and party affiliation
You are only eligible to vote in the primary if you are affiliated with a major party (in New Mexico, these are Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians).
If you’re already affiliated with a major party, you cannot change your party affiliation during same-day registration for the primary. You’ll only be able to update your name and contact information. If you’re currently unaffiliated or affiliated with a minor party, you can visit your county clerk’s office, any Election Day polling location or select early voting locations in your county to join a major party and vote in their primary. If you wish to switch back your affiliation after the primary, you can do so online.
Ways to vote
Requesting an absentee ballot
Open to all voters. The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the primary is Tuesday, May 21.
- By mail: Print and fill out the absentee ballot application. Then mail it to your county clerk’s office.
- In person: Visit your county clerk’s office to request an application in person. You can also print out and complete the absentee ballot application. Then deliver it to your county clerk’s office.
- Online: Complete your application online by filling out a form.
- By phone: Call your county clerk’s office to request an application.
Returning your absentee ballot
All absentee ballots must be received by mail or in-person at the county clerk’s office or any Election Day polling site no later than 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4.
Track your absentee ballot through the state’s voter information portal.
Voting in person before Election Day
Check early voting locations and operating hours by visiting the elections website or by contacting your county clerk's office.
Voting at the polls on Election Day
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voter ID requirements on Election Day
Voter ID is only required for same-day registration and first-time New Mexico voters who completed their registration by mail and did not submit identification with their form.
For same day registration, bring a New Mexico driver’s license or state ID card, or a document displaying your address in the county, along with a photo ID. If you are a first-time voter who did not submit identification with your registration by mail, bring a valid photo ID or current utility bill, bank statement or other government document displaying your name and address.
Voting with a disability
Absentee ballots can be delivered to the county clerk’s office in person or by mail by a voter’s caregiver or member of their immediate family.
If you have a visual impairment, you can request a special absentee ballot. You can also request assistance at a polling station or use an accessible voting machine. For more information, consult the elections website.
Accessible voting machines are available at every polling station.
More information about candidates
Key races
- U.S. President
- U.S. House: three seats
- U.S. Senate: one seat
- State House: all 70 seats
- State Senate: all 42 seats
Sample ballots are available on the online portal.
Editor's note: This guide was updated on Jan. 29, 2024, with new information about voting in 2024 presidential primary.
Julie Goldenberg is an associate editor of AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. She is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School and is based in New York City.
Also of Interest:
- Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections
- Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at states.aarp.org/new-mexico