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Did you know all registered New Mexico voters can request an absentee ballot and vote from home?
Before 2023, absentee voting was restricted. Requests had to be made before each election and only applied to people who would be absent from their county during the voting period, were 65 or older, were physically unable to vote in person, or had religious beliefs that prevented them from voting on election day.
In 2023, NM law changed to eliminate those restrictions and create a permanent list of people who want to receive an absentee ballot by mail for future elections.
Why the change?
Getting to a polling place on election day can be a challenge for many people. Work responsibilities, family commitments, disabilities, or lack of reliable transportation all can make going to the polls and waiting to vote on election day difficult or impossible. Opening the absentee balloting process to all registered voters without restrictions makes voting more accessible to ensure that all voices can be heard.
Do you know how to apply for an absentee ballot?
If you are already on the permanent list, your absentee ballot should be mailed to you. You can check to see if you are on the permanent list by looking up your voter registration information at the Secretary of State website at NMVote.org.
If you are not on the permanent list, you can request an absentee ballot between May 5 – 19 by: 1) contacting your county clerk’s office; 2) completing an online request, or 3) downloading and printing an application and mailing it or hand delivering it to your county clerk’s office.
The Absentee Ballot Application on the NM Secretary of State web site is easy to navigate. First, choose English or Spanish, then pick an election. You’ll confirm your voter identity with your NM driver’s license number or state ID, the last four digits of your social security number, and your date of birth. You’ll have a chance to verify your registration data and select your ballot delivery method before you submit your application.
Do you know when and where to return your ballot?
Absentee ballots must be received (not just mailed) by 7 p.m. on election day (June 2 for the 2026 Semi-Open Primary Election and Nov. 3 for the 2026 General Election).
After completing your ballot, you can: 1) drop it off at the county clerk’s office; 2) put it in an authorized and monitored ballot box; or 3) return it by mail.
If you choose to mail in your ballot, please err on the side of safety and allow a week for your ballot to be received – mail your ballot by Tuesday, May 26 for the Semi-Open Primary election and Tuesday, Oct. 27 for the General Election. You’ll be able to track your ballot using the online NM Ballot Tracking System or by contacting your county clerk’s office.
Will the Supreme Court case on mail-in ballots affect me?
No. The Supreme Court case only addresses whether ballots received AFTER election day can be counted. New Mexico law already requires that ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on election day to be counted.
Need more information?
The League of Women Voters is committed to supporting the voting rights of all U.S. citizens, regardless of their political affiliation. The League’s Education Fund’s vote411.org website has lots of information and links to get you to the Secretary of State webpage where you can check your voter registration information and request an absentee ballot.
Lynda St. Clair is a member of the League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico. She earned a PhD from the University of Michigan and taught management and leadership courses for 15 years at Bryant University in Rhode Island before retiring to Las Cruces. She loves libraries, learning, and liberty.
