Last update: Jul 07, 2026 04:42 a.m. EDT
Last update: Jul 06, 2026 04:58 a.m. EDT
Can I trust this information?
These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
How do I report an issue with the information provided on this page?
Drop us a line to report an issue, share feedback or ask questions about the voting information on this page.
Registration Summary
New Mexico offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in New Mexico by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.
What are key deadlines for the November 2026 election?
Registration deadlines
- In person during early voting : Oct 6 - Oct 31
- In-person at voting location on Election Day : Nov 3
- Online : Oct 6
- By mail (postmarked by) : Oct 6
Absentee ballot deadlines
- Request ballot (received by) : Oct 20
- Return ballot by mail (received by) : Nov 3 by 7:00 p.m. MST
- Return ballot in person : Nov 3 by 7:00 p.m. MST
What key changes should voters know about?
Beginning July 1, 2025, New Mexico now offers automatic voter registration for eligible individuals at the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). This is due to a new law in New Mexico.
How do election officials keep voting secure?
Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.
Visit the New Mexico Secretary of State website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.
Registration Top Actions
Who can register to vote?
To register in New Mexico you must:
- be a United States citizen
- be a resident of the State of New Mexico
- be 18 years of age at the time of the next election
- not currently be incarcerated for a felony conviction, or currently be in the re-entry process at a correctional facility after a felony conviction
Can I register to vote online?
- New Mexico offers online voter registration.
- To register online in New Mexico, you need a Social Security number and either a New Mexico Driver’s License or a New Mexico Motor Vehicles Division (MVD) ID. If you don’t have a New Mexico-issued ID, you can still register by mail.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Yes, you can submit your voter registration application by mail using the National Voter Registration Form or the New Mexico voter registration form.
Once you confirm that you’re eligible to vote, print your form and fill it out.
To complete the National Voter Registration Form, use these instructions to fill out the following fields:
Box 6 - ID Number:
To submit a voter registration application by mail in New Mexico, you must provide ONE of the following forms of identification:
- New Mexico driver's license number
- New Mexico ID card number
- last four digits of your Social Security number
Box 7 - Choice of Party: If you want to participate in New Mexico partisan primary elections, you should register with the major political party whose primary you would like to vote in. If you are an unaffiliated voter, you can vote in a major political party’s primary election without becoming affiliated with that party.
Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
If you are registering to vote for the first time in your county and submit your registration application by mail, federal law requires you to provide a COPY of proof of identification with your application OR show acceptable documentation when you vote. Acceptable forms of identification include a current and valid photo ID OR a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student identification card, or other government document that shows your name and current address (includes tribal ID) More information about these requirements is available on the New Mexico Secretary of State website.
- You may be exempt from federal proof of identification requirements if you are entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act or another federal law.
- Depending on your state, you may need to show additional identification when you vote, even if you meet federal identification requirements.
Once you’ve filled out all required fields on the form you selected, sign the completed form and send it to your local election office.
If you plan to return your application through the mail, be sure to mail your voter registration application at least one week before the registration deadline to ensure it's timely postmarked. Keep in mind that USPS might not postmark your mail on the day it's dropped off. You can also request a manual postmark at the counter of a USPS office. Find a USPS location near you.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
New Mexico does offer registration when voting in person on Election Day and during the early voting period. You will need to present an acceptable form of identification when registering and voting at the same time.
Visit the New Mexico Secretary of State website for more information.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can complete a voter registration application in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- Learn more by visiting the New Mexico Secretary of State website or contacting your local election office.
Can I register to vote before I turn 18?
You can register to vote in New Mexico before you turn 18 if you:
You must be at least 18 years old to vote, except that you may vote in a political primary election if you will turn 18 on or before the day of the general election immediately succeeding the primary election.
- are 18 on or before New Mexico's next general election, which is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- are a United States citizen
- are a resident of New Mexico
- are not currently incarcerated in New Mexico for a felony offense
You must be at least 18 years old to vote, except that you may vote in a political primary election if you will turn 18 on or before the day of the general election immediately succeeding the primary election.
Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?
You can complete a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in New Mexico:
- New Mexico Secretary of State’s office
- County Clerk
- Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)
Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register online on the New Mexico Secretary of State website.
To register using the New Mexico online voter registration system, you are required to provide your Social Security number and ONE of the following ID numbers:
- New Mexico driver’s license
- New Mexico state ID
If you don’t have a New Mexico-issued ID, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.
Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
When submitting your application by mail in New Mexico, you are required to provide your New Mexico driver's license number, state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you are registering to vote for the first time in New Mexico and you mail your registration application, you must include a copy of proof of identity with your form or present ID when voting in person or absentee. Acceptable forms include:
- current and valid photo identification
- current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student identification card, or other government document that shows your name and current address (includes tribal ID)
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in New Mexico. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using New Mexico's voter registration lookup tool.
Which election office should I contact?
- In New Mexico, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in New Mexico. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.