Frequently asked questions about Registration and Voting Processes.
Q. Who may register to vote?
- A resident of New Mexico;
- A citizen of the United States;
- Eighteen (18) years or older at the time of the next election.
Q. When may you register?
A. You may register to vote at any time. In order to be eligible to vote in an election, our office must receive your completed application no later than 5:00 p.m. 28 days prior to that election. Mailed applications must be post marked no less than 28 days prior to any election.
Q. How do I register?
A. You may register in person at the County Clerk’s Office or by using the mail-in registration form. The mail-in registration forms are available at any Clerk’s Office, Office of the Secretary of State, and at many state agencies.
You may also register to vote at any state agency that provides public assistance or service; at public libraries; at any organized voter registration drive; and with any Third Party Voter Registrant Agent.
Q. What information is required?
A. The application for registration requires the following per New Mexico State Law:
1.) Name; 2.)Gender; 2.)Date of birth; 3.)Social security number; 4.)Physical residence; 5.)Mailing address (if different from your residence); 6.)Party affiliation (if any); 7.)Oath; and 8.)Signature
NOTE:
- A post office box is not a physical residence, please use a street address.
- You will also be asked for your telephone number, which may be used for election purposes, however, it is not required.
- If you have changed your address, please fill in the municipality, township, county and/or state of your last registration.
- If you have changed your name, please fill in your previous name.
- If you live at a rural address or have no fixed residence, please draw a map of the location where you live.
- In order to process your registration, the form must be complete.
Q. What if my address or name changes?
A. If you have moved, changed your mailing address or your name, you should fill out a new registration form in order for you to be placed in the correct precinct and proper district.
Q. Where will I vote?
A. After the County Clerk processes your application for voter registration, you will receive a voter identification card in the mail. The card will indicate the following: precinct number, polling location, and state/local districts for the address at which you are registered.
Q. What if I don’t register in a political party?
A. Any applicant may choose to check the "No Party" box on the application; however, New Mexico has a closed Primary. Only those registered in a major party may participate in a Primary Election.
Please visit the Secretary of State website at www.sos.state.nm.us for the most current listing of political parties.
NOTE: When a political party registers with the Secretary of State, they are classified as either major or minor by meeting certain requirements established by law.
Q. How do I change my party affiliation?
A. A new registration form needs to be completed. You may change your party affiliation at anytime up to 5:00 p.m. on the 28th day preceding an election.
Q. Is there any time I cannot register to vote or change my current registration?
A. You can register or change a registration at any time; however, changes will not be processed from the 28th day preceding an election and up to the Monday following an election. The County Clerk will still accept the registration, but it cannot be processed until the registration books re-open.
Q. When are elections held?
- Primary Elections are held the first Tuesday in June in even-numbered years.
- General Elections are held the Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years.
- Regular School District Elections are held the first Tuesday in February in odd-numbered years.
- Special / Bond Elections are held as called for by School Boards or the County Council.
Q. When are the polls open?
A. Polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you are in line when the polls close, you may still vote.
Q. Can I vote early?
A. Yes, Absentee In-Person voting begins the 28th day preceding an election through the Saturday immediately prior to the election. Absentee In-Person voting may be done in the County Clerk’s Office.
Commencing on the third Saturday prior to an election, you may vote early at an alternate location established by the County Clerk. Early voting may be done from 10:00am to 6:00pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Please contact the County Clerk’s Office for specific Absentee Voting Information.
Q. What about regular absentee voting?
A. Absentee Voting is done by mail. Anyone may vote absentee as long as they are registered in the county in which he/she resides. Absentee voting begins on the 28th day prior to an election; however, you may apply for an absentee ballot at any time. Absentee ballot applications may be requested from the office of the County Clerk and must be filled out completely in order to receive an absentee ballot.
NOTE: A voter must submit a separate application for each election requesting an absentee ballot.
Q. What about Armed Forces voters?
A. Members of the Armed Forces, Spouses and Dependants of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines etc. may also vote absentee. It is important if you are active military, to contact your commander or voting officer for the proper procedure.
You may also visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website sponsored by the Department of Defense at www.fvap.gov.
Q. What about Overseas Citizens voters?
A. For Overseas Citizens who may wish to vote by an absentee ballot, contact your Embassy for information of how to apply.
If you have any questions please contact our office at clerks@lacnm.us