In 2024, nearly half of all New Mexicans voted early. And in June, when more than 300,000 voters turned out in the primary election, almost a third of those votes were cast early.
There are plenty of reasons to vote early: the lines are usually shorter, you can schedule it into your workday, and you don’t have to worry about spacing it all out.
So what do you need to know to vote early?
Important dates
Early voting in New Mexico starts 28 days before the election, October 6. The last day you’ll be able to vote early is Oct. 31, the Saturday before Election Day Nov. 3.
Check with your county clerk’s office for polling locations and specific hours. For example, in Bernalillo County, polling locations will be closed on Oct. 12 for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
How early voting works
Early voting in New Mexico is run by local election officials, overseen by the Secretary of State’s Office, and supported by volunteers who observe voting locations.
Poll watchers with nonpartisan organizations like Observe New Mexico Elections check ballot accessibility, observe same day registration, watch for voter fraud concerns, and answer any questions voters have about voting procedures. Their findings are used to assess the quality of the state’s elections.
Another option is to vote by mail. In New Mexico, any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot before Oct. 20. You’ll then be responsible for mailing it back so it arrives before Election Day.
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