Voting: Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Where can I register to vote?

A: Voter registration is easy and widespread. You may register at the Clerk's Office, at registration booths available at major events and shopping malls, political party headquarters, the Department of Motor Vehicles and anywhere in the County where a Deputy Registration Officer accepts registrations.

 

Q: How can I get a job at the polls on election days?

A: Contact the Clerk's Bureau of Elections, 867-7577. You must be a registered voter, a resident of Sandoval County and attend training sessions. Poll workers' salaries are set by law for the 12 or more hours you may work on Election Day.

 

Q: Is early voting available? How do I get an absentee ballot?

A: As early as 28 days before a County election, Sandoval County voters may vote early in person at the County Clerk's Office, or cast absentee ballots either in person or by mail. Absentee ballots can be obtained from the Clerk's Office. The County Commission may establish additional locations for early voting.

 

Q: How do I run for political office?

A: Contact the Clerk's Bureau of Elections for information and guidelines, filing fees and requirements, or see Officials Eligibility Requirements page.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS


1-4-1. Registration Required.

No person shall vote at any election unless he is registered as required by the Election Code (this chapter). No ballot of any unregistered or otherwise unqualified elector shall be cast, counted or canvassed.

 

1-4-2. Qualification for Registration.

Any person who will be a qualified elector at the date of the next ensuing election shall be permitted within the provisions of the Election Code (this chapter) to register and become a voter, provided however; he shall not register in New Mexico without canceling his registration in the state of previous residence if such there be.

 

1-4-3. Registration declared permanent.

The registration of a qualified elector is permanent for all purposes during the life of such person unless and until his certificate of registration is canceled for any cause specified in the Election Code (this chapter).

 

1-4-4. Fees and Charges Prohibited.

No qualified shall be charged any fee or required to pay any sum whatsoever by any registration officer for performance of a duty required of him by the Election Code (this chapter) in connection with registration.

 

1-4-5. Method of Registration.
A.  A qualified elector may apply to a registration officer for registration.

B.  The registration officer shall fill out each of the blanks on the original and the voter’s copy of the certificate of registration by typing or printing in ink. Carbon paper may be used between the original and the voter's copy.

C. The qualified elector shall subscribe a certificate of registration.

(1) A person shall sign his original certificate of registration using his given name, middle name or initial and last name.
(2) If any qualified elector seeking to register is unable to read and write either in English or Spanish language or is unable to read or write because of some physical disability, the certificate of such person shall be filled out by a registration officer, and the name of the qualified elector so registering shall be subscribed by the marking of his mark.

D. When properly executed by the registration officer, the original and voter’s copy of the certificate of registration shall be presented, either in person or by mail by the qualified elector or by the registration officer, to the county clerk of the county in which the qualified elector resides.

E. Only when the certificate of registration is properly filled out; subscribed by the qualified elector and accepted for filing by the county clerk as evidenced by his signature or stamp and the date of acceptance thereon shall it constitute an official public record of the registration of the qualified elector.

1-4-5.1 REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS    


1-4-5.1. Method of Registration; Form

A. A qualified elector may apply for registration by mail or in the office of the county clerk.

B. Certificate of registration forms may be requested from the secretary of state or any county clerk in person, by telephone or by mail for oneself or for others.

C. Except as provided in Subsection D of this section, a qualified elector who wishes to register to vote shall fill out completely and sign the certificate of registration. The qualified elector may seek the assistance any person in completing the certificate of registration.

D. A qualified elector who has filed for an order of protection pursuant to the provision of the Family Violence Protection Act [40-13-1 to 40-13-7 NMSA1978], and who presents a copy of that order from a state or tribal court to the registration officer, shall not be required to provide address information on the certificate of registration.

E.  Completed certificate of registration may be mailed or presented in person by the registrant or by any other person to secretary of state or presented in person by the registrant or any other person to the county clerk of the county in which the registrant resides.

F.  If the registrant wishes to vote in the next election, the completed and signed certificate of registration shall be delivered or mailed and postmarked at least twenty-eight days before the election.

G.   Upon receipt of a certificate of registration, the secretary of state shall send the certificate to the county clerk in the county where the qualified elector resides.

H.  Only when the certificate of registration is properly filled out, signed by the qualified elector and accepted for filing by the county clerk as evidence by his signature and stamp and the date of acceptance thereon and when notice has been received by the registrant shall it constitute an official public record of the registration of the qualified elector.

I.    The secretary of state shall prescribe the form of certificate of registration, which shall be postpaid mail-in format and shall be printed in Spanish and English. The certificate of registration form shall be clear and understandable to the average person and shall include brief but sufficient instructions to enable the qualified elector to complete the form without assistance.