Register to Vote
In order to register as a new voter or update your registration online, your personal information must match the information that is on file with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
These are the things that must match:
- Your social security number,
- Your driver’s license number or state identification number, and
- Your date of birth.
A voter can use the paper application found here: (English / Español) and mail it to PO Box 40, Bernalillo, NM 87004
What do I need to provide when I register to vote by mail?
If you are registering for the first time in New Mexico, and you submit the registration form by mail, then you must submit with the form a copy of (1) a current and valid photo identification; or (2) a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student identification card or other government document, including identification issued by an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo that shows your name and current address. If you do not submit one of these forms of identification with your mailed-in, first time registration, then you will be required to present one of the forms of identification when voting in person or absentee.
Once our office has accepted the form for filing, individuals or groups may make a public records request. However, the day and month of birth and the Social Security number on the form is always privacy protected.
How do I check whether I am registered in New Mexico?
You can check your registration status using the Secretary of State’s online Voter Services, available here.
How long do I need to be a resident of New Mexico before I can register to vote?
You can register immediately upon becoming a resident.
I recently moved to New Mexico and do not have a New Mexico state I.D. nor driver's license, can I register to vote?
Yes! You do not need a New Mexico MVD issued I.D. or driver’s license to vote. MVD issued forms of identification are only required for online registration and online absentee ballot requests.
You can use the paper application found here: (English / Español) to register to vote. Your out of-state I.D. or driver’s license in combination with a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student identification card or other government document, including identification issued by an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo that shows your name and current address to meet the identification requirement. (Section 1-4-5.1(I) NMSA 1978).
When does voter registration close?
Voter registration closes 28 days prior to an election. (Section 1-4-8, NMSA 1978).
Same-Day Voter Registration: Same day voter registration is available. Click here for FAQ page.
Registration applications may be submitted by hand or mail to the appropriate county clerks through the Friday following the registration deadline, provided the date and/or postmark is before the deadline (28 days prior to the election). (Section 1-4-8 (F), NMSA 1978).
Do I need to register for every election?
No, registration is permanent in New Mexico. If you have moved and not voted in several years, it is possible your name may be removed from the voter rolls in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act (see National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) Questions, below). Check your voter registration status to make sure you are registered and all your information is correct at https://voterportal.servis.sos.state.nm.us/WhereToVote.aspx.
Am I required to select a political party in order to complete the registration form?
No. You can choose to select a political party affiliation if you wish, or you can decide to not be affiliated with any political party. The choice is yours to make and does not impact the validity of your registration form.
Any applicant may choose to check the “No Party” box on the application; however, New Mexico has a closed primary, so only those registered in a major political party may participate in the primary election.
The major political parties in New Mexico are:
- Democratic Party
- Republican Party
- Libertarian Party
Voters who are affiliated with all other political parties or voters who have no political party affiliation may not vote in primary elections in New Mexico. However, all voters regardless of political affiliation are invited to participate in all other elections.
How do I change my party?
You need to fill out a new voter registration form and submit it to the county clerk or Secretary of State’s office or submit a new registration online in order to change your party affiliation.
I am 17 years old now but will be 18 before the next state general election. Can I complete a voter registration form now and will I then be able to sign petitions?
You may complete the voter registration form now, but you may not sign any petition. 17-year olds who will be 18 by the general election may participate in the primary election. Voters must be 18 to participate in all other elections.
By completing the voter registration form now, you are in essence pre-registering, but you do not become an eligible voter until you have reached your 18th birthday. Only eligible voters may sign petitions or vote in an election.
What happens if I register to vote after registration closes (within 28 days of an election)?
If you register to vote after registration has closed, the county clerk will still accept your voter registration application but it will not be processed until the thirty-five (35) days after the election.
Can I register to vote if I have been convicted of a crime?
If you are currently incarcerated for a felony offense you cannot vote or register to vote while you are incarcerated.
However, once you are no longer confined to a jail, prison, or other correctional facility you can register and vote in New Mexico elections. You can register to vote and vote even if you are on probation or parole.
What do I need to do to have my voting rights restored following a felony conviction?
As you are finishing your incarceration you will be given the chance to register to vote, either through an online portal or paper form, or when you are obtaining a license or ID card through the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD).
If you were already registered to vote before your incarceration, you will be given the chance to update your existing registration as you are finishing your incarceration.
What are the currently qualified political parties in New Mexico?
Major Parties
In New Mexico, only major political party candidates will appear on the Primary Election ballot. The three major political parties are:
- Democratic Party of New Mexico
- Republican Party of New Mexico
- Libertarian Party of New Mexico
Minor Parties (Qualified Political Parties in New Mexico)
Qualified minor party candidates may appear on the General Election ballot and are nominated for office pursuant to the party rules on file with the Secretary of State and pursuant to NMSA 1978 §§ 1-8-2 and 1-8-3.
- New Mexico Working Families Party
- Green Party of New Mexico