Resource Guide
Whether it’s on a local, state, or national level, your participation in the electoral process is crucial for the success of our democracy. Here are a few resources that can help you engage with that critical process:
Voter Portal at the Secretary of State’s website is where you can find all sorts of information about how, when and where to vote.
Early voting is a wonderful tool that is available to all voters. It’s open now and runs through November 4th. Most early-voting poll locations are open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Absentee Ballots are something any voter can request. However, the deadline to request an absentee ballot for the upcoming local elections has closed. If you have already requested or received an absentee ballot, you can drop it off at the county clerk’s office or any voting location.
Same Day Registration is available to any New Mexican eligible to vote. You can register at your county clerk’s office or any polling location on Election Day. Some early voting locations also offer day-of registration, but it’s best to check ahead of time. What’s even better is saving the hassle and registering online.
Dispelling Rumors. For years, misinformation has threatened our voting process and our democracy. Become an expert on voting facts, and you can help shore up our society.
In 2023 the New Mexico Legislature passed the New Mexico Voting Rights Act, a significant and nation-leading expansion of our voting rights. The law was created in collaboration with tribal governments, leaders, and advocacy groups. Some of the most important changes the Voting Rights Act makes are:
- A permanent Absentee Ballot list – sign up once to receive your ballot in the mail, and never worry about it again. You can check the box to automatically receive an absentee ballot forever, until you decide otherwise.
- Removes barriers that only Native leaders and communities faced when coordinating voting and ballot drop box locations with the state. Now there is a single system for every New Mexican.
- Permits government buildings to be used as mailing addresses for voting purposes. Many Native voters had difficulty registering to vote due to nontraditional addresses. Now community government buildings, such as Chapter Houses, can be used for this purpose.
- Automatic restoration of voting rights to formerly incarcerated citizens. If you paid your debt to society you get your voting rights back immediately.
These changes were made possible by years of hard work by hundreds of activists. CVNM Education Fund acknowledges the dedication and tireless efforts of these organizations and thanks everyone involved in the effort to strengthen and broaden our democracy: NM Native Vote, Center for Civic Action, Ole, Dreams In Action, El Centro, NM Asian Family Center, Equality NM, ACLU NM, and Common Cause NM among others!