Make Sure Your Absentee Ballot Is Counted

Request Your Absentee Ballot by the Deadline

• Deadline: Your application must be received by your County Clerk's office by Tuesday, October 20, 2026(14 days before Election Day).
• Method options:
  • Online through the NM Secretary of State's portal at NMVote.org (requires NM driver's license or state ID).
  • Download and mail a paper application.
  • Call, email, or visit your County Clerk's office to request a paper application.
  • In person at your County Clerk's office.

Important: The application must be received by the deadline, not just postmarked.

Wait for Your Ballot to Arrive

• County Clerks begin mailing absentee ballots 28 days before Election Day (starting October 6, 2026).
• Allow time for postal delivery to you and for your completed ballot to return.
• If requesting within 14 days of Election Day, you're encouraged to request in person rather than by mail.

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Complete the Ballot Carefully

• Follow all instructions on the official return envelope.
• Fill in all required voter information under the privacy flap.
• Sign the official return envelope — this is required.
• Ensure your signature matches your voter registration record.

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Return Your Ballot by the Deadline

• Deadline: Your voted ballot must be RECEIVED by 7:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
• This is a receipt deadline, not a postmark deadline.

Return options (choose one):

• Mail it back — Recommended to mail no later than one week before Election Day (by October 27, 2026) to ensure timely delivery.
• Drop off at your County Clerk's office.
• Deliver to any Election Day polling location in your county.
• Use an official secure ballot drop box in your county.

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Track Your Ballot Status

• Use the NM Vote Portal (NMVote.org) to check the status of your ballot
• Or call your local County Clerk's office to inquire about ballot receipt and acceptance
• Tracking will show whether:
  • Your ballot was received by the County Clerk
  • Your ballot has been accepted (signature verification passed)

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Know Who Can Return Your Ballot

Per New Mexico state law, only the following people may deliver your absentee ballot:

• You (the voter)
• Your caregiver
• Your immediate family (spouse, children, parents, or siblings)

If someone else returns the ballot on your behalf, they must sign the official return envelope.

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 Special Circumstances to Note

First-Time Voters:

• If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail and did not include proof of identity with your registration, you'll need to bring identification when returning your absentee ballot in person.
• Accepted ID: NM driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID, utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing your name and address.

Signature Mismatch:

• If your signature doesn't match your voter registration, your ballot may be rejected.
• You have the opportunity to cure a signature mismatch if notified by the County Clerk.

Permanent Absentee List:

• You can opt-in to be automatically sent an absentee ballot for every statewide election.
• This requires checking a box on your registration form or the online portal during "Step 4 – Ballot Delivery Method".
• You can remove yourself from this list at any time by contacting your County Clerk.

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Critical Deadlines Summary