New Mexico
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New Mexico’s 2019 legislative session has concluded, and Automatic Voter Registration and Same-Day registration have been enacted into law. Stay tuned for how you can take action to expand voting rights in New Mexico next session.
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Automatic Voter Registration- New Mexico does not have automatic voter registration.
RECOMMENDATION: SB 672, implementing automatic voter registration, was signed into law in March 2019.
Online Voter Registration- New Mexico does have online voter registration. The registration deadline is 28 days before Election Day.
Same-Day Registration- New Mexico does not allow same-day registration. RECOMMENDATION: SB 672, implementing same-day registration, was signed into law in March 2019.
Voter ID Requirement- New Mexico does not require Voter ID at polling locations. However, first time voters who registered by mail may be required to provide identification if they did not do so when registering. Registering voters have a variety of forms of identification that they may provide: current/valid photo ID, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document showing name and address.
Early Voting- New Mexico offers early voting beginning the third Saturday before Election Day and concludes the Saturday before Election Day.
No Excuse Absentee- New Mexico voters are not required to provide an excuse to vote absentee.
Mail-In Voting- Mail-in voting is only permitted in the context of absentee voting. RECOMMENDATION: Move New Mexico toward a mail-in vote state in line with practices in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Felon Re-Enfranchisement- Returning citizens have their voting rights restored upon the completion of their sentence, parole, and probation.
RECOMMENDATION: Enact HB 57, which would eliminate disenfranchisement laws.
Voter Bill of Rights- New Mexico has a clearly published voter bill of rights.
Polling Hours- On Election Day, polling places are open 7 am – 7 pm, for 12 hours of voting time. RECOMMENDATION: Extend voting time to 14 hours to match leading states.
Wait Time Service Standard- Like other states, New Mexico does not have a wait time service standard. While New Mexico has substantial early voting, improving the Election Day experience is still vital.RECOMMENDATION: Implement and monitor a wait time service standard for polling places in New Mexico.
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