It’s that time of year: the general election is fast approaching, and your vote has never been more important.
Early voting in New Mexico began Oct. 6, 2026, and will end on Oct. 31. Now through Oct. 16, early voting in Doña Ana County is exclusively at the County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Beginning Saturday, Oct. 17, early voting will be expanded to local locations, including Corbett Center Student Union on the New Mexico State University campus. Expanded early voting hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. After Oct. 31, the only in-person voting will be Election Day at multiple polling places throughout the county.
New Mexico’s general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The election will decide numerous important seats, such as the New Mexico governor, a member of the U.S. Senate, and U.S. Congressional seats.
But to vote, you need to be registered. It can be confusing where you go to register, how mail-in ballots work, and where you’re eligible to vote. Luckily, there are many resources provided for free for citizens of New Mexico.
Registration Requirements
To register to vote in the state of New Mexico, you must be:
- 18 years or older at the time of the next election
- A resident of New Mexico
- A citizen of the United States
- Not currently incarcerated in a jail, prison, or correctional facility.
- You may still vote if you are on probation or parole.
Please note: Traditional registration closed 28 days before the election on Oct. 6, 2026. However, same-day registration (SDR) is available at the County Clerk’s office or polling locations in your county on election day. Early voting locations may also provide SDR.
While you can still register after Oct. 6, your application will not be processed until 31 days after the election.
What do you need? Where do you go?
To register, you must have at least a current or expired state-issued I.D. If you do not have a state-issued I.D., you may register by mailing an application to the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office or your county clerk’s office.
If you are registering by mail, you will need a copy of a valid and current photo identification, or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student I.D., or other government documents.
If you’re a New Mexico resident, it’s as simple as registering and filling out your information online.
You may also refer to Third-Party Registration Agents who are specially trained and registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Only registered agents can help you register for voting. If you’re not sure whether an individual is an official agent, you may ask to see their officially notarized Voter Registration Agent Identification Form.
You may also update your registration information online, such as address, party, etc.
I’m already registered in a different county; what do I do?
If you are already registered in a different county and do not live in Doña Ana County, you are unable to vote in person at voting booths located within Dona Aña.
Individuals and students registered in a different county are encouraged to use mail-in voting via absentee ballots or vote early in your county if possible. Please note that if you live outside of New Mexico, you cannot request an absentee ballot.
To register for absentee voting, you can fill out an application online, contact your county clerk, or deliver your ballot to your county clerk’s office.
To find out more information on how to register and where, you can visit: https://www.sos.nm.gov/
You may also check in with your local county clerk’s office if you have any questions regarding your registration.
Remember: Your vote matters. Registering to vote may seem daunting to some, but you’re not alone.
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