Q: CAN MY SPOUSE FIND OUT WHO I VOTED FOR?

• Your voter registration information is public - this can include that you voted, your address, and the party you are registered for. • Now here’s the important part - WHO you actually vote for on the ballot is NOT public information. You do not need to tell your spouse who you voted for, even if they ask. You can say, “that’s between me and the Ballot Box.” Your right to vote is part of our civil liberties, and your vote is your own – that being said, do whatever you need to do to remain safe. • In a Presidential general election, you can vote for anyone on the ballot - and from any party. For example, if you are a registered Republican, you can vote for the Democratic nominee for President or Congress. You do not have to change your registered party to vote for a nominee in the other party.

Question 1

WHO QUALIFIES TO VOTE?

Accepted Answer

​You must be a resident of New Mexico, a citizen of the United States, and  will be 18 years or older at the time of the election.

Question 2

CAN SOMEONE WHO WAS CONVICTED OF A FELONY VOTE?

Accepted Answer

As of July 1, 2023, individuals who were convicted of a felony, can vote after they are released from prison, even if they are on parole or probation.

Question 3

CAN I VOTE BY MAIL?

Accepted Answer

All registered voters are eligible to vote by mail. Voting by mail, also known as absentee voting, is great, because you don’t have to physically go to a polling place, just put your ballot in the mail or a designated drop box prior to the election. Plus, it’s easy - you can request an absentee ballot at nmvote.org.(https://www.sos.nm.gov/voting-and-elections/voter-information-portal-nmvote-org/)Y(https://www.sos.nm.gov/voting-and-elections/voter-information-portal-nmvote-org/)ou can also request an absentee ballot from your county clerk website where you can print and mail an absentee ballot application.

New this year - PERMANENT absentee ballots!
Registered voters in New Mexico for the first time can join a permanent list to receive an absentee ballot by mail in future elections. The Secretary of State’s office is accepting online requests for absentee ballots ahead of the June 5, 2026 primary on the website NMVote.org,(https://www.sos.nm.gov/voting-and-elections/voter-information-portal-nmvote-org/) where qualified voters can opt in to the permanent list.

Question 4

NEED TO REGISTER TO VOTE OR UPDATE YOUR REGISTRATION?

Accepted Answer

Yes! And it’s a good idea! You can also take your marked-up sample ballot into the polling booth with you, so you never need to worry about whether you will remember who to vote for. Sample ballot information is available to help voters prepare to cast ballots; request your sample ballot here.(https://voterportal.servis.sos.state.nm.us/WhereToVote.aspx)
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In regular (even-numbered) election years, check out the New Mexico Blue Voter Guide (https://bluevoterguide.org/)- this guide will break down every ballot throughout NM Congressional District 2 and show you what issues each candidate supports.

Question 5

CAN MY SPOUSE FIND OUT WHO I VOTED FOR?

Accepted Answer

• ​Your voter registration information is public - this can include that you voted, your address, and the party you are registered for.
 • Now here’s the important part - WHO you actually vote for on the ballot is NOT public information. You do not need to tell your spouse who you voted for, even if they ask. You can say, “that’s between me and the Ballot Box.” Your right to vote is part of our civil liberties, and your vote is your own – that being said, do whatever you need to do to remain safe.
 • In a Presidential general election, you can vote for anyone on the ballot - and from any party. For example, if you are a registered Republican, you can vote for the Democratic nominee for President or Congress. You do not have to change your registered party to vote for a nominee in the other party.

Question 6

WHY SHOULD I VOTE ALL THE WAY DOWN THE BALLOT?

Accepted Answer

Voting all the way down the ballot gives you the satisfaction of having a real impact. The further “down ballot” you vote, the more you’ll see that impact in your day to day life, from highway construction to police budgets, neighborhood parks to school curriculum. The names “down ballot” are those state and local elected officials who are more accessible to you, and are more likely to be the ones that work with you through situations where the government—state or local—can help. And because fewer people vote for local candidates, your vote counts even more.

From the top of the ticket to the bottom, voting is a way to make change in your community and feel connected to the people you are voting for.

Register to Vote!

First time registering?

Need to update your info?

Need a good reason to vote?

Questions??

First time voter? Just moved to NM?

Below is everything you need to know. Once you're ready to jump in, go to nmvote.org. Registering takes just a couple of minutes. You can also register by mail or in person at your County Clerk's office. You can find your County Clerk information here.

Do I Need to Update My Voter Registration?

Why vote? Your vote can make the difference.

Still have questions? Find the answers here.