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New Mexico elections in 2026

This page lists New Mexico statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in New Mexico​

Start with the official New Mexico voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

New Mexico voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • May 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: If you are registering for the first time in New Mexico and you submit the registration form by mail, then you must submit with the form a copy of (1) a current and valid photo identification; or (2) a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student identification card or other government document, including identification issued by an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo that shows your name and current address. If you do not submit one of these forms of identification with your mailed-in, first time registration, then you will be required to present one of the forms of identification when voting in person or absentee.
  • May 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: New Mexico enables residents to register through their online voter registration portal.
  • May 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Voter registration closes 28 days prior to an election. (Section 1-4-8, NMSA 1978). Same-Day Voter Registration: Same day voter registration is available. Click HERE for FAQ page Registration applications may be submitted by hand or mail to the appropriate county clerks through the Friday following the registration deadline, provided the date and/or postmark is before the deadline (28 days prior to the election). (Section 1-4-8 (F), NMSA 1978).
  • June 2, 2026 — Same day registration only during the early voting period: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on election day at all elections. Starts twenty-eight days prior to the election through Election Day. N. M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 1. Elections § 1-4-8.

Online​

New Mexico enables residents to register through their online voter registration portal.

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

If you are registering for the first time in New Mexico and you submit the registration form by mail, then you must submit with the form a copy of (1) a current and valid photo identification; or (2) a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student identification card or other government document, including identification issued by an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo that shows your name and current address. If you do not submit one of these forms of identification with your mailed-in, first time registration, then you will be required to present one of the forms of identification when voting in person or absentee.

Deadlines

In Person​

You may register to vote either by the New Mexico Certificate of Registration form or the National Voter Registration Form. The New Mexico Certificate of Registration Form ("New Mexico Form") is available at any county clerk's office, the Office of the Secretary of State, or many state agencies that serve specific clients at those offices such as motor vehicle offices (Section 1-4-5. 1, 1-4-5. 2, NMSA 1978) and offices offering public assistance.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on election day at all elections. Starts twenty-eight days prior to the election through Election Day. N. M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 1. Elections § 1-4-8

Military Overseas: Available

Federal Voters can go here to register to vote and/or request ballot

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in New Mexico​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • May 5, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting starts 28 days before election at a clerk's office.
  • May 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: If you are registering for the first time in New Mexico and you submit the registration form by mail, then you must submit with the form a copy of (1) a current and valid photo identification; or (2) a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student identification card or other government document, including identification issued by an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo that shows your name and current address. If you do not submit one of these forms of identification with your mailed-in, first time registration, then you will be required to present one of the forms of identification when voting in person or absentee.
  • May 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Voter registration closes 28 days prior to an election. (Section 1-4-8, NMSA 1978). Same-Day Voter Registration: Same day voter registration is available. Click HERE for FAQ page Registration applications may be submitted by hand or mail to the appropriate county clerks through the Friday following the registration deadline, provided the date and/or postmark is before the deadline (28 days prior to the election). (Section 1-4-8 (F), NMSA 1978).
  • May 19, 2026 — Last Day To Request Absentee Ballot: Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
  • May 30, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends the Saturday before Election Day. **Note: ** The original date is May 30, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - May 32
  • June 2, 2026 — Last Day to Return Absentee Ballot: Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
  • June 2, 2026 — Same day registration only during the early voting period: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on election day at all elections. Starts twenty-eight days prior to the election through Election Day. N. M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 1. Elections § 1-4-8.

Voter ID requirements in New Mexico​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: New Mexico voter ID requirements.

New Mexico election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — June 2, 2026​

Statewide and Federal primaries are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June of each even-numbered year to select the nominees of the major political parties for partisan offices - NM ST 1-8-11, 1-15A-2. Presidential primary

Important dates​

  • May 5, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting starts 28 days before election at a clerk's office.
  • May 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: If you are registering for the first time in New Mexico and you submit the registration form by mail, then you must submit with the form a copy of (1) a current and valid photo identification; or (2) a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student identification card or other government document, including identification issued by an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo that shows your name and current address. If you do not submit one of these forms of identification with your mailed-in, first time registration, then you will be required to present one of the forms of identification when voting in person or absentee.
  • May 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: New Mexico enables residents to register through their online voter registration portal.
  • May 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Voter registration closes 28 days prior to an election. (Section 1-4-8, NMSA 1978). Same-Day Voter Registration: Same day voter registration is available. Click HERE for FAQ page Registration applications may be submitted by hand or mail to the appropriate county clerks through the Friday following the registration deadline, provided the date and/or postmark is before the deadline (28 days prior to the election). (Section 1-4-8 (F), NMSA 1978).
  • May 19, 2026 — Last Day To Request Absentee Ballot: Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
  • May 30, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends the Saturday before Election Day. **Note: ** The original date is May 30, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - May 32
  • June 2, 2026 — Last Day to Return Absentee Ballot: Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
  • June 2, 2026 — Same day registration only during the early voting period: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on election day at all elections. Starts twenty-eight days prior to the election through Election Day. N. M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 1. Elections § 1-4-8.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • October 6, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting starts 28 days before election at a clerk's office.
  • October 6, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: You may register to vote either by the New Mexico Certificate of Registration form or the National Voter Registration Form. The New Mexico Certificate of Registration Form ("New Mexico Form") is available at any county clerk's office, the Office of the Secretary of State, or many state agencies that serve specific clients at those offices such as motor vehicle offices (Section 1-4-5. 1, 1-4-5. 2, NMSA 1978) and offices offering public assistance.
  • October 6, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: If you are registering for the first time in New Mexico and you submit the registration form by mail, then you must submit with the form a copy of (1) a current and valid photo identification; or (2) a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student identification card or other government document, including identification issued by an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo that shows your name and current address. If you do not submit one of these forms of identification with your mailed-in, first time registration, then you will be required to present one of the forms of identification when voting in person or absentee.
  • October 6, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: New Mexico enables residents to register through their online voter registration portal.
  • October 20, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: The county clerk must receive the application for an absentee ballot no later than 14 days prior to election day (Section 1-6-5(A), NMSA 1978).
  • October 31, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends the Saturday before Election Day. **Note: ** The original date is October 31, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 33
  • November 3, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: Ballots must be returned to the county clerk or voter’s precinct by 7: 00 p. m. on Election Day to be counted (Section 1-6-10 (B), NMSA 1978). ​​
  • November 3, 2026 — Same day registration only during the early voting period: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place on election day at all elections. Starts twenty-eight days prior to the election through Election Day. N. M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 1. Elections § 1-4-8.

Official New Mexico election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.