Prepare to cast your vote in the 2023 New Mexico Regular Local Election with the NMBLC voter registration guide.
The New Mexico Regular Local Election is coming up Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Actions you might find on your ballot include voting for city councilor, school board members, and general obligation bonds that fund important services in your neighborhood. If you haven’t yet handled your voter registration, now’s the time.
Civic engagement and political power begin with the local scene. That’s why these less buzzy local elections are just as if not more important than national elections. People you elect to fill local positions such as city council or your district’s school board have the opportunity to impact you and your family’s daily life. Our state and city laws can enhance or mitigate the effect of federal laws on New Mexico residents. On the other hand, who you elect to city and state positions can go on to run for Congress or president of the United States.
The New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative (NMBVC) is a non-partisan collective convened by the NMBLC to increase voter participation among eligible African Americans in New Mexico. NMBVC’s mission consists of three parts: voter outreach, voter education, and voter mobilization.
Build voting power on the ground and it shifts the status quo.
— Jack Champagne, NMBLC UpLift Initiative Director
So get ready to vote in the New Mexico Regular Local Election on November 7th. Below, you’ll find information on registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot, getting your sample ballot, and election deadlines.
Register to Vote
You can register to vote by mail or online. You have until October 10, 2023 to register to vote this way.
If you miss the online or mail-in voter registration deadline, you can still use the same day voter registration option. That’s right, any eligible New Mexican voter can register to vote on election day. For this option you have to register in person at the same time you vote. Same day voter registraion will be available at voting locations throughout early voting and on voting day.
Mail-in Ballot Voting
The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 24, 2023. With an absentee ballot you can mail in your ballot instead of going to the polls in person. To make sure you have plenty of time to fill out and return your absentee ballot, request it now.
You can also contact your County Clerk’s Office. Go to NMVOTE.ORG or call (505) 468-1291.
Image source: Pexels Edmond Dantès
In-Person Early Voting
Early voting at the county clerks’ offices begins October 10, 2023. More Early Voting locations will open starting October 21 to November 4, 2023.
Find your early voting location at the link below. Enter the required information, including the “I’m Not a Robot” prompt, and click SEARCH. Select “My Polling Location.”
To find your nearest polling location on election day, click the link below. Enter the required information, including the “I’m Not a Robot” prompt, and click SEARCH. Select “My Polling Location.”
To find your sample ballot, click the link below. Enter the required information, including the “I’m Not a Robot” prompt, and click SEARCH. Select “My Sample Ballot” to view your sample ballot.
NMBLC’s August open house launched the UpLift NM Initiative and brought organizations and the community together in Albuquerque’s International District.
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) hosted an open house to announce the launch of the UpLift Initiative. The UpLift NM program serves New Mexico’s Black/African American communities and all residents of the International District in Albuquerque, New Mexico. NMBLC and partners have been collaborating on this project for over a year. At the open house, we finally got to share UpLift with the community.
The UpLift Open House was on August 16th, 2022 at the NMBLC office on 1258 Ortiz Dr SE in Albuquerque. Many local organizations set up information booths to share the services they offer. The rooms and hallways bustled with community members getting to know one another.
Emergency Rental Assistance and Housing Stability
The UpLift Room was a hub of reps and resources. NMBLC’s in-house legal counsel Chris Elam shared the resources available for those facing eviction and loss of housing. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) can help eligible applicants financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic pay rent and utilities.
UpLift NM Open House UpLift Legal and Street Team OfficesUpLift NM Open House Chris Elam Legal CounselUpLift NM Open House NM Center on Law and PovertyUpLift NM Open House Chisholm Table Crew
COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence
The New Mexico Department of Health gave away free at-home COVID-19 tests and had the 411 on COVID-19, Monkeypox, and vaccinations. Dr. Duane Ross answered questions one-on-one about the vaccine and health in the Black/African American community. Bianca Cowboy of D.O.P.E. Services (Dedicated Outreach and Prevention Education) helmed a table of tools for preventing ailments such as sexually transmitted infections and drug overdoses.
One of the rooms screened the Digital Stories collaboration. Story creators Tracy Dingmann and Alfondso Thompson shared their frightening experiences with COVID-19 in the days before the vaccine.
UpLift NM Open House NMDOH TableUpLift NM Open House D.O.P.E. Services TableUpLift NM Open House Digital Stories Creators Tracy Dingmann and Alfondso Thompson
The New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative (NMBVC) had information on voting and voter registration. Several NMBLC and NMBVC members are registration agents and will be ready to help people register to vote for the upcoming election.
UpLift NM Open House NMBVC
Educational Resources
Newt Robinson of the Community Mentor Network recruited mentors to tutor middle school students. Librarians from the new International District Library signed people up for library cards and talked to parents about the activities and resources available for kids and teens. The New Mexico Humanities Council showcased their magazine, programs, and grants, and editors from the Albuquerque Journal handed out newspapers and made contacts with the community.
UpLift NM Open House Community Mentor NetworkUpLift NM Open House International District Library TableUpLift NM Open House NM Humanities Council TableUpLift NM Open House Albuquerque Journal
Mental Health Resources
One of the exhibits showcased Taraji P. Henson’s Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF). The Empire and Hidden Figures star’s goal is to break the silence around mental health in the Black/African American community and lift the stigma so people can get the help they need.
UpLift NM Open House Mental Health Awareness Taraji P. Henson Display
Fun and relaxation were part of the program, too! A game and play area was set up for kids and one of the rooms was reserved for free ten-minute massages with massage therapist Sue Lunsford.
Capping off the program was an appearance by actress Regina Taylor (I’ll Fly Away, Lovecraft Country) who’s the voice behind our ambassador Glamma Bibi.
UpLift NM Open House Glamma Bibi PosterUpLift NM Open House Actress Regina Taylor
The UpLift program is for you and all your neighbors in the International District. Come find out more at (505) 407-6784 or https://nmblc.org/uplift/. See below for even more photos from the UpLift Open House.
UpLift Open House AttendeesUpLift NM Open House AttendeesUpLift NM Open House AttendeesUpLift NM Open House State Senator Harold Pope Jr.UpLift NM Open House APD SE CommandUpLift Open House Catered by Joy Lynn Hertz
Photo Credit: Photos were taken by Shannon Moreau and Robert Leming
June 1st is election day for the CD-1 race, and NMBLC has your list of voting locations.
It’s election day for the special Congressional District One election. This race will fill the seat vacated when Deb Haaland was confirmed as the cabinet secretary for the Department of the Interior. CD-1 covers Bernalillo, Torrance, and parts of Sandoval, Santa Fe and Valencia counties. Keep scrolling to find your CD-1 election voting locations, courtesy of Bernalillo County. The polls will be open Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Not registered to vote? You can still vote in the special election with same day registration. It’s important that our voices are heard in New Mexico. The person we vote into office impacts our lives. Our representatives sponsor and vote on legislation that affects our civil rights, our health care, and our environment. Vote for the person you believe will best advocate for you and your values.
Prepare to cast your vote in the New Mexico CD-1 election with the NMBLC special election resource guide.
The special election for Congressional District 1 (CD-1) in New Mexico is on June 1, 2021. This race will fill the seat vacated when Deb Haaland was confirmed as the cabinet secretary for the Department of the Interior. CD-1 covers Bernalillo, Torrance, and parts of Sandoval, Santa Fe and Valencia counties.
New Mexico CD-1 Map. Source: Wikipedia Public Domain
The candidates running for Congressional District 1 are
Keep scrolling to find information on requesting your absentee ballot, where to find your polling location, and information about the candidates so that you can make an educated voting decision.
How to Request Your Absentee Ballot
Want to avoid the lines and do the ultimate social distancing for this election? Stay home on election day and mail in your ballot instead. Request your absentee ballot by May 18, 2021. To request an absentee ballot, click here: https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/OVR/WebPages/AbsenteeApplication.aspx
Under “Elections” select “Special Congressional District Election One”
Click Next and complete your voter identity information.
Click Next and confirm your registration data.
Click Next and select your ballot type and delivery method.
Click Next to review and submit your application.
To make sure your absentee ballot arrives in time to be counted, mail it by May 25, 2021.
Not Registered to Vote? Do Same Day Registration
If you haven’t yet registered to vote, you can still vote in the special election with same day registration. Register to vote or update your voter registration and vote at the same time.
New Mexico law now provides the opportunity for people to register to vote or update their voter registration immediately before voting.
— Bernalillo County Clerk website
All you need for same day registration is your current and valid photo ID. If you don’t have a photo ID, you can use one of the following documents instead: 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.
Starting May 4, 2021, register and vote on the same day at the County Clerk’s Office, 1500 Lomas A NW, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Do you prefer to vote old school? Do you like to take your time making your choice? Vote on Election Day, Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Seventy (70) polling locations are open on election day from 7AM to 7PM. Find your voting day polling location here: https://www.bernco.gov/clerk/election-day-voting-locations.aspx
Learn More About the Candidates
The candidates running for Congressional District 1 are
Last Day to Mail in Your Absentee Ballot: May 25, 2021
Last Day to Vote Early: May 29, 2021. Starting May 4, vote early at the County Clerk’s Office, 1500 Lomas NW, Suite A, 87104, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Starting May 15, vote early at additional locations, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your nearest early voting location here: https://www.bernco.gov/clerk/early-voting-locations.aspx
Last Day for Same Day Registration (SDR): May 29, 2021. You can register to vote or update your voter registration immediately before voting. Starting May 4, SDR at the County Clerk’s Office, 1500 Lomas A NW, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Starting May 15, SDR at additional locations, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your same day registration location here: https://www.bernco.gov/clerk/same-day-registration.aspx
When New Mexico Congresswoman Deb Haaland was confirmed as the cabinet secretary for the Department of the Interior, her Congressional District 1 seat became open. A special congressional election to fill the seat will be held June 1, 2021.
New Mexico CD-1 Candidates
The candidates running for Congressional District 1 are
Candidates from New Mexico Congressional District 1 will answer questions from organizations and voters in the state. (Originally, all four candidates agreed to participate in the forum; however, Mark Moores recently pulled out.) NMBVC’s goal is to provide communities around the state with as much information as possible about upcoming elections, candidates, and legislation to ensure fair representation and education for all voters in the state of New Mexico. The forum also gives the candidates a chance to get to know and understand the real issues that matter to voters in CD-1.
“I don’t think that we get enough information from the candidates just from their campaigns; typically, it’s what they want you to know.”
—Mason Graham, NMBVC
Mason Graham, the NMBVC forum project lead, says that this format facilitates getting answers that lie behind the standard campaign messages. “When they’re on the spot and they’re answering questions about real issues, that’s when we get to know the quality of their character, their background, their ideas and thought process, and the way that they would handle an issue.”
New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative CD-1 Forum Moderators
How to Attend the New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative CD-1 Forum
Over 400 people have responded to the CD-1 Congressional Forum event on Facebook, an indication that this type of civic discourse is of interest to voters in New Mexico. NMBVC plans to continue to host forums in the future, particularly the upcoming mayoral election in the city of Albuquerque.
“For New Mexico, they’re like yes, I want to be a part of that, I want to see that, I want to see what these people have to say before I go and cast my vote.”
In the wake of the seemingly insurmountable challenges faced by the Black community in 2020, the New Mexico Black Leadership Council reviews major successes and looks ahead to the new year.
The mission of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council is to create a hub that fosters a viable and sustainable social profit sector designed to serve the Black community in the state of New Mexico. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resurgence of violent racist attacks, and the fear and vitriol surrounding the election show that the work of our organization is more necessary than ever. The horrifying events of this year heightened the need for flexibility, ingenuity, determination, and collaboration to rise to the occasion and accomplish the goals towards our vision. In the face of so many obstacles, our community-based advocacy, focus on inter-connectivity, and ongoing development proved to be a strong and sustainable methodology.
Launching a hub organization to serve New Mexico’s Black/African American community
New Mexico Black Leadership Council Open House
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council kicked off 2020 with a January 16th inaugural launch party at the newly expanded southeast heights location. Despite the afternoon snow storm, the community showed up strong for the open house. The space was filled to capacity as everyone listened to music, enjoyed refreshments, and toured the office. Attendees packed the conference room and lined the halls to hear the NMBLC leadership announce an exciting initiative: to create a viable and sustainable social profit sector for the Black community.
Leaders from the business, educational, legislative, and social sectors learned about NMBLC’s focus areas and affiliate organizations, including the New Mexico Black Mental Health Coalition, the New Mexico Black History Organizing Committee, Community Mentor Network, Young Black Professionals of Albuquerque, and The Syndicate ABQ. The celebration clearly presented an empowering change in how the New Mexico Black community will operate and flourish from that moment forward. Since the launch, NMBLC has become the largest Black led, non-governmental social profit in New Mexico, generating $500,000 in annual revenue. In October, NMBLC engaged a Black owned firm to transition from fiscal sponsorship to independent management.
“We are moving from a deficit mentality to an assets based strategy.”
—Shawna Brown, NMBLC Deputy Director
Illuminating mental health issues faced by Black New Mexicans
NMBLC Mental Health Conference
The second annual New Mexico Black Mental Health Conference was held on January 31 and February 1, 2020 at the University of New Mexico. The conference was sponsored by the New Mexico Black Leadership Council with practitioners from the NM Black Mental Health Coalition. The conference educates mental health providers, policy makers, consumers and supporters about primary mental health issues affecting Black New Mexicans. It also serves as a network and resource for people seeking Black mental health care professionals.
150 participants attended the two day conference. The two targeted tracks offered CEUs to both practitioners and community members. Attendees also took advantage of workshops facilitated by NMBMHC providers and interactive breakout sessions, all free of charge.
Nationally renowned speakers highlighted the theme of stereotypical burdens placed on Black people and the detrimental fallout of those societal pressures. Keynote speaker Dr. Angela Neal Barnett’s presentation “I’m Not Your SuperWoman: DeBunking the Myth/Trope of the Angry Black Woman” showed how the relentless defensive mask worn by Black women covers up deep fractures in their physical and mental health. In “John Henryism in the New Millenium: Black Men in America,” Dr. Napoleon Wells warned that the celebrated drive towards and expectation of Black excellence is, quite literally, lethal.
“The punchline is, you must perform exceptionally until you DIE.”
—Dr. Napoleon Wells on John Henryism and the Black obligation to overachieve.
Celebrating Black culture and contributions in New Mexico
New Mexico Black History Month Festival
The theme of the 2020 New Mexico Black History Month Festival was “And Justice for All.” In addition to the NM Black Mental Health Conference, the festival lineup included the One New Mexico Gospel Concert with Kelontae Gavin; the Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt Competition, the Asante Awards and Kumbuka Celebration, and The Syndicate’s Blk Future Skate Night.
At the Talent Hunt Competition, 11 students were mentored by professional performing and visual artists. $2,000 in scholarships were awarded for winning youth.
NM Black History Organizing Committee presented this year’s Asante Awards to honored storytellers Linda Piper and Juba Clayton. Linda Piper is the founder and artistic director of Tapestry Players, a multicultural theatre company in Albuquerque. Juba Clayton employs stories to educate, empower, advocate, inspire, affirm and celebrate our communities.
The evening culminated in a free event for the community with soul-stirring performances by vocalists Cathy McGill, Josef Scott, Gene Corbin, Toni Morgan, Rebecca Arscott, and Michael Herndon; dancers Gabi Rojas, Rujeko Dumbutshena, Karen Price and Trey Pickett; and narrators Angela Littleton, Linda Piper, and Juba Clayton.
“BLK FUTURE SK8 NIGHT was filled with so much joy, laughter, love, and light. Thank you to everyone who came thru 🦋🖤🧚🏾♂️”
Compensating New Mexico musicians and spreading the word about the 2020 Census
Tiny Census Concerts
NMBLC teamed up with iCountNM to produce the Tiny Census Concert series. Inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, this series of online concerts highlighted New Mexico’s favorite creatives in support of participation in the Census.
Hosted by KNME’s Gene Grant, each concert featured up to 8 artists across multiple categories including musicians, dancers, spoken word artists, and visual artists. Between each performance, invited guests shared why a complete 2020 Census count truly matters. The series, sponsored by Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Complete Count Committee, was a big hit during the isolation of the early days of the pandemic, with over 17,000 views. It also provided much needed income for 37 New Mexican musicians and artists who abruptly found themselves out of work as gigs were cancelled at a 100% rate. For many of the artists who participated in the TCC, the $1000 compensation was some of the only money coming in and allowed them to pay rent and stock their refrigerators.
“This $1000 I’m getting paid by TCC means I get to keep my home and breathe a little easier for at least another month. I’ll use the money for rent and to get the books I need to study for my comprehensive exam and finish my doctorate.”
—Lazarus Letcher, Musician/Singer-songwriter
Building leadership and self-confidence in youth
Roots Summer Leadership Academy
As the pandemic swept the globe unabated, the NMBLC crew grappled with how or whether their signature summer camp could happen this year. During these unprecedented times, however, the power of collaboration and community made 2020 Roots Summer Leadership Academy unforgettable.
The format and logistics were modified to make the camp COVID-19 compliant, with a mix of socially-distanced outdoor activities and online offerings. For the kids and their parents, the camp was a critical panacea during the long, difficult summer of 2020. 100% of parents said that RSLA met their expectations and that they would recommend the program to others.
The fun-filled and engaging program of art, music, dance, and STEM projects proved that the spirit of teamwork and youth development is truly unstoppable.
“It felt like hope for three weeks. It shifted our whole household dynamic. It was amazing.”
— Kim Obregon, RSLA parent
Increasing voter participation and prioritizing voter protection
New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative
The New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative (NMBVC), a non-partisan collective of over 20 local Black-led organizations, debuted with the launch of NMBVC’s 2020 election initiative “Freedom Summer ‘20.” The goal: voter outreach, education, and mobilization.
NMBVC live streamed multiple nonpartisan roundtable discussions to amplify Black voices on election matters and collaborated with Comcast, 99.9 The Beat, and PBS to air PSAs consistently encouraging our community to Vote No Matter What and to share with the public why we vote.
“The more Black voters that the NMBVC gets to the ballot box, the more the Black community in New Mexico takes action toward representation and acting on the knowledge that our vote is our voice.” —Megan Bott, NMBVC
Through partnerships with Common Cause and the Secretary of State’s Office, the NMBVC prioritized voter safety messaging through the NMBVC and its partner’s social media platforms, and by recruitment of Election Protection volunteers to station at polling places. The NMBVC met with the City of Albuquerque’s Equity & Inclusion Department and Albuquerque Police Deputy Chief Mike Smathers to discuss what would be done at the polls to keep voters as well as any protesters safe the week of the election. NMBVC teamed up with Rude Boy Cookies to encourage the community to make the pledge to vote and in turn get a gift certificate for a free gourmet cookie.
The Collaborative distributed fact-checked information on both Republican and Democrat races. In partnership with Common Cause NM, the NMBVC placed Election Protection volunteers in zip codes with higher BIPOC populations. NMBVC created a one-stop voter resource with regularly distributed reliable voter information, educational resources, and information on get-out-the-vote events and campaigns tailored to the Black community.
Follow the NMBVC on social media for the most up to date information on Black civic engagement and voting in New Mexico:
NMBLC concluded the tumultuous year with the timely Racial Contract Lecture Series. Sponsored by Comcast, this three part, complimentary webinar series aims to help leaders of academic, government, and social profit (501c3) institutions who are invested in creating open, diverse workplaces.
Each lecture was presented by PhD professors from the University of New Mexico who have dedicated their work to addressing issues of systemic and institutional racism as well as providing strategies on how institutions can address and combat systems of oppression.
The series proved to be extremely popular. Initial registration capped out at 400 within a few days of the first announcement. The attendance rate for each lecture averaged 200 people, and around 80 people stayed on for the Q&A after each lecture. Institutions represented include UNM, APS, and various government and nonprofit organizations.
“I very much appreciate the effort to bring great sessions with great thinking to our communities and I hope for many more of these going forward.”
— Racial Contract Lecture Series Attendee
2021 Goals and Programs in the works
Chisholm Table
Named for Shirley Chisholm, the Chisholm Table initiative will convene leaders of Black organizations to change our community from the inside out.
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
— Shirley Chisholm
In addition to bringing our own chairs, we are building a new table. The Black community has been invisible in the state of New Mexico for far too long. Help us build visibility in our state so that we can capture a full picture of the people and organizations that are doing the work to change our community from the inside out.
See Something, Do Something
The See Something, Do Something violence prevention and intervention program focuses on the International District.
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council is creating a spectrum of advocacy to engage landlords, residents, business owners, community benefit organizations, and neighborhood associations in addressing issues that are prevalent in the International District to promote community vibrancy and deal with root causes.
You Make it All Possible
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and its work is made possible by sponsorships from forward-thinking organizations and by the generous support of community members like you. Thanks to you, the NMBLC officially launched and made huge strides in fulfilling its mission to serve the Black community in the areas of mental health, youth development, civic engagement, cultural vibrancy, and leadership development. Much work remains to be done, and you can help make that possible. Consider an end of year donation to the New Mexico Black Leadership, and join us on our continuing journey to create a space to thrive for all New Mexicans.
The CABQ Office of Equity & Inclusion is conducting opinion surveys with Albuquerque’s African-American community. This survey seeks to identify priorities from the community and learn how to better engage.
The survey conducted by Scott Carreathers, African American Community and Business Liaison, collects demographic information from African American community members and will be used to assess how different segments of the community see and engage with their City government.
The data collected from the survey will be compiled into a report to illustrate the needs identified and how engagement with the community by the City of Albuquerque can be improved. There are two surveys, one for youth and one for adults.
The survey for African American adults can be taken at this link.
The survey for African American youth can be taken at this link.
A reminder these surveys are intended for African American respondents. These surveys are being collected by Scott Carreathers, African American Community & Business Liaison with the City of Albuquerque, until January 15.
To get out the vote for the 2020 election, the New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative asked New Mexicans to share stories about why they vote.
On a sunny morning just before Labor Day, Megan Bott and Mason Graham of the New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative (NMBVC) set up a video camera on a main intersection in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. The goal was to record members of the community sharing their most memorable voting experience and why they personally believe in the importance of voting. This was part of phase 1 of the NMBVC action plan: voter outreach. The video series connects the importance of the vote today to the history of the fight for the right to vote.
The downtown streets were nearly empty, as the gradual reopening of the city in the wake of the pandemic had just begun. Many of the people involved in the NMBVC project had not seen each other since February, before the lockdown. The few moments of masked, socially distanced reunion were poignant and bittersweet.
Scroll down to find out, in their own words, why members of the community are voting in the 2020 election.
Why I Vote: Kindra Hill, Senior Project Coordinator, NMBLC
Kindra votes to choose candidates who reflect her values and will provide what is needed in her community.
See the full answer in the video below:
Why I Vote: Megan Bott, Marketing and Communications, NMBLC
Megan votes to make her voice heard in all the spaces of life.
See the full answer in the video below:
I stand on the shoulders of giants of the civil rights movement.
–Sean Cardinalli
Why I Vote: Sean Cardinalli, Alterity Entertainment, Truth to Power NM
Sean votes to honor those giants who risked life and limb so that he could exercise his right.
See the full answer in the video below:
Why I Vote: Shannon Moreau, Writer, NMBLC
Shannon votes because the outcome of her vote has a direct impact on her life.
See the full answer in the video below:
Why I Vote: Sydney Tellez, Associate Director at Common Cause New Mexico
Sydney votes to keep representation open for all people, including the disenfranchised.
See the full answer in the video below:
Why I Vote: Erica Davis-Crump, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advocate
Erica votes because voting apathy creates detrimental effects that last for years.
See the full answer in the video below:
Why I Vote: Alex Curtas, Communications Director for New Mexico’s Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver
Alex votes to uphold the hard-fought right of all citizens to vote.
See the full answer in the video below:
Why I Vote: Tracy Dingmann, mom, former journalist
Tracy votes because her ancestors protested and sometimes died for her right to vote.
See the full answer in the video below:
I am never going to give up that right.
–Tracy Dingmann
Vote no matter what.
Look for special TV spots of Megan, Sydney, Alex, and Sean on New Mexico PBS!
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council has compiled a list of resources to help you be vote ready for the 2020 election.
Below you will find information on same day voter registration, where to find your polling location, how to download a sample ballot, and links to candidate bios and interviews so that you can make an informed voting decision.
During early voting, you can register to vote or update your existing registration and vote on the same day at your County Clerk’s Office. If you wait until Election Day (Tuesday, November 3th) to vote, you will need to already be registered.
Some County Clerks will offer additional same day voter registration locations beginning on Saturday, October 17, 2020. Click below for more about same day voter registration:
Early voting in person ends the Saturday before the election, on October 31, 2020.
Mail-in Ballot Voting
Absentee voting begins on Tuesday, October 6, 2020.
You may mail your absentee ballot as early as October 6, 2020. Mail your completed ballot back to your county clerk no later than October 27th to ensure it arrives before 7pm on Election Day. If you are worried your mail-in ballot won’t get to the county clerk’s office in time, you can bring your completed absentee mail-in ballot to your County Clerk’s office or at any polling location during Early Voting or on Election Day.
Enter the required information, including the “I’m Not a Robot” prompt, and click SEARCH. Select “My sample ballot” to view the sample ballot.
2020 Election Candidates
In-depth information about the candidates that will appear on your ballot can be found at http://www.vote411.org after you select the option for “See What’s on Your Ballot.”
The Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs is offering and prioritizing Ride Reservations for any Seniors 50 and older who need transportation to their nearest polling location.
To schedule your ride, call the Department of Senior Affairs at 505-764-6464.
**Extra sanitization measures will be in place for all ride shares with frequent cleanings between rides, mandatory face masks, social distancing, and rides limited to 4 passengers at a time.
Know Before You Go FAQ
Do I Need to bring ID?
Voters are not required to present an ID if they are already registered and have voted once before.
First time voters and those registering the same day will need to provide an ID
What if I’m Registering for the First Time?
If you are registering to vote for the first time you must bring the following with you:
A current and Valid Photo Identification
(Or) a Current Utility Bill, Bank Statement, Paycheck, Student ID, or government document that shows your name and current address
What about Voting Absentee?
If you requested an absentee ballot, after receiving and completing it you may bring it with you to drop off at the Early Voting Location
If I registered once do I need to register again?
Voter registration is permanent in NM
If your address has changed and has not been updated you will need to update your registration