91°µÍø

Voting in the 2024 general election has begun in New Mexico, where early in-person voting is underway and absentee ballots are being sent out to those who requested them. For the first time, thousands of voters will find a ballot in their mailbox even though they did not submit a new application for this election.

The online application for absentee ballots for the June 4 New Mexico primary election opened Wednesday. For the first time, the application offers voters the option to receive an absentee ballot for all future elections, as well.

This is the first year that New Mexicans can choose to receive an absentee ballot for every election. Previously, they had to submit a new request each time. However, the online application is not yet available.

Until now, New Mexico voters who wanted to cast an absentee ballot had to request one for each election. That has now changed with the creation of a permanent absentee voter list.

Tuesday, Oct. 24, is the last day to request an absentee ballot for the 2023 Regular Local Election. Some states require voters to have an excuse to vote absentee, but not New Mexico.

While campaigns and news coverage of next year’s general election are already well underway, there’s actually an election to vote in before that one. Early voting starts Tuesday for the Nov. 7 local election and, while online registration ends Monday, would-be voters can still register when they go to cast their ballot.

For voters who would prefer not to stand in line at the polls, would like to reduce their risk of COVID exposure, or who would like to take their time filling out their ballot, this Thursday, Nov. 3, is the last day to request an absentee ballot for the general election. For those who already have one in hand, election officials recommend mailing it back even sooner.

In-person early voting for November elections begins October 11 in New Mexico. That’s also the first day absentee ballots can be mailed to voters who may be unwilling or unable to vote in person. 91°µÍø spoke with the Secretary of State’s office about options for getting your ballot counted.

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