Voting in New Mexico in 2004

Here are a few facts that may surprise you as you anticipate voting in this year's election.

1. If you haven't voted in the last two general elections, or any of the smaller elections in the last 4 years, your name most likely has been removed from the voter rolls and you need to register again.

2. If you have moved, you need to register again. To get a voter registration form, contact your County Clerk or any well-run campaign offices.

3. If you are chomping at the bit to vote against George W. Bush, you don't have to wait as long as you may think. Every registered voter can cast their vote starting on October 5 at the County Clerk's office. You can vote using an absentee ballot at your County Clerk's office even if you have not applied for an absentee ballot. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. You can find the address and/or phone number of your County Clerk's office at https://web.state.nm.us/roster/Index-Ro.HTM .

4. Requests for absentee ballots are available online at https://www.sos.state.nm.us/Election/ABinfo.htm.
   

BIG Dates

October 5:

The first day to vote, and the last day to register -- registrations must be in the Clerk's office by 5:00 PM. Also the first day that absentee ballots are mailed to voters.

October 16th:

Early Voting begins. No statewide list of locations exists. If you call your County Clerk, they will be able to tell you the locations, including your County Clerk's office.

Early voting happens on the following schedule (call your County Clerk to confirm): Tuesday thru Friday: 12 - 8 PM; Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM.

October 28:

Last day to request an absentee ballot.

October 30:

Last day for early voting

November 2:

What?!? You still haven't voted? Well today is Election Day, the last of 23 days to cast a ballot. Absentee ballots must be in the County Clerk's office in their official mailing envelopes by 7:00 PM.

John McAndrew
Democracy for New Mexico/Santa Fe
democracyforsantafe@comcast.net
Santa Fe, NM

"In Democracies, we, the people, have the power to shape national and international policy -- to seek the good and shun evil... To have this power and fail to use it makes us accomplices of the killers. The job now is to spread the word and inspire the public confidence that the good we want can prevail." --Archbishop Desmond Tutu