2018 NM Voter Address Confirmation Process Fact Sheet and FAQs
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Since 1993, the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) has required each State to maintain an accurate and current voter registration list using a process that is uniform, nondiscriminatory and in compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965.
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The NVRA gives States latitude in how they go about maintaining an accurate and current voter registration list
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Between every June Primary Election and November General Election, New Mexico law requires the Secretary of State to send notice to all voters who have been identified as having possibly moved without updating their voter registration. (NMSA 1978, 1-4-28)
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To comply with the NVRA and State law, the Secretary of State’s office sent a voter address confirmation postcard in August 2018 to 54,052 New Mexico voters who were identified as having possibly moved without updating their voter registration.
The 54,052 New Mexicans are receiving a voter address confirmation postcard if:
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The county clerk sent official election mail to the voter that was returned as undeliverable by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS); or,
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The USPS National Change of Address database indicates a different current address for the voter than where they last registered to vote.
If a New Mexican receives a voter address confirmation postcard, there are three simple ways to remain a registered voter:
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Complete the postcard and return it to the county clerk;
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Visit NMVote.org to update your voter registration online; or,
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Vote in any election through the 2020 General Election.
Voter Address Confirmation Process FAQs
- How do I avoid getting a voter address confirmation postcard sent to me?
Make sure to update your voter registration every time you move.
- Why was I sent a voter address confirmation postcard?
Official election mail that was sent to you was returned as undeliverable or the National Change of Address database indicates that your current address is different from your address when you last registered to vote.
- Am I still eligible to vote in the 2018 November General Election?
Yes. You are registered to vote at the address listed on the voter address confirmation postcard and you may still vote in the 2018 November General Election – even if you don’t return the postcard.
- I received a postcard but I believe I’m already registered at the correct address. What should I do?
Visit NMVote.org to verify your voter registration online or fill out and return the postcard confirming that your address is correct. You can also call your local county clerk (click here for county clerk contact info) or contact the Secretary of State’s Office at sos.elections@state.nm.us or 505-827-3600 to verify your voter registration.
- What happens if I ignore the voter address confirmation postcard?
First, you can still vote in the 2018 General Election if you ignore the postcard. However, you’ll be eligible for removal from the voter rolls if you don’t update your address or if you don’t vote in any election through the 2020 General Election. Anyone who ignores the postcard and doesn’t vote in any election through the 2020 November General Election is eligible for removal from the voter rolls in the spring of 2021 in accordance with State law.
- When is the last day to register to vote in the 2018 November General Election?
October 9, 2018, is the last day to register to vote before the 2018 November General Election.
- Why are you sending the voter address confirmation postcards to voters before the General Election?
State law requires the Secretary of State’s office to send the postcards between every June Primary Election and November General Election.
- If I’ve moved out of state, how can I cancel my New Mexico voter registration?
If you’ve moved and you need to cancel your voter registration, just fill out this form and mail it to your county clerk.