Early voting in New Mexico has commenced, allowing residents to cast their ballots ahead of the November 5 election. Voters can access information about regional early voting options through their County Clerk’s office. In Bernalillo County, early voting is available at the Clerk’s Annex from October 8-18 and at 20 Early Vote Convenience Centers from October 19 through Election Day.

Marshall Martinez, Executive Director of Equality New Mexico (EQNM), emphasized the significance of state legislative races, stating, “Our votes for president matter, but the votes we cast for state legislators can be so much more powerful sometimes when local legislative races are often decided by less than 100 votes.”

The Brennan Center highlights several benefits of early voting, including reduced stress on the system on Election Day, increased participation among overlooked groups, shorter lines, improved poll worker performance, early detection of glitches, and enhanced voter satisfaction. Marshall added that early voting prevents unforeseen circumstances from hindering voters: “Voting early on a Saturday after hitting the farmer's market is more fun than waiting in long lines on a Tuesday. It also means that a flat tire, being caught late at work, or evening traffic don't prevent you from getting to the polls on Election Day.”

This election cycle includes all 112 seats in the New Mexico legislature. The outcome could influence issues critical to LGBTQ voters such as paid family and medical leave, access to abortion and gender-affirming health care, behavioral health care access, affordable housing for homeless LGBTQ youth, and public safety reforms.

Voters interested in participating in early voting can visit NMvote.org for further details.