All early voting sites have reopened, but state officials urge voters to return absentee ballots in person and explain options for those who lost identification or ballots.

Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - New Mexico election officials are reminding voters affected by recent severe weather that they can still cast ballots in the Nov. 3 general election, even if they have lost identification documents or have not received their absentee ballots.

The New Mexico Secretary of State's Office issued an advisory Monday, Oct. 26, following extreme weather that temporarily closed some early voting locations. All affected voting sites have since reopened and resumed normal operations, and officials said there have been no reported weather-related disruptions to the delivery of mailed ballots.

The advisory comes as early voting enters its final week, with in-person voting available through Saturday, Oct. 31.

Options for voters affected by severe weather

State election officials emphasized that emergency preparedness is part of every statewide election and that the Secretary of State's Office works with county clerks to maintain voting operations when unexpected circumstances arise.

Voters who have been displaced or otherwise affected by severe weather have several options:

• Lost identification: Registered voters who have lost their physical identification documents can still provide the required identifying information verbally when voting in person.
• Missing absentee ballots: Voters who requested a mailed ballot but have not received it may vote in person after signing a statement affirming they will not also vote by mail.
• Polling locations: Registered voters may cast their ballots at any polling location within the county where they are registered.
• Weather-related closures: Voters should contact their county clerk or check official election resources for updated polling locations and hours if additional severe weather affects voting operations.

Voters should be aware that identification requirements for registering to vote at a polling location differ from those for voters who are already registered.

The Secretary of State's Office encourages anyone with questions about voting arrangements to contact their county clerk.

Officials urge in-person return of absentee ballots

With Election Day approaching, the Secretary of State's Office is encouraging voters who have not yet returned their completed absentee ballots to avoid putting them in the mail.

Instead, voters should deliver their ballots directly to one of the following authorized locations:

• Their county clerk's office
• An early voting or Election Day polling location within their county
• An official election drop box

Completed absentee ballots must be received by the appropriate county clerk no later than 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, to be counted.

The deadline is based on receipt, not the date a ballot is mailed. A ballot arriving after 7 p.m. on Election Day will not be counted.

Voters can find information about absentee ballot returns and track their ballot status through the state's online voter portal.

Early voting ends Saturday

Early voting continues throughout New Mexico through Saturday, Oct. 31. Hours and locations vary by county.

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, polling locations statewide will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Residents can use NMVote.org to check their voter registration, locate polling places, review election information and access other voting resources.

The Secretary of State's Office also maintains a Good Questions voter information resource and a Rumor vs. Reality page addressing election-related misinformation.

Officials encourage voters to rely on their county clerk and other official state election resources for accurate information, particularly if additional storms affect voting operations before Election Day.