How to Cast Your Humane Vote in the 2020 Primary Election

May 4, 2020

Every two years, the landscape for future animal protection policies changes in New Mexico, when voters elect or re-elect candidates to political office with the power to pass or defeat important legislation. Another opportunity for change is upon us. The future of legislation—like “Roxy’s Law” to crack down on traps, snares and poisons on public lands—rests on election outcomes.

This election year is unlike any other year in recent history, due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. Democracy, however, has not been cancelled. And the June 2nd 2020 Primary Election is fast approaching. But given the current restrictions on gathering in public places with other people, you may be wondering: How will I be able to vote?

The good news is that the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office was quick to anticipate the need for adjusting our state elections to our new reality. According to the latest information, in-person voting sites will be available—but in order to allow as many registered voters as possible to safely exercise their rights, the Secretary of State’s office is encouraging voters to vote by mail via absentee ballots!

Voting by absentee ballot is an easy, effective, trustworthy way to make sure that your vote is counted this election season, without having to gather at an in-person polling place. Armed with information about the candidates’ voting records and positions on animal protection issues as well as other issues you care about, you can request your ballot, fill it out, and mail it all from the comfort of your home.

But remember: In order to request your absentee ballot to vote in the Primary Election, you must not only be a registered voter, but you must also be registered with a political party (not an “independent” or “Decline to State”/”No Party”). New Mexico is a “closed primary” state, which means that only political party members (voters registered with that party) can vote to elect the nominee that will represent that party on the November General Election ballot.

You can learn more and take the first step by visiting NMVOTE.ORG or contacting the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office at sos.elections@state.nm.us or (505) 827-3600.

IMPORTANT 2020 ELECTION DATES & TO-DO LIST

May 5: Deadline to register with a political party (Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, Green, Better for America, or Constitution) and update your voter registration information for the Primary Election for that party and any other nonpartisan races/issues on the ballot. Register or update your voter registration here»
May 16-30: Early in-person voting locations open in each county.
May 28: Deadline to submit an application to receive an absentee ballot for the Primary election. Learn more about requesting and mailing your absentee ballot here»
June 2: Primary Election Day—last day to vote in-person or deliver your absentee ballot.