PRIMARY ELECTION DAY IS ON JUNE 7st, 2022
First Congressional District Special Election Information
On December 17, 2020, President Elect Joe Biden announced his pick for Secretary of the Department of the Interior. His pick was none other than New Mexico Congresswoman, Deb Haaland. On March 15, 2021, she was confirmed by the United States Senate and became the first Native American woman to both lead the department and hold a cabinet position. The following day, Secretary Haaland resigned her congressional seat prompting New Mexico Secretary of State Toulouse Oliver to issue a proclamation calling for a special election to be held on June 1st to fill the vacancy in New Mexico’s First Congressional District (CD-1).
New Mexico’s First Congressional District is made up of all of Torrance County, most of Bernalillo County, and parts of Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Valencia Counties. CD-1 includes the Albuquerque Metro Area, the City of Bernalillo, small portions of Rio Rancho, and Native American Communities that include Sandia Pueblo and To’Hajiilee.
Below, voters can find all the most critical information they need in order to participate in the special election, vote safely and ensure that their voice is counted! The Office of the Secretary of State makes it super easy to get ready to vote by visiting NMVote.org. And as always, NAVA Education Project staff is here to help answer any questions
Voter Registration
Voter Registration (by mail or online) is open through May 4th, 2021!
If you’ve moved, changed your name recently, or are registering to vote for the first time, there are several options to get registered:
By mail.
- Online at NMVote.org (link below).
*Anyone may register to vote during this period, however, only registered voters who reside within CD-1 boundaries may participate in this particular election.
Eligible voters who miss the May 4th deadline may use Same Day Registration. SDR will be available in-person at a county clerk’s office and at several in-person early voting locations. Find one near you.
Absentee ballot Requests
Request an absentee ballot by May 18th and mail it back by May 25th to ensure delivery before Election Day!
Voters may request an absentee ballot from one of these options:
By phone, (505) 243-VOTE (505-243-8683).
- Online at NMVote.org (link below).
Voters may return their absentee ballots using one of these methods:
By mail, May 25th being the “deadline” to ensure on time delivery.
By drop box, find one near you.
Hand delivery to a polling location within the county you are registered to vote in. Ballot must be received by 7 pm on Election Night.
Early Voting
Early in-person voting begins on May 4th!
Additional early voting locations open on May 15th. Early voting ends on May 29th.
Follow the link below to find your nearest early voting location. Remember to continue to wear a mask and social distance when you arrive at the polling location!
Same Day Registration will be available during the early voting period, if you missed the May 4th deadline!
Election Day
Election Day is June 7st, 2022! Polls will be open from 7am to 7pm.
Same Day Registration will be available and voters who requested an absentee ballot who have not yet returned it, may hand deliver their sealed absentee ballot to a polling location.
Call the Election Protection Hotline if you are experiencing or witnessing interference in exercising the right to vote:
866-OUR-VOTE or 866-687-8683