By BARBARA CALEF
Co-President
League of Women Voters of Los Alamos

Because of COVID-19, citizens are wise to vote by absentee ballot rather than in person. The New Mexico Supreme Court has directed the Secretary of State or the County Clerks to mail a request for an absentee ballot to all voters registered with a major political party.

However, applying online makes it easier for County Clerk’s office. Gloria Maestas, the Los Alamos County Election Manager, said that all the paper forms need to be scanned and entered in the voter’s record. In contrast, an electronic request just needs to be verified and the application is automatically attached to the voter record and placed in the queue.

Apply today for an Absentee Ballot online. Go to www.NMVote.org. You will see a button to apply for an Absentee Ballot. You will need a valid New Mexico Driver’s License or an Identification Card, and your Social Security Number.  

While online at NMVote.org, please check your registration. Make sure you are current, and that you have designated one of the major parties (Democrat, Libertarian, or Republican) if you wish to vote in the Primary Election. If you have not done so, you can change your registration until May 5.

If you are unable to use the online application, then use the application you receive in the mail, but be sure to return it as soon as possible.

It will still be possible to vote in person, but of course that puts you, the poll workers, and other voters in jeopardy.