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By Julie Dreike / for the Journal Published: Sunday, October 9th, 2022 at 12:02AM Updated: Sunday, October 9th, 2022 at 12:15AM

There is an election Nov. 8. National, state and local offices are on the ballot. Bond issues will be voted on. Three New Mexico constitutional amendments are on the ballot.

In New Mexico, the November 2020 election had 68.67% turnout. That was high number of people voting, but it also means over 30% of registered voters did not vote. Democracy is not a spectator’s sport. Be part of the process.

You must be a resident of New Mexico, a citizen of the United States, and 18 years old or older at the time of the election. You can register and update your registration online. If you have either a current or expired New Mexico state I.D., like a driver’s license, you can register for the first time or make changes to your registration-like name, address, or party affiliation online. If you prefer to register by mail, you can pick up a voter registration application form at your local county clerk’s office or call and they can send you the application. The office will tell you what you need to include with your registration for identification.

You can register at the Motor Vehicle Department, Human Services Department, public libraries, colleges, universities, and at organized voter registration drives.

Voter registration (by mail or online) closes on Oct. 11. Same-Day Registration will be available during Early Voting and Election Day. Check sos.state.nm.us/ for locations with same-day registration.

When and how to cast your ballot

In New Mexico you have options to find a time and location that works best for you.

An absentee ballot provides you the opportunity to vote from home at a time that works best for you. You can request an absentee ballot now at nmvote.org.

You can also request an absentee ballot from your county clerk. For example, from the Bernalillo County Clerk’s website you can print and mail an absentee ballot application (bernco.gov/clerk/bureau-of-elections-overview/absentee-voting/) or call (505) 243-8683 option 2.

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Oct. 11 is the first day that absentee ballots can be mailed to voters who have submitted an absentee application. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Nov. 3.

Absentee ballots must be returned to the county clerk by 7 p.m. on Election Day, so mail your ballot by Nov. 3 or hand-deliver it to a location designated by the clerk. Check your county clerk website or call to find a location convenient for you.

Early voting begins Oct. 11 at county clerk offices and continues through Nov. 5. Expanded early voting locations begin Oct. 22 and will also be open until Nov. 5. Bernalillo County has 20 early voting convenience centers and a mobile voting unit. Early voting locations can also be found on your county clerk’s website or by calling their office. Most are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, polling locations are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Again, locations are listed on county clerk websites.

For military/overseas voting, the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) is used so qualified service members and overseas citizens can register to vote and request an absentee ballot simultaneously.

The secretary of state’s website has the 2022 Local Election Contest/Candidate List you can review now at candidateportal.servis.sos.state.nm.us/CandidateList.aspx?eid=2838&cty=99. Select your county from the drop-down menu. The list includes email addresses and phone numbers of the candidates. Search on the internet to find their websites for events and positions on issues.

Sample ballot information is available to help voters prepare to cast ballots; go to your county clerk website or call for a sample ballot.

You are likely already receiving campaign material in the mail and various electronic communications. Do your own research and get both sides of an issue. There are public events you can attend, candidate forums or debates, articles to read, and opportunities to ask questions. You can vote on every item on the ballot or only those you want to.

I remember when I registered to vote. I asked my dad for advice. He did not tell me how my family was registered, rather he gave me a textbook definition of each party and told me to decide. I did not appreciate it at that time but have come to respect the wisdom in his reply.

Exercising your right to vote is a key freedom of this county.

Bernalillo County Clerk, berncoclerk.gov, (505) 243-VOTE (8683)

Sandoval County Clerk, sandovalcountynm.gov/elected-officials/county-clerk/bureau-of-elections/, (505) 867-7577

Santa Fe County Clerk, santafecountynm.gov/clerk, (505) 986-6280

Torrance County Clerk, torrancecountynm.org/departments/county-clerk, (505) 544-4350

Valencia County Clerk, co.valencia.nm.us/239/Bureau-of-Elections, 505-866-2080