By KUNM News

New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver announced the launch of a new online system that allows voters to track their absentee ballots, and receive email and text updates.

Absentee ballots can be filled out at home over time, as opposed to voting at the polls. Any qualified New Mexico voter can use one, and no reason or excuse needs to be given. Once completed, voters can submit their absentee ballot by mailing it back or dropping it off at any voting location or ballot drop box.
Toulouse Oliver said in a statement that the new Ballot Scout system improves upon the state’s existing tracking system by “offering more information to voters about where exactly their absentee ballot is, in the mailing process.”

To use it, first a voter has to request their absentee ballot. That can be done using the state’s online portal or a county clerk’s paper application. Some clerks’ offices also allow voters to call or email their request.
Voters can then go to the ballot tracker on the Secretary of State’s website to sign up for email or text notifications about their ballot’s whereabouts.

The deadline to request a ballot for the primary election was Tuesday, May 21. Completed ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on primary Election Day, June 4. Although the deadline for absentee ballots passed on May 21, you can still vote in person until 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Learn more about absentee ballots and how to request one on Instagram @KUNMNews.