Absentee Ballot Applications Being Accepted Through Oct. 31, 2019
2019 Regular Local Election is Bigger Than You Think

Bernalillo County – Bernalillo County Clerk Linda Stover reminds voters that absentee ballot applications are being accepted for the Nov. 5 regular local election.

“By law, an absentee ballot may be cast by any eligible voter for any reason,” says Clerk Stover. “The convenience is that you can vote by mail and of course it’s a necessity for those who are temporarily out of town.”

Voters who wish to vote absentee must request an absentee ballot application between now and Oct. 31. Upon receipt of a completed application, the Clerk’s Office will mail the absentee ballot to a voter at the address specified on the application. Voters must follow all instructions on the absentee ballot and mail it back so as to ensure arrival by Nov. 5. Absentee ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 5. If necessary, absentee ballots may be hand-carried to an early voting location or to a voting convenience center on Election Day.

Applications for an absentee ballot may be made online on the Secretary of State’s website (link). Other options include requesting the application by telephone (505-243-8683), by email (clerk@bernco.gov) or by downloading the absentee ballot application from our website (link), filling it out and mailing it in. 

“The key to convenient absentee voting is getting it done on time,” continues Stover. “Moms and dads with kids away at college, encourage them to request an application now. That way there is plenty of time to review the ballot, make your selections, and send it back. And don’t forget to sign it!” 

The regular local election will take place on Nov. 5, 2019 and in Bernalillo County includes candidates and ballot questions for the City of Albuquerque, Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, Village of Tijeras, Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA), Paradise Hills Special Zoning District, Ciudad, Edgewood and Valencia Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) and Ventana West Public Improvement District.

The election is the result of the Local Election Act which went into effect in 2018. Prior to that, local governments could conduct multiple elections throughout the year. The Local Election Act aims to improve efficiency and reduce the costs associated with administering multiple elections. It also aims to provide a more consistent experience for voters and increase voter turnout by eliminating the confusion surrounding when an election takes place and where people can vote.

For all your election questions, call the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office at 505-243-VOTE (8683), email clerk@bernco.gov and visit us on the web at Bernco.gov/clerk. 
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About Bernalillo County

Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 674,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras and the 111,000 residents who live outside the village and city limits in the unincorporated areas of the county.  Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget and capital investments of more than $650 million. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.