About Des Moines New — In Depth
Official government information is available at www.census.gov.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Union County Detention Center in Clayton serves as Union County's main lockup facility. When someone is booked, staff collect fingerprints, photographs, and personal details before housing the arrestee. The public can search for current detainees through inmate lookup services provided by the facility. Visitation follows a set schedule with specific rules that visitors must follow. New Mexico's bond and bail system allows inmates to secure release while awaiting trial, and the detention center can provide information on how to post bail.
Local specifics: Inmate lookups for individuals arrested in or near Des Moines can be conducted at www.bop.gov.
Arrest Records
The Union County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records for the county, documenting dates of arrest, charges filed, and arrestee information. Anyone seeking these records - whether residents or attorneys - can request them through the Sheriff's Office by following procedures laid out in the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. This statute guarantees transparency and public access to information about arrests and law enforcement activities across Union County.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Union County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. These records are maintained by various agencies, including the Union County Sheriff's Office and the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. Residents can conduct background checks through the New Mexico State Police, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The process involves submitting a request and may require a fee, depending on the type of record sought.
Local specifics: Statewide criminal background checks covering Des Moines residents can be requested through www.dps.nm.gov.
Vital Records
The Des Moines community falls under the jurisdiction of the Union County Registrar of Vital Records, where residents can obtain copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates. The registrar's office is located in the Union County seat of Clayton, approximately 30 miles from Des Moines. Individuals can visit the office or submit requests online for these vital records.
Business & Licensing Records
Anyone opening or operating a business in Des Moines works through the Union County Clerk's Office for licenses and permits. The county website at https://www.unioncountynm.gov/business-licenses/ outlines application requirements for different types of commercial activities in the area. Local business owners can also contact the clerk's office directly for information on zoning regulations and other business related public records.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Des Moines, New Mexico, is primarily driven by agriculture, ranching, and small-scale businesses. The Union County Assessor's Office (https://www.unioncountynm.gov/assessor/) maintains records related to property values, tax assessments, and other economic indicators for the Des Moines area. These public records can provide valuable insights into the local economy and its trends over time.
Elections & Voter Records
The Union County Clerk administers all elections for Des Moines voters from the office at 200 Court Street (Union County Courthouse), Des Moines, NM 88418, phone (575) 374-2291. This office manages voter registration, early voting, absentee ballots, polling places, and canvassing results for residents throughout Union County. New Mexico residents can register online at https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/OVR/ through the Secretary of State's website or submit paper forms to the Union County Clerk.
Registration must be completed 28 days before an election, though the state allows same-day registration during the early voting period but not on Election Day. Voters need to provide either a valid New Mexico driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. The village holds municipal elections for mayor and trustees in March of odd-numbered years, with the next regular election set for March 2025. Candidate filing details and local ballot measures are posted at Village Hall and the Union County Clerk's office. Residents vote at assigned precincts, and those in Des Moines can verify their polling location by calling the Union County Clerk at (575) 374-2291 or checking https://voterportal.servis.sos.state.nm.us. The county has historically favored Republican candidates in statewide and national races. Voters will also decide on any state constitutional amendments referred by the legislature. New Mexico provides no-excuse absentee voting, any registered voter can request a ballot by applying to the Union County Clerk by mail, online through the Secretary of State's portal, or in person. Applications must arrive by the Thursday before the election for mail delivery or by 5 p.m. The day before Election Day for in-person pickup. Early voting starts 28 days before Election Day at the Union County Clerk's office and continues through the Saturday before the election. Under state public records laws, voter registration lists are available for inspection and copying for election purposes. Candidate campaign finance reports can be searched through the New Mexico Secretary of State's Campaign Finance Information System at https://cfis.state.nm.us. Candidate declarations and nominating petitions are filed with the Union County Clerk for county and local offices or the Secretary of State for state and federal offices. Precinct-level results are published by the Union County Clerk and Secretary of State after certification.
Public Records Resources for Des Moines, New Mexico
Official government websites for Des Moines, New Mexico and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- New Mexico Business & Corporation SearchBusiness entity search of active and inactive corporations, or LLC by name from the New Mexico Office of the Secretary of State.
- New Mexico Driver History RecordsRequest 3 year certified and non certified driving history records.
- New Mexico Accident ReportsPublic requests for accident reports from the New Mexico department of public safety
- New Mexico Federal CasesSearch the New Mexico Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.
- New Mexico License SearchLicense verification for professionals and facilities providers license status with the state of Connecticut.
- New Mexico LicensingFind info on alcohol and gaming licenses, private investigation regulations, financial institutions licensing status and more.
- New Mexico Records ClerksRequest a copy of recorded documents from individual county clerks.
- New Mexico Missing PersonsDepartment of Safety resources to search for missing people by name or location.
- New Mexico Current PrisonersSearch for offenders arrested, convicted and serving in New Mexico Corrections.
- New Mexico State Archives SearchOnline catalog of state archives historical documents.
- New Mexico Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status from the office of the state treasurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Des Moines, New Mexico?
To register to vote in Des Moines, New Mexico, residents can register online through the New Mexico Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Union County elections office. New Mexico requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the New Mexico Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Des Moines, contact the Union County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Des Moines, New Mexico?
Property records for Des Moines, New Mexico are maintained by the Union County Assessor's Office and the Union County Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Union County, including parcels in Des Moines. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Union County Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many New Mexico counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Union County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Des Moines, New Mexico?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Des Moines, New Mexico residents are available through both county and state offices. The New Mexico Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Records, located in Santa Fe, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in New Mexico. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Union County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Union County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.