Raton, New Mexico Public Records

New Mexico residents can register to vote online through the New Mexico Secretary of State's Online Voter Registration Portal at https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/OVR/. Voters must be U.S. Citizens, New Mexico residents, and at least 18 years old by the next election date. The registration deadline falls 28 days before any election, though the state offers same-day voter registration during early voting and on Election Day at voting convenience centers. Acceptable identification includes a New Mexico driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. First-time voters who register by mail may need to provide identification when voting initially. As an incorporated municipality, the city holds elections for Mayor and City Council positions. The Council consists of four councilors elected from districts, while the Mayor is elected at-large. Municipal elections typically occur in March of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.), separate from the November general election cycle. Information on candidates, local ballot measures, and municipal election dates is available from the Raton City Clerk at City Hall (575-445-9331) and from the Colfax County Clerk's election division. Candidate filing and declaration of candidacy forms for city offices are submitted to the city clerk during designated filing periods. Residents can find their assigned polling location through the New Mexico Secretary of State Voter Information Portal at https://voterviewportal.servelection.sos.nm.us/. The state uses "voting convenience centers" in many counties during early voting and on Election Day, allowing voters to cast ballots at any open location in their county rather than being restricted to a single precinct polling place. Early voting typically begins 28 days before Election Day and continues through the Saturday before the election, with expanded hours and locations. Under state law, certain election records are public. Voter registration lists are available for inspection and purchase for political purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees are filed with and accessible through the New Mexico Secretary of State's Campaign Finance Information System at https://cfis.state.nm.us/media/. Candidate declarations, nominating petitions, and financial disclosures are public records. Election results by precinct are published by the Colfax County Clerk and Secretary of State following certification. Individual voter history (which elections a person voted in, but not how they voted) is public information, while actual ballots cast remain confidential. In the November 2024 general election, Colfax County saw voter turnout of approximately 65-70% of registered voters, consistent with historically strong participation in presidential elections across New Mexico. The county has approximately 8,500-9,000 registered voters, with a political composition that has historically leaned Republican in local and legislative races while sometimes supporting Democratic candidates in statewide contests, reflecting the independent character of rural northern New Mexico voters. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature important races for local voters. New Mexico does not have a gubernatorial election in 2026 (the Governor serves a four-year term and was last elected in 2022). However, voters will decide one of the state's two U.S. Senate seats, as Senator Martin Heinrich's seat is up for election in 2026. All three of New Mexico's U.S. House of Representatives seats will be on the ballot; the city and county are located in New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District. State legislative races will include District 5 in the New Mexico State Senate and District 9 in the New Mexico House of Representatives, which represent the area. County offices on the 2026 ballot may include Colfax County Commission seats, County Clerk, County Treasurer, County Assessor, and County Sheriff, depending on term schedules. Municipal elections follow a separate cycle in odd-numbered years. Voters should check with the Colfax County Clerk and the Secretary of State for a complete list of races and any ballot measures as the election approaches. New Mexico offers absentee and mail-in voting options. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online, by mail, by fax, or in person to the Colfax County Clerk's Office. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is the Thursday before Election Day for mailed ballots, though earlier requests are recommended. Voters on the permanent absentee list automatically receive a ballot for each election. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Colfax County Clerk by 7:00 PM on Election Day; postmarks do not count. Voters can track their absentee ballot status online through the New Mexico Voter Information Portal. Secure ballot drop boxes are available at the Colfax County Clerk's office and early voting locations for voters who prefer not to use the mail.