Vaughn, New Mexico Public Records

New Mexico voters have the option to register online through the Secretary of State's voter portal at https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/OVR, or they can submit a paper registration form directly to the Guadalupe County Clerk's office. Registration must be completed 28 days before any election. The state requires voters to provide either a valid New Mexico driver's license or state identification number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number during registration. First-time voters who register by mail must show identification the first time they cast a ballot. New Mexico also permits same-day voter registration during the early voting period and on Election Day at voting convenience centers, extending registration access right up until votes are cast. The Village of Vaughn conducts municipal elections for mayor and village council positions. These elections typically take place in March of odd-numbered years, with the next regular municipal election set for March 2025. Information about candidates, local ballot measures, and village election outcomes can be obtained from the Vaughn Village Clerk at PO Box 369, Vaughn, NM 88353, phone (575) 584-2213, or from the Guadalupe County Clerk's office, which administers the elections. Residents can identify their assigned polling location by visiting the New Mexico Secretary of State's Voter Information Portal at https://voterportal.servis.sos.state.nm.us or by contacting the Guadalupe County Clerk. The state has implemented Voter Convenience Centers in many counties, allowing voters to cast ballots at any designated location within their county rather than being confined to precinct-specific polling places. Guadalupe County typically operates multiple voting convenience centers during early voting and on Election Day, with at least one location in Santa Rosa and potential satellite sites in communities like Vaughn depending on available election administration resources. New Mexico election records fall under public disclosure requirements established by the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). Voter registration lists can be purchased for legitimate political purposes. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with the New Mexico Secretary of State and are searchable online through the Campaign Finance Information System (CFIS) at https://www.cfis.state.nm.us. Candidate declarations of candidacy, nominating petitions, and ballot measure filings are public records available through the Guadalupe County Clerk for local races or the Secretary of State for statewide contests. Precinct-level election results are published by both the Guadalupe County Clerk and the Secretary of State following each election. During the November 2024 presidential election, Guadalupe County recorded approximately 55-60% voter turnout, with roughly 2,400-2,600 ballots cast out of approximately 4,000 registered voters countywide. Vaughn's portion represented several hundred votes, proportional to the village's small population. The county has historically trended Democratic in federal elections, though local races often prove more competitive. The November 3, 2026 general election will present significant choices for Vaughn and Guadalupe County voters. New Mexico does not have a U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2026 (both Senate seats are scheduled for 2026 or 2028), but all three U.S. House seats will appear on the ballot, Vaughn falls within New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District. The gubernatorial race is not scheduled for 2026 (the next governor's race is 2026), but numerous statewide offices will be contested including potentially the Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, State Treasurer, and Commissioner of Public Lands. New Mexico State Legislature seats are also up in 2026, with all 70 House seats and half of the 42 Senate seats on the ballot. County voters will elect county commissioners, Guadalupe County Sheriff, county clerk, county assessor, county treasurer, and potentially other county offices depending on term schedules. The Guadalupe County Clerk's office will publish candidate filings beginning in early 2026. New Mexico provides convenient absentee voting options. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing an excuse. Applications can be submitted online through the Secretary of State's portal, by mail, or in person at the Guadalupe County Clerk's office. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is typically the Thursday before Election Day for mail delivery, or 5:00 PM on the day before Election Day for in-person pickup. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Guadalupe County Clerk by 7:00 PM on Election Day. The state also offers extensive early in-person voting beginning 28 days before Election Day at voting convenience centers designated by the Guadalupe County Clerk, giving Vaughn voters flexible options to cast their ballots.