FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1 September 2020
Contact:
Alex Curtas, Director of Communications
New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office
505-469-2783
alex.curtas@state.nm.us
Secretary of State’s Office Urges New Mexicans to Become Poll Workers for the Upcoming General Election
September 1st is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office is urging New Mexicans to help their communities, contribute to their democracy, and make a few extra dollars by becoming a poll worker for the 2020 General Election.
County Clerks across the state are in need of poll workers to serve in a variety of roles on or before Election Day. The COVID crisis has resulted in a critical need for poll workers, as most traditional poll workers are over the age of 61 and more susceptible to complications from the virus.
“I’m urging all willing and able New Mexicans to consider working the polls in their county this November,” said Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver. “It’s not only a highly rewarding experience that gets you up close and personal with the functioning of our democracy, but it’s a way to help your community in this time of crisis when many traditional poll workers are choosing to stay home”
The Secretary of State’s Office is collecting contact information from anyone interested in becoming a poll worker for the 2020 General Election. The information submitted will be forwarded to the appropriate County Clerk and they will follow up.
Anyone interested in becoming a poll worker can submit their information here.
In order to become a poll worker you must:
- Be registered to vote in your county (Not registered? It only takes a few minutes at NMVOTE.ORG)
- Attend a training
- Take an oath of office
- Not be a candidate, law enforcement officer, or close relative of a candidate on the ballot in the 2020 General Election (spouse, parent, child, sibling, or in-law)
- Have basic computer skills, a mobile phone, and an email address
Compensation for Election Day poll workers in New Mexico is set by state law. Workers are compensated at no less than the federal hourly minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and not to exceed $200 for the day. County Clerks set the wage for workers who assist during Early Voting.
Anyone interested in working the polls for the General Election can either contact their County Clerk directly (find contact information for all 33 New Mexico County Clerks here) or fill out a form on our website here.
Important Information and Deadlines for the 2020 General Election
Register to vote or update your voter registration online here.
Absentee ballot requests can now be made online through the Secretary of State’s website here. October 20th is the deadline to request an absentee ballot. Voters should mail their completed absentee ballot back no later than October 27th to ensure it arrives to their County Clerks before 7pm on November 3rd.
In-person early voting locations open in each county beginning on Saturday, October 17th and continue through Saturday, October 31st. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd with in-person polling locations open in each county from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
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