Early In-Person Voting
It is crucial that you vote this year, and we should all expect turnout to be high on Election Day.
If you want to vote in person, you can vote before Election Day. Early voting begins at the county clerks office October 6, then approved polling sites October 17. The early voting period at polling sites runs from Saturday, October 17, 2020 to Saturday, October 31, 2020, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live. Be sure to check the Secretary of State's website to find out where your early voting location is.
What to bring:
- If you have voted in New Mexico before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.
- If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't include a copy of ID when you registered, you will need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include: photo ID; student ID card; ID issued by an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo; or a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and current address. If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot.
Absentee Ballot Request
Absentee voting begins on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. Individuals may request an absentee ballot by filling out an application and returning it to your local County Clerk. Applications can be obtained by:
- Filling out an online application
- Contacting your County Clerk’s Office in person, phone, mail or email
- Downloading an Absentee Ballot Application and mailing it or hand delivering it to your County Clerk’s Office
Absentee ballot requests through the Secretary of State’s website for the 2020 General Election will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 20, 2020.
Applications must be received by the County Clerk no later than 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. A ballot will be sent to voters who have properly filled out the application.
To check the status of your Absentee Application, go here or contact your County Clerk’s Office.
If you do not receive the absentee ballot, please contact the County Clerk’s Office no later than Monday, November 2, 2020.
Resource Wrap-Up
MainStreet Advisor Network: Silver City MainStreet in cooperation with NM MainStreet is helping to pilot a new program that connects MainStreet district businesses with businesses experts. If you have questions about the program please contact Charmeine Wait, Executive Director of Silver City MainStreet at 575-534-1700 or visit www.silvercitymainstreet.com.
NM Small Business Continuity Grants: Finance NM has compiled a list of small business grants available from Local Governments.
NM Small Business Recovery Loan Fund: This program provides loans up to $75,000 to businesses and nonprofit organizations that have been affected by the public health orders related to the pandemic. The three-year loans are low interest (currently 1.625%), have no fees, require no collateral or personal guarantees, and payments are interest-only for the first three years.
New Mexico Economic Development Department: The Department has created a weekly resource wrap-up that compiles COVID-19 Recovery Resources, Business Resources, and Community Resources. You can view their latest edition here.
Public Health Order Updates
State Parks Announces Timeline for Reopening Overnight Camping at State Parks
Beginning October 1, overnight camping by reservation will resume at all state parks that offer camping except Brantley Lake, Pecos Canyon, and El Vado Lake State Parks.
Overnight camping reservations must be made online. To the extent possible, available camping spots will be spread out to encourage social distancing. Annual camping permits purchased after March 1, 2019 will be extended.
Pools, Ice Skating Rinks & Bowling Alleys
Swimming pools may open with no more than 10 individuals in a pool at any one time. Previously swimming pools were permitted only to provide lane swimming. Ice skating rinks may operate for athletic and training practice by reservation only. Bowling alleys may open for league play only and must adhere to occupancy restrictions and all applicable CSPs including wearing masks.
Agritourism Establishments
Last week, the State of New Mexico released COVID-Safe Practices that apply to the operation of agritourism establishments, including seasonal operations such as pumpkin patches.
Read the full Public Health Order and COVID-Safe Practices.