Center for Civic Action

Our Mission

Educate, Engage, and Mobilize New Mexico

The Center for Civic Action (CCA), based in Albuquerque, NM, is 501(c)(4) organization whose mission is to educate, engage, and mobilize historically underrepresented communities in important elections and policy campaigns in New Mexico.  

We lead legislative advocacy campaigns at the state and local levels to advance progressive policies, and drive leadership development programs to help build the pipeline of future leaders.

Our Values

The Center for Civic Action is deeply committed to collective power building with our partners in New Mexico for our communities.

We are proud to support work that advances progressive policies through electoral, policy, and organizing campaigns. Our vision of a strong and inclusive democracy and economy that works for all everyday New Mexicans, and clean water, air, and land for generations is at the heart of what we do day-to-day. 

At the core of CCA, we have a desire to increase civic engagement and serve historically underrepresented communities.

A STRONG AND INCLUSIVE DEMOCRACY

We put power back into the hands of the people. We advocate for election reforms that would empower young and historically disenfranchised voters to make their voices heard.

AN ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR ALL OF US

Everyone deserves to live a dignified life with opportunities for growth and prosperity. We work towards a future where economic justice is realized through affordable housing options and meaningful actions against income discrimination.

CLEAN WATER, AIR, AND LAND FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

With a rapidly changing climate, action must be taken quickly to protect our water, air, and land today and safeguard our natural resources for future generations. We advocate for climate justice that includes diversification of our economy, a just transition away from our reliance on fossil fuels, increased federal investment, and decarbonization.


community power

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immigrant rights

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more

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Our leadership

Oriana Sandoval in blue shirt
Teal brush stroke
Oriana Sandoval
Chief Executive Officer

“To keep New Mexico a place where our children can find good jobs and a hopeful future takes civic action.  That’s the promise and the potential of what we’re building together.” 

Melanie Aranda in purple shirt with earrings
Teal brush stroke

Melanie aranda

Chief Operating Officer

“Our communities working together have already won a raise for our teachers, protections for our environment, and inclusion for New Mexicans born across borders.  So much more is possible. Our elected leaders just need community to lead the way.”

2025 Elections & Voting

2024 General Election Information

Key Election Dates

October 7, 2025

  • Absentee ballot mailed
  • Last day to register to vote online or on paper.
  • Early Voting and Same Day Registration (SDR) begins at County Clerk’s Offices.

October 13, 2025

  • Indigenous People’s Day
  • Clerk’s office closed.

October 18 – November 1, 2025

  • Early Voting and SDR opens at all early voting locations.
  • Most sites are open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

October 21, 2025

Last day to request an absentee ballot.

November 4, 2025

  • Election Day!
  • SDR available at all locations.
  • Absentee ballots due by 7 p.m.
  • All sites are open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

 

Election Protection

Election Protection Hotlines:

  • English language – 866-687-8683 (866-OUR-VOTE)
  • Spanish language – 888-839-8682 (888-VE-Y-VOTE) 
  • Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, and Tagalog language – 888-274-8683 (888-API-VOTE)
  • Arabic language – 844-925-5287 (844-YALLA-US)


Common Cause Election Protection Information: https://protectthevote.net/

How to Register to Vote in New Mexico

Voting is a vital way to make your voice heard in New Mexico. Whether you’re a first-time voter or need to update your registration, this guide will help you through the process, including online registration and same-day voter registration options.

Check your voter registration status here or by contacting your local County Clerk’s office.

To register to vote in New Mexico, you must:

  • Be a United States citizen.
  • Be a resident of New Mexico.
  • Be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day.
  • Not be serving a sentence for a felony conviction (you can register after completing all terms of your sentence, including probation or parole).

New Mexico makes it easy to register to vote online through the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website. Here’s how:

  1. Visit the Website:
  2. Create or Access Your Account:
    • Click on “Register to Vote or Update Your Voter Information.”
    • If you have a New Mexico driver’s license or state ID, you can use it to access the system. Otherwise, you can create a new account.
  3. Complete the Registration Form:
    • Fill in your personal information, including your name, address, and date of birth.
    • Provide your driver’s license number or state ID number.
  4. Review and Submit:
    • Submit your registration. You’ll receive a confirmation that your application has been submitted.

If you prefer to register in person or do not have access to online registration, you can register at various locations, including:

  • County Clerk’s Office: Visit your local County Clerk’s office during regular business hours to fill out a voter registration form.
  • MVD Offices: You can register to vote when you apply for or renew your driver’s license at any Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office.
  • Community Events: Look for voter registration drives at community events, libraries, and other public locations.

New Mexico offers same-day voter registration, which allows eligible voters to register and vote on the same day during early voting or on Election Day.

How It Works:

  1. During Early Voting:
    • Go to any early voting location in your county.
    • Fill out a voter registration form, present a valid ID, and vote on the spot.
  2. On Election Day:
    • Visit your polling place, complete the voter registration form, provide valid identification, and cast your ballot.

Valid Identification:

  • A New Mexico driver’s license or state ID
  • A utility bill, bank statement, or other government document showing your name and address

You can request an absentee ballot by filling out an application and returning it to your local County Clerk or by submitting the application online. 

Click here to check the status of your application. 

Sign up for the permanent absentee ballot list using the application linked above. 

Visit NMVote.org for voting information. At NMVote.org, you can:

  • Register to vote or update your current voter registration
  • Request an absentee ballot online + check eligibility to join permanent absentee ballot list 
  • Find a voting location
  • See election dates
  • Request a military or overseas ballot
  • Look up third-party voter registration agents

New Mexico Online Voter Registration:  https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/OVR/WebPages/InstructionsStep1.aspx

Find your registration status and election information: https://voterportal.servis.sos.state.nm.us/WhereToVote.aspx

New Mexico Absentee Application Request: https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/OVR/WebPages/AbsenteeApplication.aspx?type=RA

Bernalillo County Early Voting Information: https://www.berncoclerk.gov/elections/early-voting/

Santa Fe County Voting Information: https://www.santafecountynm.gov/clerk/elections/2024-general-election

Election Day Voting Locations

Click on any location to view more information

DONATE

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For a Future Where Everyday New Mexicans can Thrive

Join our mission today and help us get historically underrepresented communities involved in important issue campaigns and elections across New Mexico. 

While the donation is not tax deductible, it will go far in helping us build a future where everyday New Mexicans can thrive.