Every election in New Mexico involves many steps that happen long before and after voters cast their ballots. Observe New Mexico Elections (ONME) trains and mobilizes nonpartisan observers to watch these steps closely, ensuring the process is transparent, accessible, and fair.

Our observers use standardized checklists, based on state law and best practices, to document what they see. Their findings help election officials identify challenges, strengthen public confidence, and ensure voters’ rights are protected.

Here are the key stages we observe:

1. Poll Worker Training – where community members learn the rules and procedures to run polling places.
2. Logic & Accuracy Testing – when counties test and certify voting machines to confirm they record votes correctly.
3. Absentee Ballot  Processing – when ballots that were cast by mail are counted
4. Early Voting – when voters cast ballots before Election Day, easing long lines and expanding access.
5. Election Day – the busiest part of the process, when all polling places are open and most voters participate.
6. County Canvass – when county boards review election results to ensure they are complete and accurate and finalize those results to send to the Secretary of State

By observing each stage, ONME provides an independent, trusted record of how elections are conducted across New Mexico.