Become an Election Observer

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes during elections? This is your opportunity! Become a non-partisan observer with Observe New Mexico Elections. 

Nonpartisan election observers represent all voters, do not interfere in the election process, and report what they see. They receive training, sign a code of conduct and verify that election processes are followed consistently. 

When independent, nonpartisan observers are present in polling places, voters have greater confidence that elections are fair, transparent and well-run. Election observation findings help election officials catch small issues before they become bigger problems and give community members a direct way to participate in our democracy. 

Requirements:

• Registered voter in your county
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

What You’ll Do: 

• Attend required trainings on state election procedures and nonpartisan observation 
• Observe at polling places during the election period 
• Record observations using a structured checklist 
• Follow strict non-interference and nonpartisan guidelines
• Help strengthen public trust in elections across New Mexico

Why Become an Observer?

• Learn about local elections through a non-partisan point of view
• Support fair and transparent elections in your community 
• Be part of a statewide, nonpartisan effort
• No prior experience required, training provided

*Please note: This is an extremely short-term role that offers training and up to three opportunities to participate in election observation.

Your presence matters. Join ONME and help ensure elections remain transparent, fair and trusted.

Regional Coordinator

ONME is seeking 11 Regional Coordinators to lead election observation efforts and strengthen trust in the democratic process. This role is ideal for an organized, people-focused leader who wants to make a real impact during the upcoming election cycle. Each Regional Coordinator will conduct and lead others to conduct non-partisan observation activities in 1-4 counties in New Mexico. 

Why This Role Matters 

• Play a leadership role in protecting election transparency 
• Gain hands-on experience in coordination, training and project management 
• Work with an experienced, committed and mission-driven team

What You’ll Do

• Recruit, hire, and manage County Coordinators and volunteer election observers 
• Conduct regular check-ins with County Coordinators and provide ongoing support
• Assign observers to polling locations and ensure strong regional coverage 
• Attend ONME trainings and observation trainings for coordinators and observers 
• Oversee observations for all key county election processes 
• Ensure full early voting coverage and strong Election Day presence at polling places 
• Track training completion, paperwork and observer participation 
• Attend meetings with ONME and Carter Center staff as needed

Requirements

• Registered New Mexico voter in your county 
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation 
• Strong communication, organization and leadership skills 
• Availability during evenings, weekends and peak election periods for the 2026 primary and general elections

County Coordinator

ONME is looking for organized, community-minded County Coordinators to conduct observations of county election processes as well as recruit and support election observers. County Coordinators play a key role in ensuring transparency for New Mexico’s election processes, leading to higher confidence and trust by the public. 

Why Join ONME?

• Make a meaningful impact in your local community 
• Gain hands on experience in non-partisan election work
• Be part of a mission-driven, nonpartisan team protecting election transparency 

What You’ll Do

• Recruit, hire and manage volunteer election observers along with your Regional Coordinator
• Ensure observers are prepared to conduct observations 
• Assign observers to polling locations throughout the county
• Attend ONME trainings, co-lead observer trainings as needed
• Observe key county election processes
• Attend meetings with Regional Coordinators and ONME staff as needed 

Requirements

• Registered voter in your county
• Strong organizational and communication skills 
• Comfortable coordinating schedules and supporting volunteers 
• Availability during evenings, weekends and peak election periods 
• Valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation

Spread the Word
Share ONME’s work with your community. The more people understand how election observation protects voters’ rights, the stronger our democracy becomes.

Donate or Partner
Your support makes this work possible. Contributions cover training, materials, and the systems that turn individual reports into a reliable statewide picture.

Join Us
Whether you step into a polling place as an observer, regional coordinator, county coordinator or support ONME in other ways, you are helping protect the integrity of elections in New Mexico. Together, we can ensure every voter’s voice is heard.