New Mexico was ranked seventh in the nation for election administration by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s 2024 Elections Performance Index, according to an announcement from the Secretary of State on Apr. 17.
The ranking reflects New Mexico’s continued improvement and commitment to secure, accurate, and accessible elections. The index measures states using indicators such as voter registration rates, post-election audits, security protocols, ballot rejection rates, and wait times.
New Mexico has moved up significantly since the previous presidential election cycle, rising from twenty-fifth place in 2020 to its current position. The state increased its overall average index score from 82% in 2020 to 87% in 2024. States ranked second through sixth also received a rounded score of 87%. In addition to this year’s ranking, New Mexico was first nationwide for midterm election administration in 2022.
“Yesterday’s rankings confirm what I know from working with election administrators in our state every day. New Mexico helps lead the country by administering elections that are secure, accurate and accessible,” said New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver. “Modernization efforts in recent years – like the implementation of online voter registration, mailed ballot tracking and the state’s elections security program – have really propelled us forward in ways that are vital to safeguarding the ability for every eligible voter to cast a ballot in our elections. The long-term health of our democratic process really depends on our continued commitment to investing in, adapting, and building upon those efforts. MIT’s research confirms that it pays off when we do.”
MIT’s Election Data and Science Lab said on its website Thursday: “The EPI was crafted primarily by and for election practitioners to drive a conversation about best practices in how to keep elections safe, secure, and accurate in the United States using a clearly defined set of 19 indicators measuring both outcomes and policy decisions… By and large, states ranked high in 2024, showing that election administration continues to improve in the United States even amidst a changing electoral environment.”
The New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office offers walk-in services at its Santa Fe location according to its official website. It manages statewide responsibilities including elections oversight; business registrations; notary commissions; commercial filings; campaign finance compliance programs; lobbying disclosures impacting regulations; voter registration services; campaign finance oversight; online business filings; as well as serving all residents through these functions as noted on its official website.
