New Mexico law permits properly designated individuals to serve as challengers and watchers during early voting and on Election Day. Being a challenger or watcher gives the individual access to a specified early voting center or polling place to observe voting activities.

If you are interested in either designating individuals to serve as challengers or watchers or would like to serve as one, please read Handbook for Challengers. This manual provides information on who can designate challengers and watchers, the rights of challengers and watchers, and other election observation opportunities.

New Mexico law does not allow for individuals to be self-appointed watchers at a polling location.  Individuals that do not have the proper authorization or credentials to be present at a polling place, other than to vote, will be asked to leave.  There are penalties for disruption, intimidation, or coercion of voters in the polling place.