Election Day is just around the corner—Tuesday, Nov. 5—and early voting is already underway across New Mexico. This election is significant, with opportunities to select national and state leaders and weigh in on issues directly affecting The University of New Mexico.

Reminder: Paid Time Off for Voting

UNM encourages every eligible employee to participate in the democratic process. Under UNM Policy 3415: Leave with Pay, employees are entitled to take up to two (2) hours of paid leave to vote in governmental elections if their work schedule doesn’t already allow for sufficient time before or after their shift.

  • Who qualifies? Employees whose shifts do not begin more than two (2) hours after polls open or end at least three (3) hours before polls close are eligible to request voting leave.
  • Supervisors and managers: Please ensure you accommodate requests for time off to vote, so our employees can participate in this civic duty.

Make Your Vote Count – Key Issues on the Ballot

In addition to choosing a U.S. president, voters in New Mexico will decide on several initiatives critical to UNM, including:

  • GO Bond 3 for Higher Education: Funding for essential campus projects, including the renovation of UNM's College of Pharmacy and investments in branch campuses.
  • GO Bond 2 for Public Libraries: Over $19 million in funding for libraries across New Mexico, benefiting public, academic, and tribal libraries.
  • Mill Levy Extension for UNM Hospital: An extension of funding to support health care services for Bernalillo County residents, with no tax increase.
  • Constitutional Amendment 3: A proposal to allow flexibility in appointments to the Judicial Nominating Commission, empowering UNM’s School of Law to better support New Mexico's judiciary.

Your voice matters. Make sure you vote and have your say on issues that shape the future of both New Mexico and our university community.