Overview

The Nevada Supreme Court has a direct role in the state-level canvass. As the highest court in the state, it also serves as the last adjudicator for certain election contests and disputes.

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of justices of the Supreme Court are:

1. Canvassing election returns with the Secretary of State. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.395(2).
2. Hearing appeals of election contests that are decided by the District Court. Nev. R. App. § 17(a)(2).

Certain contests to elections are decided by the District Courts. See Contests. Under Nevada court rules, appeals from such judgments are heard by the Supreme Court.

Selection and Vacancy Information

• Elected: The Supreme Court of Nevada is elected every six years. ****Nev. Const. Art. VI, § 3.
• Term of Office: Justices are elected for terms of six years Nev. Const. Art. VI, § 3.
• Next Election/Appointment: Elections to the Supreme Court are staggered so that roughly an equal number of seats are up for election every two years. Nev. Const. Art. VI, § 2(1). The next election will be November 5, 2024.
• Makeup: There are seven justices who serve on the Supreme Court. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 2.030.
• Qualifications and Restrictions: To be a Supreme Court Justice an individual must be at least 25 years old, licensed to practice law in Nevada for at least two years, and licensed to practice in any state for at least 15 years. A justice must also be a registered Nevada voter and resident of Nevada for at least two years. They must also not have been removed from judicial office previously by the Legislature or by the Commission on Judicial Discipline. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 2.020.
• Vacancy: The Governor fills any vacancies, with the replacements serving until the next general election. Whoever is elected at the next general election serves the remainder of the original term of office. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 2.040.