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Introduction
This report aims is to build confidence in Nevada’s voting system by shedding light on the processes, checks, and quality assurance steps in place that ensure fair and free elections, and, ultimately, a stronger democracy.
Here you will find a detailed overview of the processes and offices and personnel that govern vote counting and election certification, as well as a timeline of key dates. We have also identified potential process and personnel vulnerabilities to better help our pro-democracy partners monitor our elections and target corrective action to protect the integrity of our elections.
Please note, throughout the report, the blue ballot icon indicates research on legal and election process questions. The orange ballot icon indicates strategic research and potential threats. If you would like to share any feedback on this report or have questions for our research team, contact us at: info[at]informingdemocracy[dot]org.
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In Nevada most election procedures are prescribed by statute or by the Secretary of State. Unlike many other states, Nevada has no separate governing body such as a State Board of Elections that manages election procedures. When counties do have discretion, such as in selecting voting machines, they must still receive approval from the Secretary of State. See, e.g., Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 293B.1045(1); 293B.105.
This limited local discretion protects the integrity of the Nevada election process as it helps maintain uniformity and provides for a timely certification process. Additionally, Nevada allows, by statute, for the public observation of all of these procedures from the closing of polling sites to tabulation to audits of election machines. See Nev. Admin. Code §§ 293.245(1); 293.356(1); 293.255(6).
This section provides information about the key officers and personnel in charge of election administration in Nevada. Click on each office below for complete details.
County Clerk/Registrar of Voters
Org Chart: Nevada Election Administration
This section provides information about the election administration processes that key Nevada officials at the county and state levels undertake after polls close on Election Day. These processes must follow a strict cadence, prescribed by statute, that ensures that election results are timely certified and accurately reflect the will of voters. Click on each process section below for complete details.
Voter Challenges + Challenged Ballots
Legal Protections for Canvass + Certification
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Audit
While we believe that elections in Nevada are secure, we expect to see continued efforts to undermine elections, such as by attempting to delay certification, or further delay finalization with baseless recounts, and by invoking state rules permitting counties to conduct hand counts. This could create risks to ballot security and lead to increased chaos and a potential delay in the vote-counting process in the state.
We have also tried to identify individuals closely involved in the administration of Nevada’s elections who could pose such threats. Read more about these potential vulnerabilities here:
Potential 2024 Election Vulnerabilities in Nevada