Nevada election officials have been given the green light to start tabulating in-person Election Day votes as they come in, rather than waiting until polls close in an effort to expedite results. This recommendation was made by Democratic Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar, citing state law. He also suggested including the tabulation of mail-in ballots during early voting, with these changes applying to both the June 11 Nevada primary and the November general election.
The aim of these changes is to alleviate anxiety surrounding close elections in Nevada, a Western swing state known for its narrow margins. Nevada attracted national attention in 2020 during a closely watched U.S. Senate race that was decided by less than 8,000 votes. By releasing results on Election Day, the new process enhances efficiency and transparency, allowing for a quicker dissemination of data.
Every voter in Nevada receives a mail-in ballot by default, unless they choose to opt out, thanks to a pandemic-era policy that has since become state law. Mail-in ballots may arrive at county election offices up to four days after Election Day, but they must be postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted. Aguilar collaborated with election officials in Washoe and Clark counties, the state’s most populous areas, to develop these recommendations, emphasizing that the goal is to improve efficiency without adding pressure on local officials.
Counting mail-in ballots takes time due to various verification procedures in place to prevent fraud, such as cross-referencing with voter databases and verifying signatures or identification information. The pressure to release results quickly has intensified following the 2020 election, driven in part by misinformation spread by former President Donald Trump. It is a normal process for officials to take time to count numerous votes, as each state has its own election rules and procedures.
While some states allow the processing of mail-in ballots before Election Day, Nevada’s Washoe and Clark counties have outlined plans to expedite ballot processing. Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, has increased the number of ballot reader machines and plans to introduce double shifts for poll workers on Election Day. Washoe County, encompassing Reno, is also looking to enhance its ballot processing capabilities to accommodate the region’s growth.
In conclusion, the changes implemented in Nevada’s election process aim to speed up the tabulation of votes, enhance transparency, and ensure a more efficient and effective electoral system. By releasing results on Election Day and streamlining verification procedures, officials are working to address concerns about the timing and accuracy of election outcomes in the state.
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https://apnews.com/article/nevada-mail-ballot-tabulation-cisco-aguilar-1d93a7cd33ad5aa9bc1b016b57a1500b