Nevada’s Secretary of State last week mailed out voter signature verification cards to ensure voter records are current ahead of the 2024 General Election. The mailings, which are legitimate, are part of efforts to maintain accurate voter information and election security.
Washoe County spokesperson Bethany Drysdale said the cards are separate and different from the registration verification cards sent by the Registrar of Voters earlier this year.
“As you can imagine, signatures change over time, so this is an effort to get ahead of possible delays caused by mismatched signatures,” Drysdale said. “They are not mandatory to return, but they will ensure that we have accurate signatures on file, which will hopefully reduce the number ballots needing to be cured due to mismatched signatures.”
The letter from the Secretary of State includes a voter registration card with current information on file and a signature update form. Nevada law requires election officials to verify a voter’s identity by matching the signature on file with the one on a ballot or at a polling place.
Nevada’s voter registration deadline is also fast approaching. Washoe County residents have several options to ensure they’re ready for the upcoming election. The deadline to submit a standard voter registration application is Oct. 8, and here’s how you can get it done.
Register online
The fastest and most convenient way to register to vote is online. If you have a Nevada Driver’s License, Nevada ID or Tribal ID, you can visit the Nevada Secretary of State’s secure website at https://registertovote.nv.gov/.
This year Nevada also has extended online registration Oct. 8-22 for qualified applicants with a valid Nevada driver’s license or a DMV-issued identification card. If you get your registration in by Oct. 22 you’ll receive a mail ballot or can vote in-person during early voting or on Election Day. Those who register in the extended time period may not receive a sample ballot, but will receive a mail ballot.
Register in person
For those who prefer to register in person, there are several options. Register at any Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, a post office or other state agencies. Washoe County residents can also visit the Registrar of Voters office, located at 1001 E. Ninth St., Building A, Room 135, to complete their registration.
Register by mail
For those who prefer to register by mail, request a voter registration form by calling the Washoe County Registrar of Voters office at (775) 328-3670. Once the form is completed, mail it back to the Registrar’s Office at 1001 E 9th St, Bldg A, Reno, NV 89512. Be sure your application is postmarked by Oct. 8 to meet the deadline.
Those without a driver’s license or state-issued identification will also have to register using a paper form. That can be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website here: https://www.nvsos.gov/SOSVoterRegForm/Home.aspx/
Same day registration
If you miss the Oct. 8 deadline, don’t worry—you can still register during early voting or on Election Day. Nevada offers same day registration at any polling location. When registering in person, be sure to bring a valid Nevada Driver’s License, Nevada ID or Tribal ID along with proof of residency, especially if your current address is different from the one listed on your ID.
Who can register?
To register to vote in Nevada, you must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be at least 18 years old by Election Day (pre-registration is available for 17-year-olds).
- Have continuously resided in Nevada and Washoe County for 30 days.
- Provide valid proof of identity and residency.
- Not have any loss of civil rights that would prevent you from voting.
Remember, if you plan to register by mail or in person at the DMV, your application must be submitted or postmarked by Oct. 8. For those registering online, the deadline is the Thursday before early voting begins, Oct. 17. If you register online 14 days or less before Election Day, you will need to vote in person and show valid ID at a vote center.
Make sure to meet these deadlines and ensure your voice is heard this election season. For more information, contact the Washoe County Registrar of Voters or visit https://registertovote.nv.gov/.
Source: Washoe County Registrar of Voters and Nevada Secretary of State
