The Washoe County Registrar of Voters (ROV) denied media access to the observation area on Sunday, June 30, during the recount of ballots for three candidates challenging the final votes on Tuesday, June 11, primary day.
KRNV reported in a thread posted to X, “Washoe County isn’t letting media into today’s election recount and their ballot counting YouTube stream is no longer active after election day. Results are expected by the end of the day.”
Initially, the ROV barred the press from the galley without explanation, and cameras in the counting room, accessible via YouTube only on Election Day, were already turned off. After about 45 minutes, the office reversed its decision, allowing media personnel into the observation area.
Within the hour, Ben Margiott, a journalist with the same television station, added to the thread, “Update: 45 minutes after we posted about how media were not allowed in to observe the recount, media can now have access to the observation booth.”
For over a year, the Washoe County ROV has faced intense scrutiny over its adherence to Nevada election laws. Allegations include making last-minute, unregulated changes and accepting assistance from Democratic operatives to address the office’s issues, even compensating these organizations.
Observers question whether the initial media restriction was an attempt to hide something illegal or simply a result of incompetence. They want to know what occurred during the 45-minute blackout.
The incident has further fueled concerns about transparency and the integrity of the election process in Washoe County.
The Old Blog in the Desert 
Leave a comment