Election Security Concerns Highlight Nevada’s Role in the Debate Over Voting Systems

A recent cybersecurity advisory report has sparked renewed discussions about election security, with Nevada—particularly Washoe County—emerging as a focal point in the debate over the future of voting systems. The report, published by multiple government agencies and highlighted by the FBI, raises concerns about vulnerabilities in digital systems connected to networks, urging improvements to safeguard the integrity of elections.

Washoe County, Nevada’s second-most populated county, has been at the forefront of implementing measures to ensure secure and transparent elections. During the 2024 election cycle, the county only cured 85 percent of mail-in ballots flagged for signature issues, one of the highest rates in the state.

Statewide, about 9,000 mail-in ballots and possibly as high as 15,000 remained uncured by the deadline, leaving them uncounted. While Washoe County cured most of its flagged ballots, critics argue that the broader numbers reveal systemic vulnerabilities in election processes.

The issue has reignited calls for abandoning electronic voting systems in favor of manual precinct-level voting and hand-counting ballots. Proponents of this approach claim it eliminates risks posed by potential hacking and software errors.

Clark County, which accounted for 7,500 uncured ballots, has drawn scrutiny over its lower cure rate compared to counties like Washoe and Nye.

While the cybersecurity report does not allege specific breaches or manipulation of Nevada’s election systems, it highlights the risks posed by outdated software, supply chain vulnerabilities, and zero-day exploits. Election officials in Washoe County and across the state have emphasized their commitment to safeguarding elections, implementing risk-limiting audits, and maintaining secure paper trails to verify results.

The debate over election security remains heated in Nevada, where discussions often center on balancing the efficiency of electronic systems with the perceived reliability of manual processes. Washoe County’s efforts to address ballot issues and secure its systems offer a model for other regions, but the broader challenges of voter confidence and technological vulnerabilities persist.

As Nevada continues to play a pivotal role in national elections, officials in Washoe and across the state will face increasing scrutiny over how they protect the integrity of the voting process. With the spotlight on election security, the push for transparency and improved safeguards will intensify ahead of future election cycles.