Nevada Election Procedures, Voter Rolls Get Renewed Scrutiny

Questions surrounding Nevada’s election system have resurfaced, focusing on voting changes implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on the 2020 and 2022 election cycles.

In 2020, Nevada lawmakers approved universal mail-in voting during a special legislative session, citing the pandemic. The policy created an increase in mailed ballots compared to previous election years.

Additional measures included ballot drop boxes and extended receipt deadlines. Supporters said the changes ensured voter access during the pandemic, while critics argued they weakened safeguards designed to protect election integrity.

Allegations have persisted that the expanded mail system contributed to improper ballots, including claims of double voting, ballots cast by deceased individuals, non-citizens, and voters registered at non-residential or invalid addresses. State and federal courts dismissed multiple legal challenges related to the 2020 election, frequently citing a lack of standing orinsufficient evidence.

Meanwhile, election officials continue to assert that no widespread fraud occurred that could have changed the election results. Research conducted by the Nevada Territorial News revealed several findings regarding voter integrity in the state.

Over 42,000 individuals voted multiple times. More than 19,000 were not Nevada residents, while over 5,000 people registered at commercial addresses. Additionally, more than 8,000 votes came from non-existent addresses, and over 1,500 dead people cast ballots. Furthermore, more than 4,000 illegal aliens voted.

Disputes over voter roll maintenance have continued in subsequent years. Lawsuits and public records battles involving the Secretary of State’s office and outside legal groups led to reviews of voter registrations in Clark and Washoe counties, which account for most of Nevada’s electorate.

Concerns about undeliverable and rejected mail ballots also drew attention following the closely contested 2022 U.S. Senate race, decided by fewer than 8,000 votes statewide. Critics argue that inaccurate voter rolls and high volumes of mailed ballots undermine confidence in close elections.

Election officials respond that Nevada’s procedures comply with state and federal law, including required list maintenance standards. The debate has intensified over Question 7, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring voter identification. The measure, endorsed by Gov. Joe Lombardo, must pass again in November 2026 to be added to the state constitution.