Automatic Signature Verification
When a voter returns a mail ballot in Washoe County, the signature on the ballot return envelope is reviewed as part of the ballot processing procedure. Signature verification is one of several steps used to confirm the identity of the voter and protect the integrity of the election process.
Washoe County uses Automatic Signature Verification (ASV) technology as part of this process. ASV helps election officials review ballot return envelope signatures efficiently and consistently while keeping human oversight and voter protections required under Nevada law.
How Automatic Signature Verification Works
When a returned mail ballot is received, the signature on the ballot return envelope is scanned and reviewed using Automatic Signature Verification software. The system compares the signature on the envelope to one or more signatures in the voter’s registration record.
The software examines characteristics of the signature and determines whether it appears consistent with the signature or signatures on file. If the signature meets the required confidence threshold for the review process, the ballot moves on to the next stage of processing.
If the signature does not meet that threshold, the ballot is not automatically rejected. Instead, it is sent for further review by trained election staff or an election board according to established procedures.
Human Review Remains Part of the Process
Automatic Signature Verification is just one element of Washoe County’s signature review process. Ballots flagged for additional review are examined by election officials instead of being automatically disqualified by the system.
This is important because a voter’s signature may naturally change over time. Handwriting differences can result from age, injury, disability, illness, or simply the way someone signed on a given day.
The use of ASV helps identify signatures needing closer review while allowing election staff to evaluate those ballots under established procedures.
Required Daily Audits of ASV Performance
Washoe County’s mail ballot review procedures are designed to support both election security and voter access.
Automatic Signature Verification is part of a broader process that includes secure ballot handling, documented procedures, human review, and voter notification when necessary. These safeguards help election officials process ballots accurately while protecting the rights of eligible voters.
Why Washoe County Uses This Technology
Washoe County uses Automatic Signature Verification to support the efficient and secure processing of mail ballots.
This technology helps election officials:
- Review large volumes of returned mail ballots more efficiently
- Apply a more consistent initial review standard
- Identify signatures that may need extra examination
- Support secure ballot processing with documented review steps
ASV aids in election administration but does not replace trained election workers or the legal safeguards in Nevada’s election process.
If a Signature Is Challenged
If a mail ballot is rejected by both ASV and manual verification, the signature will be marked "challenged". The voter will be mailed a postcard and must verify their identify before their ballot can be counted.
This process is commonly referred to as curing a signature. Voters will a challenged signature have until 5 p.m. on the sixth day after Election Day to cure their signature and allow the mail ballot to be counted.