Registrar of Voters

Mail-In Ballot Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:        Do I need to request a mail-in ballot?

A:        No. All active registered voters will be receiving a mail-in ballot automatically for all future elections (Assembly Bill 321, 2021 81st Legislative Session).  However, you will need to notify our office if your mailing address has changed to avoid any delay in delivery.

Q:        I accidentally used a felt tip pen on my ballot.  What can I do?

A:        Option 1: You can contact us and we can issue you a new ballot; 

           Option 2: You can go ahead and send it in and your ballot may be duplicated onto a new ballot for counting by the machines.  This is done through a mixed partisan duplication board according to NRS rules and regulations.

Q:        Do I need to include a copy of my ID with my ballot?

A:        Only if “ID Required” or "HAVA ID" is printed on your envelope.  Otherwise, we have already verified your identity and we do not need a copy of your ID.

Q:        Can I write in my candidate of choice if I don’t like who I have to choose from?

A:        Nevada law does not allow for write-in choices.  If you do this, your vote, for that race only, will not count.  The rest of your correctly marked ballot will be counted.

Q:        I accidentally marked a candidate I did not want.  Now what?

A:        Draw a single line through the candidate’s name that you do not want and then fill in the oval next to the candidate that you do want.

Q:        I received my mail-in ballot and I don’t see the race that I wanted to vote on.  Do I have the right ballot?

A:        Please contact our office immediately, there are some reasons that a particular race will not appear on your ballot even if you live in the district.  Or, if you have moved and did not update your address with us, you may have the wrong ballot for where you currently live.

Q:        I received my mail-in ballot but want to vote in person.  Can I go vote at a polling place?

A:        Yes, as long as you haven’t returned your voted ballot. In order to vote in person, you will be required to surrender your ballot or sign a form affirming that you have not voted your ballot and will not attempt to vote twice.   You may also "opt-out" of receiving future ballots by mail by submitting the appropriate form.

Q:        I lost my ballot/envelope! What can I do?

A:        Call our office at (775) 328-3670 immediately for a replacement ballot/envelope.
 

Q:        I need to change the address to send my mail-in ballot. 

A:        Call our office at (775) 328-3670 immediately.

Q:        I lost my envelope.  Can I just put my ballot in my husband/wife/son/daughter’s envelope with theirs?

A:        NO!  If you do this, neither ballot will be counted.  Call our office or come down immediately and we will issue you a new envelope.

Q:        I sealed my envelope and sent it in without my ballot. Can I still send it in?

A:        Contact our office immediately so we can issue you a new envelope to put your ballot in.

Q:        I accidentally signed my wife/husband’s envelope.  What should I do?

A:        Cross out the incorrect signature and sign the correct envelope.

Q:        I forgot to sign my envelope and I already sealed it. Now what?

A:        Carefully open the envelope, sign under the flap where it indicates, then reseal the envelope.  However, if this is not an option, call our office immediately for a replacement envelope.

Q:        Can I just turn my mail-in ballot into my polling place or drop off location on Election Day if I didn't mail it in time?

A:        Yes!   You may drop off your mail-in ballot at a Drop Off location or Vote Center during Early Voting or on Election Day or at the Office of the Registrar of Voters. If you choose to drop off your ballot in-person it must be dropped off no later than 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

If your mail-in ballot is returned to a ballot drop box, if scanned, it is for internal logistics only. Your ballot will not be scanned into the official system until received by the Registrar of Voter office at the end of the night. For this reason, you can track your ballot starting the following day.

Q:        Can I have someone else turn in my mail-in ballot for me?

A:        Yes!  With the passage of Assembly Bill 321 in the 2021 81st Legislative session, the law has changed.  Any person authorized by the voter may return the mail-in ballot on their behalf by mail to the U.S. Post Office or at any in-person Vote Center, Ballot Drop Off location, or the Office of the Registrar of Voters.

Q:        My signature has changed from what you have on file.

A:        If it is before the close of registration, we will need you to fill out a new registration form with your new signature so we can update your record with your new signature.  If it is after the close of registration, we will need proof of your identity so please contact our office immediately to discuss options.

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Call 311 to find resources, ask questions, and utilize Washoe County services. Learn More »