[Rev. 6/29/2024 3:33:27 PM--2023]

TITLE 24 - ELECTIONS

CHAPTER 293 - ELECTIONS

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 293.010           Definitions.

NRS 293.016           “Abstract of votes” defined.

NRS 293.017           “Active registration” defined.

NRS 293.019           “Approved electronic transmission” defined.

NRS 293.021           “Automatic voter registration agency” defined. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.025           “Ballot” defined.

NRS 293.026           “Ballot box” defined.

NRS 293.030           “Ballot listing” defined.

NRS 293.032           “Canvass” defined.

NRS 293.033           “Central committee” defined.

NRS 293.0335         “Central counting place” defined.

NRS 293.034           “Certificate of election” defined.

NRS 293.035           “Challenge list” defined.

NRS 293.038           “City of population category one” defined.

NRS 293.0382         “City of population category two” defined.

NRS 293.0384         “City of population category three” defined.

NRS 293.040           “Clerk” defined.

NRS 293.042           “Contest” defined.

NRS 293.044           “County clerk” defined; synonymous with “registrar of voters” in certain counties.

NRS 293.0455         “Declaration of candidacy” defined.

NRS 293.046           “Deputy clerk” defined.

NRS 293.050           “Election board officer” defined.

NRS 293.055           “Elector” defined.

NRS 293.056           “Facsimile machine” defined.

NRS 293.057           “Filing officer” defined.

NRS 293.059           “General city election” defined.

NRS 293.060           “General election” defined.

NRS 293.063           “Independent candidate” defined.

NRS 293.0635         “Information system” defined.

NRS 293.064           “Judicial office” defined.

NRS 293.0643         “Judicial officer” defined.

NRS 293.065           “Mail” defined.

NRS 293.0653         “Mail ballot” defined.

NRS 293.0655         “Major political party” defined.

NRS 293.0657         “Mechanical recording device” defined.

NRS 293.0659         “Mechanical voting system” defined.

NRS 293.066           “Minor political party” defined.

NRS 293.0675         “Nonpartisan office” defined.

NRS 293.068           “Oath” defined.

NRS 293.069           “Petition district” defined.

NRS 293.070           “Physical disability” defined.

NRS 293.073           “Political party” defined.

NRS 293.077           “Precinct” defined.

NRS 293.0771         “Presidential preference primary election” defined.

NRS 293.079           “Primary city election” defined.

NRS 293.080           “Primary election” defined.

NRS 293.090           “Registered voter” defined.

NRS 293.0925         “Registrar of voters’ register” defined. [Repealed.]

NRS 293.093           “Regular votes” defined.

NRS 293.094           “Rejected ballot” defined.

NRS 293.095           “Roster” defined.

NRS 293.097           “Sample ballot” defined.

NRS 293.100           “School office” defined.

NRS 293.103           “School officers” defined.

NRS 293.104           “Security of an information system” defined.

NRS 293.105           “Service of the United States” defined.

NRS 293.107           “Spoiled ballot” defined.

NRS 293.109           “State officer” defined.

NRS 293.1105         “Statewide office” defined.

NRS 293.111           “Statewide voter registration list” defined.

NRS 293.113           “Tally list” defined.

NRS 293.115           “Township office” defined.

NRS 293.117           “Township officer” defined.

NRS 293.119           “Undervote” defined.

NRS 293.1195         “United States Election Assistance Commission” defined.

NRS 293.1205         “Voter registration card” defined.

NRS 293.121           “Voting district” defined.

APPLICABILITY AND ADMINISTRATION

NRS 293.124           Secretary of State to serve as Chief Officer of Elections; regulations.

NRS 293.126           Applicability of chapter to city elections.

NRS 293.1265         Inapplicability of certain laws to members or members-elect of Legislature; plenary and exclusive jurisdiction and power of each House over certain matters.

NRS 293.127           Liberal construction of title and determination of real will of electors.

NRS 293.1273         Facsimile of signature created by computer to verify or compare signature.

NRS 293.1275         Counting of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in computing certain periods of time; exceptions.

GENERAL ELECTIONS

NRS 293.12755       Date.

CIRCULATION AND SUFFICIENCY OF CERTAIN PETITIONS

NRS 293.127563     Secretary of State to determine number of signatures required for certain petitions.

NRS 293.127565     Use of public buildings to gather signatures on petitions; remedy for violation; regulations.

NRS 293.12757       Qualification to sign petition. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.12757       Qualification to sign petition. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.12758       Receipt issued by county clerk; requirements for petition.

NRS 293.1276         County clerk to forward number of signatures to Secretary of State; notice of failure to file required number of signatures; handling of petition; regulations.

NRS 293.1277         Verification of signatures by county clerks; regulations. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.1277         Verification of signatures by county clerks; regulations. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.1278         Qualification or disqualification of petition upon receipt of certificates or amended certificates by Secretary of State.

NRS 293.1279         Qualification or disqualification of petition upon verification of signatures; regulations.

NRS 293.12793       Appeal with Secretary of State contesting verification of signatures; notification of public officer who is subject of petition to recall; consideration and investigation of allegations.

NRS 293.12795       Action by Secretary of State upon review of appeal; judicial review of decision of Secretary of State.

MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES

NRS 293.128           Procedure for qualification.

NRS 293.165           Procedure for filling certain vacancies in major or minor political party nomination or nonpartisan nomination; deadline for making changes to general election ballot.

NRS 293.166           Procedure for filling certain vacancies in party nomination for office of State Legislator from multicounty legislative district; deadline for making changes to general election ballot.

NRS 293.167           Nomination of party candidates for United States Senator or Representative in Congress.

MINOR POLITICAL PARTIES

NRS 293.171           Procedure for organization.

NRS 293.1715         Procedure to place candidates’ names on ballot; limitation on number of candidates to appear on ballot; procedure to determine number of signatures required.

NRS 293.172           Contents of petition required to place candidates’ names on ballot; limitation on who may sign petition; requirements for signing.

NRS 293.1725         Candidates: Submission of list to Secretary of State; filing of declaration of candidacy and certificate of nomination.

NRS 293.174           Challenge of qualification.

NOMINATIONS AND CANDIDATES

NRS 293.175           Date of primary election; nomination of candidates; applicability of provisions governing nominations.

NRS 293.1755         Residency requirements for candidates; unlawful for candidates to make certain false statements; certain offices excepted from residency requirements.

NRS 293.176           When candidacy for major political party prohibited; exception.

NRS 293.177           Declaration of candidacy: Filing required; fee; filing periods; forms; contents; submission and retention of proof of identity, address and residency; appointment of agent for service of process; investigation and challenge of candidates; unlawful for candidates to make certain false statements.

NRS 293.179           Questionnaire for candidates for judicial office; filing officers required to post questionnaires on Internet.

NRS 293.181           Declaration of residency required of candidates for office of State Legislator; form; contents; unlawful for candidates to make certain false statements.

NRS 293.182           Written challenges concerning qualifications of candidates; enforcement in preelection actions.

NRS 293.184           Remedies for candidates who unlawfully make certain false statements; disqualification from taking office; removal from ballot or notification to voters at polling places; enforcement in preelection actions.

NRS 293.185           Appropriate filing officer for filing declaration of candidacy.

NRS 293.186           Candidates for public office to receive form or access to electronic form for making financial disclosure statement and related instructions.

NRS 293.187           Certification of names of persons for whom candidacy papers have been filed.

NRS 293.190           Certification of names of persons nominated at primary election.

NRS 293.193           Filing fees.

NRS 293.194           Return of filing fee to certain candidates.

NRS 293.195           Nonpartisan offices.

NRS 293.196           Each office of justice of the Supreme Court constitutes separate office for nomination and election.

NRS 293.1965         Each office of judge of the Court of Appeals constitutes separate office for nomination and election.

NRS 293.197           Each department of district court constitutes separate office for nomination and election; ballots used in certain counties.

NRS 293.198           Each department of Justice Court constitutes separate office for nomination and election.

NRS 293.200           Independent candidates: Qualification; petition of candidacy; time limit for challenge; declaration of candidacy.

NRS 293.202           Withdrawal of candidacy; rescission.

NRS 293.203           Contents and publication of notice of primary or general election.

NRS 293.204           Period for filing declaration of candidacy for special election.

PREELECTION ACTIONS CHALLENGING CANDIDATES

NRS 293.2045         Remedies in preelection actions challenging candidates who fail to meet qualifications for office; disqualification from taking office; removal from ballot or notification to voters at polling places; applicability.

ELECTION PRECINCTS

NRS 293.205           Establishment, abolishment, alteration and consolidation; boundaries.

NRS 293.206           Submission of maps to Secretary of State and Legislative Counsel Bureau; determination of statutory compliance; revisions.

NRS 293.207           Establishment on basis of number of voters therein; maximum number of voters; consolidation of precincts.

NRS 293.208           Limitations on creation, division, abolition, consolidation and alteration during certain periods; exceptions.

NRS 293.209           Creation or change of election district during certain period in year of general or general city election prohibited; annexation not prohibited during year of election.

NRS 293.210           Establishment of new election precinct: Petition and conditions.

ELECTION BOARDS

NRS 293.217           Appointment of officers by county clerk; appointment of deputy sheriffs for elections; appointment of trainees.

NRS 293.2175         Appointment of pupil as trainee: Qualifications; requirements; duties; compensation.

NRS 293.218           Recommendations by chair of election board of persons for service on election board.

NRS 293.220           Delivery of notice of appointment to officer or trainee.

NRS 293.223           Notice of unwillingness to serve as officer or trainee; appointment of replacement.

NRS 293.225           Continuing powers and duties of election boards; reserve officers of election board; procedure for filling vacancies.

NRS 293.227           Designation of chair; duties; restrictions upon participation of trainees; training; travel expenses for training.

REGULATION OF ELECTIONS

NRS 293.247           Regulations of Secretary of State for conduct of elections; interpretations; distribution of information to county and city clerks.

NRS 293.250           Secretary of State to prescribe procedures and requirements relating to certain election-related computer systems and form of ballots and other election-related documents; requirements for statewide measures and other printed matter on ballots; authority of county clerks to divide paper ballots and prescribe color for ballots and voting receipts.

NRS 293.2502         Elections procedures manual: Requirements; submission to Legislative Commission.

NRS 293.2504         Training course related to elections procedures.

STATEWIDE MEASURES: PREPARATION OF ARGUMENTS; PUBLICATION

NRS 293.252           Appointment of committees to prepare arguments advocating and opposing approval of constitutional amendments and statewide measures proposed by initiative or referendum; duties of committees; Secretary of State required to reject libelous or factually inaccurate statements; appeal; inapplicability of Open Meeting Law.

NRS 293.253           Publication of certain statewide measures: Duties of Secretary of State and county clerk; costs.

VOTERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS

NRS 293.2543         Short title.

NRS 293.2546         Legislative declaration of voters’ rights.

NRS 293.2549         Duties of Secretary of State and of county and city clerks.

VOTERS’ PRIVILEGES

NRS 293.2555         Privilege for political vote.

BALLOTS

NRS 293.256           Names of candidates on ballots not to include title, designation of profession or occupation.

NRS 293.2565         Use of given names, surnames and nicknames on ballot; use of additional criteria to distinguish between candidates having same given names and surnames.

NRS 293.257           Separate primary ballots; placement of candidates’ names; designation on application to register to vote of affiliation with major political party condition for registered voter to cast ballot for party at primary election.

NRS 293.260           Declaration of nominees: Omission and appearance of names on primary and general ballot; certain candidates declared elected at primary election; exceptions.

NRS 293.263           Primary ballot for major political party: Form; names of candidates to be grouped alphabetically; exception.

NRS 293.265           Nonpartisan primary ballot: Form; names of candidates to be grouped alphabetically; exception.

NRS 293.267           Ballot for general election: Form; names of candidates to be grouped alphabetically; exception; indication of party name, “no political party” or “nonpartisan” or abbreviations thereof; order of appearance of certain statewide measures.

NRS 293.2673         Ballot to indicate date of election and at which election ballot will be used.

NRS 293.268           Order of listing offices, candidates and questions on ballots.

NRS 293.269           Ballots for statewide offices or President and Vice President must permit voter to register opposition to all candidates.

NRS 293.2693         Voter education program to be provided in county or city using paper ballots.

NRS 293.2694         Contracts to purchase ballots; notification by county or city of election to use ballots purchased by Secretary of State; contract vendor required to deposit mail ballots for mailing within this State.

VOTING SYSTEMS GENERALLY

NRS 293.2696         General requirements for voting systems; duties of Secretary of State and of county and city clerks.

NRS 293.2699         Voting systems used by counties and cities: Voting materials to be provided in English and other languages as required by federal law or as authorized by county or city clerk.

MEETINGS WITH INDIAN TRIBES

NRS 293.269905     Deadlines; requirements; facilitation of meetings.

MAIL BALLOT VOTING

NRS 293.269911     Preparation and distribution of mail ballots; exceptions; mail ballot contents; time for distribution; mootness of untimely legal action which would prevent distribution.

NRS 293.269913     Methods of distribution and other requirements for mail ballots and supporting materials; recordation of certain information by county clerk.

NRS 293.269915     Requirements for mail ballots distributed to certain voters who have not previously voted in election for federal office in Nevada; exceptions; treatment as provisional ballot under certain circumstances. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.269915     Requirements for mail ballots distributed to certain voters who have not previously voted in election for federal office in Nevada; exceptions; treatment as provisional ballot under certain circumstances. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.269917     Procedure for voting by mail ballot; procedure for voting in person after mail ballot sent to voter.

NRS 293.269919     Unlawful to mark and sign mail ballot on behalf of voter or assist voter to mark and sign mail ballot; exceptions.

NRS 293.269921     Procedure for timely returning mail ballot; treatment of mail ballot when postmark cannot be determined; requirements for ballot drop boxes.

NRS 293.269923     Persons authorized to return mail ballot; unlawful acts relating to return of mail ballot; penalty.

NRS 293.269925     Establishment of procedures for processing and counting mail ballots.

NRS 293.269927     Duties of county clerk upon return of mail ballot: Procedure for checking signatures; safeguarding and delivery of mail ballots for counting; procedure to contact voter to remedy certain defects in returned mail ballot.

NRS 293.269929     Appointment and membership of mail ballot central counting board; board under direction of county clerk.

NRS 293.269931     Period for counting mail ballots; counting must be public; rejection of certain mail ballots.

NRS 293.269933     Process for counting mail ballots; requirements relating to empty envelopes and rejected mail ballots.

NRS 293.269935     Certification and reporting of mail ballot results; secrecy of mail ballots; unlawful to disseminate information about mail ballot results before polls close and all votes cast on election day; penalty.

NRS 293.269937     County clerk to test accuracy of electronic devices used to verify signatures on mail ballots; daily audit required during processing of mail ballots.

USE OF SYSTEM OF APPROVED ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION BY CERTAIN PERSONS

NRS 293.269951     Use of system of approved electronic transmission by certain persons to register to vote and apply for and cast ballot.

VOTING BY PERSONS DETAINED IN JAILS

NRS 293.269971     Establishment of policy to ensure certain persons may vote and register to vote in jail; coordination between county clerk, city clerk and jail administrator; posting of elections information in county or city jail; regulations.

NRS 293.269973     Responsibilities of jails.

NRS 293.269975     Administrator of jail required to submit report of certain information to Secretary of State after certain elections.

VOTING AT POLLS

NRS 293.270           Voting by printed ballot or other approved or authorized system; write-in voting prohibited; exception.

NRS 293.272           Voting in person required at first election after valid registration for voter who registered to vote by mail or computer; exceptions.

NRS 293.2725         Person who registers to vote at Department of Motor Vehicles or registers or preregisters to vote by mail or computer and has not previously voted in election for federal office in Nevada: Prerequisites to voting at polling place and to voting by mail; applicability of section; exceptions. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.2725         Person who has not previously voted in election for federal office in Nevada: Prerequisites to voting at polling place and to voting by mail; applicability of section; exceptions. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.273           Time for opening and closing polls; duties of election board officers; persons permitted inside certain areas of polls.

NRS 293.2731         Establishment of polling places.

NRS 293.2733         Establishment of polling places and ballot drop boxes within Indian reservation or colony.

NRS 293.2735         Establishment of polling place for precinct in residential development exclusively for elderly persons.

NRS 293.2738         Polling place not to be established in any building named for candidate appearing on ballot.

NRS 293.274           Members of general public allowed to observe conduct of voting at polling place; photographing or otherwise recording conduct of voting by members of general public prohibited.

NRS 293.275           Possession of certain rosters by election board required for performance of board’s duties; required tests of electronic rosters before election.

NRS 293.277           Conditions for entitlement of person to vote; forms of identification to identify registered voter; county clerk to prescribe verification procedure. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.277           Conditions for entitlement of person to vote; forms of identification to identify registered voter; county clerk to prescribe verification procedure. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.283           Identification of registered voter who is unable to sign name.

NRS 293.285           Procedure for taking registered voter’s signature. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.285           Procedure for taking registered voter’s signature. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.287           Announcement of name and political affiliation of registered voter; challenges; nonpartisan ballot at primary election.

NRS 293.2955         Accessibility of polling place, ballot and election materials to persons who are elderly and to persons with disabilities; particular requirements regarding voting booths and waiting lines; alternative placement of specially equipped voting devices at centralized locations.

NRS 293.296           Assistance to voter who is physically disabled or unable to read or write English.

NRS 293.297           Change of vote on certain mechanical recording devices.

NRS 293.301           Procedure for posting or publishing alphabetical listing of registered voters; tearing or defacing alphabetical listing prohibited; penalty.

NRS 293.302           Posting of notice of death of candidate at polling place.

NRS 293.3025         Posting of copies of certain other information and documents at polling place.

NRS 293.303           Challenges.

NRS 293.3035         Notice of result of challenge.

NRS 293.304           Voting by person successfully challenged on grounds of residency.

NRS 293.305           Closing of polls; admission of voters and other persons.

NRS 293.307           Duties of voting board before adjournment.

VOTING AT POLLING PLACES ESTABLISHED AS VOTE CENTERS

NRS 293.3072         Establishment of polling places as vote centers where eligible voters in county may vote on election day.

NRS 293.3073         Requirements for providing notice of locations of vote centers; exceptions; limitations on establishing additional vote centers after such notice.

NRS 293.3074         Requirements for preparing and delivering rosters for vote centers.

NRS 293.3075         Requirements for casting ballots at vote centers. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.3075         Requirements for casting ballots at vote centers. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

VOTING BY PROVISIONAL BALLOT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES

NRS 293.3078         “Provisional ballot” defined.

NRS 293.3079         Provisional ballot must include all offices, candidates and measures.

NRS 293.3081         Casting of provisional ballot: General conditions; declaration or application.

NRS 293.3082         Casting of provisional ballot: Specific prerequisites; completion of written affirmation; contents of affirmation; provision of receipt; notation on roster.

NRS 293.3083         Casting of ballot by mail; treatment as provisional ballot under certain circumstances.

NRS 293.3084         County and city clerks to establish certain procedures relating to provisional ballots.

NRS 293.3085         Canvass and counting of provisional ballots.

NRS 293.3086         Free access system to provide information to voter casting provisional ballot.

EARLY VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE

NRS 293.356           Issuance of ballot; location at which ballot must be voted.

NRS 293.3561         County clerk to establish criteria for selection of permanent and temporary polling places for early voting by personal appearance.

NRS 293.3564         Establishment of permanent polling places for early voting; eligible voters may vote by personal appearance at any polling place for early voting.

NRS 293.3568         Period for early voting; days and hours for early voting at permanent polling places.

NRS 293.3572         Establishment of temporary branch polling places for early voting and ballot drop boxes; establishment within Indian reservation or colony; days and hours for early voting; legal rights and remedies of property owners or lessors not affected by presence of such polling places.

NRS 293.3575         Establishment of polling places for early voters.

NRS 293.3576         Schedule of locations and days and hours for early voting; limitations on establishment of additional locations; extension of hours after publication of schedule.

NRS 293.358           Appointment of deputy clerks.

NRS 293.3583         Mechanical recording devices: Preparation before polls open each day.

NRS 293.3585         Procedure for early voting. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.3585         Procedure for early voting. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.3594         Security precautions.

NRS 293.3604         Mechanical recording devices: Duties of election board at close of each voting day; duties of ballot board for early voting and county clerk at close of last voting day.

NRS 293.3606         Returns; secrecy of ballots; disseminating information about count of returns before polls close prohibited; penalty.

NRS 293.3608         County clerk to ensure that mechanical recording devices used for early voting provide record of number of votes; delivery of records and storage devices to central counting place.

NRS 293.361           Electioneering prohibited near polling place or jail during certain periods; penalty.

RETURNS AND CANVASS

NRS 293.3625         Record made by county clerk of receipt at central counting place of sealed container used to transport official ballots.

NRS 293.363           Preparation by counting board to count ballots; counting must be public and continue until completed; requirements for counting paper ballots; rejection of certain ballots; record of discrepancies.

NRS 293.365           Accounting for all paper ballots before counting of votes begins.

NRS 293.367           Standards for rejecting ballots for appearance of tampering; regulations for counting ballots.

NRS 293.3677         Standards for counting votes; regulations.

NRS 293.368           Counting of votes cast for deceased candidate.

NRS 293.370           Procedure for completion of tally lists.

NRS 293.373           Duties of officers of counting board after ballots counted if paper ballots used.

NRS 293.383           Posting of copies of result of votes cast.

NRS 293.387           Canvass of returns; abstract of votes.

NRS 293.388           Abstract of votes: Transmission to public libraries or posting upon website.

NRS 293.389           Inclusion of inactive voters in reports of votes prohibited.

NRS 293.391           Disposition and inspection of ballots, lists, records and stubs of voted ballots after canvass by county commissioners.

NRS 293.393           Preparation of abstracts of votes cast at general election or certain other elections; preparation and delivery of certificates of election for certain offices.

NRS 293.394           Risk-limiting audits of election results; regulations; audits by county clerks required.

NRS 293.395           Transmission of copy of certified abstract of votes and mechanized report to Secretary of State; canvass of vote by justices of Supreme Court; Governor to grant certificates of election and issue proclamations.

NRS 293.397           Prohibitions against withholding certificate of election or commission.

TIES, RECOUNTS AND CONTESTS

NRS 293.400           Tie vote: Determination of winner in certain elections; determination of nominees in certain primary elections; right to recount.

NRS 293.403           Recount of vote: Demand; advance deposit of costs.

NRS 293.404           Employment and duties of recount board; persons present; procedures for recount of ballots; regulations.

NRS 293.405           Costs of recount; commencement and completion of recount; limitation on additional recount.

NRS 293.407           Filing of written statement of contest with clerk of district court; verification; notification.

NRS 293.410           Statement of contest must not be dismissed for deficiencies of form; grounds for contest.

NRS 293.413           Time for filing statement of contest; precedence of election contest; referral to special master.

NRS 293.415           Depositions in election contests; trial and submission of matter.

NRS 293.417           Judgment of court in election contest.

NRS 293.420           Court costs.

NRS 293.423           Recount of ballots at hearing of contest.

NRS 293.424           Requirements applicable to recount and contest of election to office of presidential elector.

NRS 293.425           Contest of general election for office of State Legislator: Statement of contest and other documents and materials to be filed with Secretary of State; notification of defendant; ability of contestant to amend statement of contest; list of witnesses; depositions, investigation and presentation of evidence.

NRS 293.427           Contest of general election for office of State Legislator: Seating of candidate with highest number of votes; withdrawal of statement of contest; hearing and deciding of contest by appropriate house of Legislature; certificates of election; remedy.

NRS 293.430           Contest of general election for office of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, justice of Supreme Court or judge of Court of Appeals: Filing of documents and other evidence with Secretary of State; notification of defendant; seating of candidate; duties of Secretary of State and Legislature; withdrawal of contest.

NRS 293.433           Decision of contest for office of Governor, Lieutenant Governor or justice of Supreme Court by Senate and Assembly in joint session.

NRS 293.435           Certificate of election delivered after decision.

LOCATIONS USED FOR POLLING PLACES

NRS 293.437           Designation of locations for polling places; payment of expenses for renting privately owned locations; legal rights and remedies of property owners or lessors not affected by presence of polling places at such locations.

LISTS OF REGISTERED VOTERS IN LOCAL JURISDICTIONS

NRS 293.440           Lists of registered voters in precinct, district or county: Distribution of copies; contents; limitation on printing costs; request for and use by committees of political parties; fees.

ELECTION EXPENSES

NRS 293.442           Election Account: Creation; deposit of money in Account; disposition of interest and income; authority of Secretary of State to disburse, expend and receive money; payment of claims.

NRS 293.443           Responsibility for payment of election expenses; competitive bidding for printing of ballots; authority to charge for costs of printing certain applications to register to vote.

NRS 293.445           Expenses for assistants to county or city clerk.

NRS 293.446           Compensation of officer of election board for delivery of election returns to county or city clerk.

NRS 293.460           Compensation of officers of election board, deputy sheriffs and other employees.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

NRS 293.462           Construction of containers used to transport official ballots.

NRS 293.463           Employees may absent themselves from employment to vote: Procedure; penalty.

NRS 293.464           Court-ordered extension of deadline for voting.

NRS 293.465           Loss or destruction of ballots, or other cause, preventing election in precinct or district; new election.

NRS 293.468           Secretary of State to provide election materials in usable format for persons who are elderly or disabled.

NRS 293.4685         Certain additional duties of Secretary of State; county and city clerks to provide information requested by Secretary of State.

NRS 293.4687         Website maintained by Secretary of State for public information relating to elections; requirements.

NRS 293.4688         Access by mobile device to website maintained by Secretary of State; use of mobile device to submit information or forms.

NRS 293.4689         Website maintained by county clerk for public information relating to elections; requirements.

NRS 293.469           County clerks encouraged to provide election information and materials in usable format for persons who are elderly or disabled.

NRS 293.4695         County clerks required to collect and report certain information concerning election processes; Secretary of State to solicit and collect voter comments regarding election processes; report to Legislature.

NRS 293.471           Address of business that receives or distributes mail to be provided to county clerk.

NRS 293.480           Limitation on inspection of ballots after return to county or city clerk.

NRS 293.481           Governing body of political subdivision, public or quasi-public corporation, or other local agency submitting question to voters required to submit certain documents and information to county and city clerks; fee to cover cost of placing question and associated information on ballot.

NRS 293.4815         Transmission of question to be presented to voters to Secretary of State.

VOTER PREREGISTRATION AND REGISTRATION GENERALLY; REGISTRARS

Voter Registration Cards

NRS 293.484           Contents of voter registration cards; issuance of card is not prerequisite to vote.

 

Qualifications; Residence

NRS 293.485           Qualifications to vote: Citizenship; age; residence; registration.

NRS 293.4855         Qualifications and procedures for certain minors to preregister to vote; regulations.

NRS 293.486           Determination of actual residence.

NRS 293.487           When residence not gained or lost.

NRS 293.490           Residence not lost upon removal from county or precinct.

NRS 293.493           Loss of residence upon removal to another state, territory or foreign country.

NRS 293.495           Presumption of intention to abandon residence.

NRS 293.497           Residence of head of family.

NRS 293.500           Loss of residence upon removal from State with intention to remain elsewhere for indefinite time.

 

Administration; Applications; Procedures

NRS 293.5002         Procedures applicable to certain persons issued fictitious address.

NRS 293.502           Procedures applicable to certain persons recently discharged from Armed Forces or separated from employment outside of the United States and their spouses and dependents.

NRS 293.503           County clerk is ex officio county registrar; custody of documents relating to preregistration or registration; official records of office of county clerk; maintenance of records; time limitation on program to remove names of ineligible persons; availability of records for public inspection; confidential information.

NRS 293.5035         Designation by county clerk of building owned or leased by county as county facility at which persons may preregister or register to vote.

NRS 293.504           Voter registration agencies: Creation; duties; duty of Secretary of State to cooperate with Secretary of Defense to allow persons to preregister or register at military recruitment offices. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.504           Voter registration agencies: Creation; duties; duty of Secretary of State to cooperate with Secretary of Defense to allow persons to preregister or register at military recruitment offices. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.5045         Voter registration agencies: Prohibited acts; penalties.

NRS 293.505           Appointment, powers and duties relating to field registrars; prohibited acts relating to preregistration and registration; penalties.

NRS 293.5055         County clerk or field registrar authorized to preregister or register residents of county outside boundaries of county.

NRS 293.5057         Nonresidents may preregister or register to vote for office of President and Vice President under certain circumstances.

NRS 293.506           County clerk required to accept applications for preregistration and registration submitted by computer to Secretary of State; exceptions.

NRS 293.507           Applications: Forms; distribution; contents; requirements regarding identification and residence; use of affidavits and identification numbers under certain circumstances; regulations.

NRS 293.508           Applications: Forms must include option to receive sample ballot in larger type.

NRS 293.509           Applications: County clerk authorized to provide forms to persons upon request; requirements for request; records to be kept by county clerk in response to request.

NRS 293.510           Applications: County clerk required to use database created by Secretary of State to prepare rosters; applications for preregistration required to be kept separate.

NRS 293.511           Register or roster kept by computer to include certain information. [Repealed.]

NRS 293.513           Elector may register for other elections despite closing of registration for impending election.

NRS 293.517           Authorized methods of preregistration and registration; requirements for application; change of name; issuance of voter registration card; objection to application by county clerk under certain circumstances. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.517           Authorized methods of preregistration and registration; requirements for application; change of name; issuance of voter registration card; objection to application by county clerk under certain circumstances. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.518           Persons must indicate affiliation or nonaffiliation with political party at time of preregistration or registration; circumstances when party listed as “nonpartisan”; duties of county clerk or field registrar of voters. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.518           Persons must indicate affiliation or nonaffiliation with political party at time of preregistration or registration; circumstances when party listed as “nonpartisan”; duties of county clerk or field registrar of voters. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.520           Preregistration, registration and reregistration of persons who are unable to sign name.

NRS 293.523           Preregistration and registration of naturalized citizens.

NRS 293.5235         Requirements relating to preregistration and registration by mail or computer; exceptions; correction of information in applications; procedure for incomplete applications; required notices; prohibited acts; penalties; regulations. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.5235         Requirements relating to preregistration and registration by mail or computer; exceptions; correction of information in applications; procedure for incomplete applications; required notices; prohibited acts; penalties; regulations. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.5237         Preregistration and registration at home by field registrar.

 

Change in Residence; Challenges; Cancellation; Ineligibility to Vote

NRS 293.525           Vote after residence changed but registration not transferred; affirmation by elector; use of information regarding current address to correct statewide voter registration list and roster.

NRS 293.527           County clerk required to update preregistration or registration when person moves to another county.

NRS 293.530           Authority of county clerk to correct statewide voter registration list, determine whether residence is accurate and make investigations of registration; duty of county clerk to cancel registration under certain circumstances, maintain records regarding notices of cancellation and designate voter as inactive; regulations; required notices after certain changes to statewide voter registration list. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.530           Authority of county clerk to correct statewide voter registration list, determine whether residence is accurate and make investigations of registration; duty of county clerk to cancel registration under certain circumstances, maintain records regarding notices of cancellation and designate voter as inactive; regulations; required notices after certain changes to statewide voter registration list. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.5303         Data concerning change of address of registered voter: Agreement with United States Postal Service or other authorized person for use of data by county clerk.

NRS 293.5307         Data concerning change of address of registered voter: Identification of registered voter who has moved; notices to registered voter.

NRS 293.533           Action to compel registration.

NRS 293.535           Challenges alleging that registered voter is not citizen of United States or has abandoned residence in county; notice to registrant; procedure; cancellation; other challenges not precluded.

NRS 293.537           Handling of applications of persons who have cancelled their preregistration or registration; reinstatement of such applications cancelled erroneously; preservation and destruction of such applications.

NRS 293.540           Circumstances in which county clerk is required to cancel preregistration or registration.

NRS 293.541           Additional circumstances in which county clerk is required to cancel preregistration or registration; notice; exception to notice requirement if insufficient time exists before election; voting after execution of affidavit of cancellation; separation of ballots.

NRS 293.5415         Circumstances in which certain persons adjudicated mentally incompetent declared ineligible to vote; certain judicial findings required.

NRS 293.542           Duty of court to provide notification of judicial findings that certain persons lack mental capacity to vote.

NRS 293.543           Reregistration of certain persons after cancellation of registration.

NRS 293.547           Written challenges.

NRS 293.548           Withdrawal of written challenge or affidavit.

 

Registration Relating to Certain Persons in Armed Forces or Service of United States or Attending School

NRS 293.550           Registration of certain persons enlisted or inducted into Armed Forces of the United States: Appearance before county clerk or field registrar.

NRS 293.553           Registration of certain persons in service of United States or attending school.

NRS 293.555           Registration of spouse or dependent of certain persons in service of United States.

 

Disclosure of Information Relating to Registered Voters

NRS 293.557           Publication of list of registered voters.

NRS 293.558           Disclosure of identification numbers to public; county or city clerk prohibited from disclosing certain information; registered voter may request that address and telephone number be withheld from public.

 

Close of Registration

NRS 293.560           Close of registration; publication of day and time that each method of registration closes; offices of county clerk, certain county facilities and ex officio registrars allowed to be open on last Friday of October in even-numbered years; hours of operation for county facility for voter registration.

 

Notices from Nongovernmental Entities Relating to Registration

NRS 293.562           Notices from nongovernmental entities must indicate that such notices are not official elections mail.

DELIVERY OF ROSTERS, SAMPLE BALLOTS AND OTHER INFORMATION BEFORE ELECTIONS

NRS 293.563           Preparation and delivery of rosters to polling place.

NRS 293.565           Sample ballots: Inclusion and exclusion of certain matters; distribution; exceptions; required notices; form and type size; cost of distributing responsibility of political subdivision for certain elections.

NRS 293.567           Number of registered voters in county to be transmitted by county clerk to Secretary of State before certain elections.

VOTER PREREGISTRATION AND REGISTRATION THROUGH DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Paper Applications

NRS 293.5727         Preregistration and registration by paper application as part of certain transactions with Department; procedure for incomplete application; use of forms submitted to Department to correct previous preregistration or registration; regulations. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.5727         Preregistration and registration by application as part of certain transactions with Department; procedure for incomplete application; use of forms submitted to Department to correct information on previous application; regulations. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

 

Electronic Transmission of Voter Registration Information

NRS 293.5732         Establishment of system for electronic transmission of voter registration information as part of certain transactions with Department; requirements for system. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.5737         Procedures for notifying persons regarding transmission of information; required disclosures; regulations. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.5742         Procedures for collecting information; use of certain affidavits; issuance of certain identification numbers. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.5747         Timeline for transmission of information to database created by Secretary of State; destruction of certain records after transmission; timeline for forwarding certain paper documents to database. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.5752         Persons deemed applicants to register to vote unless they affirmatively decline in writing; duties of county clerks upon receipt of information; use of certain signatures. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.5757         Persons may use paper applications; actions of persons regarding voter registration must not affect services or assistance provided by Department; confidentiality and limitations on use of certain information; prohibition against requiring certain documentation; regulations. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

 

Administration

NRS 293.5762         Duties of Department in administering electronic transmission of voter registration information; use of paper forms and secured containers; collection and transmission of information to database created by Secretary of State; regulations. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

NRS 293.5767         Review of information by county clerks to determine eligibility to register to vote; effect of determination of ineligibility. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION

NRS 293.5768         Automatic voter registration agencies; transactions which qualify for automatic voter registration; limitations on request and transmission of certain information. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.57682       Designation of other agencies in Executive Department of State Government as automatic voter registration agencies by Governor; notification. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.57684       Designation of agency of Indian tribe as automatic voter registration agency under certain circumstances. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.57686       Establishment of system for electronic transmission of voter registration information; requirements for system. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.57688       Requirement for automatic voter registration agency to transmit certain information to database created by Secretary of State; timeline for transmission. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.57691       Procedure upon receipt of voter registration information from automatic voter registration agency without electronic facsimile of voter signature; affirmation required for certain persons. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.57693       Procedure upon transmission of information by automatic voter registration agency; review of information by county clerks to determine eligibility to register to vote; notification; effect of determination of ineligibility. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.57695       Date person is deemed registered to vote; county clerk to correct statewide voter registration list if necessary. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.57697       Procedure for persons ineligible for automatic voter registration; eligibility of persons regarding voter registration must not affect services or assistance provided by automatic voter registration agency; confidentiality and limitations on use of certain information. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

NRS 293.57699       Regulations. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

VOTER REGISTRATION DURING CERTAIN PERIODS PRECEDING AND ON ELECTION DAY

General Provisions

NRS 293.5772         Definitions.

NRS 293.5777         “Election” defined.

NRS 293.5782         “Final verification” defined.

NRS 293.5787         “Polling place for early voting” defined.

NRS 293.5792         “Provisional ballot” defined.

 

Applicability and Interpretation

NRS 293.5812         Applicability of other election laws; resolution of conflicts; rules of interpretation; intended public purpose.

NRS 293.5817         Applicability to city elections; preemption of conflicting city charters; exceptions.

 

Registration and Voting

NRS 293.5832         Methods and procedures for updating voter registration information during certain periods; casting of provisional ballot under certain circumstances.

NRS 293.5837         Methods and procedures for registering by computer during certain periods and appearing in person to vote at polling place for early voting or on election day; casting of provisional ballot under certain circumstances.

NRS 293.5842         Methods and procedures for registering and voting in person at polling place for early voting; casting of provisional ballot under certain circumstances.

NRS 293.5847         Methods and procedures for registering and voting in person at polling place on election day; casting of provisional ballot.

NRS 293.5852         Provisional ballot must include all offices, candidates and measures.

 

Final Verification and Counting of Provisional Ballots

NRS 293.5872         Procedures for final verification of qualifications to register and vote in election; procedures for handling provisional ballots until final verification.

NRS 293.5877         Canvass and counting of provisional ballots; requirements and restrictions on reporting results involving provisional ballots.

NRS 293.5882         Free access system to provide information to certain voters regarding counting of provisional ballots.

NRS 293.5887         Issuance of voter registration card after final verification.

STATEWIDE VOTER PREREGISTRATION AND REGISTRATION SYSTEMS AND DATABASES

NRS 293.671           Establishment of statewide voter preregistration and registration system; duties of Secretary of State; requirements for system; disclosures.

NRS 293.675           Establishment and maintenance of centralized database of voter registration information; creation of statewide voter registration list; duties of Secretary of State; requirements for list; duties of county and city clerks and Department of Motor Vehicles; verification of information with Social Security Administration; agreements with state agencies to provide information necessary for list; exchange of information with chief election officers of other states.

UNLAWFUL ACTS AND PENALTIES

NRS 293.700           Bribery of elector.

NRS 293.705           Unlawful acts concerning elections officials.

NRS 293.710           Intimidation of voters and other unlawful acts in connection with election process.

NRS 293.720           Suppression of or failure to file nomination paper by public officer.

NRS 293.730           Unlawful interference with conduct of election; unlawful acts relating to certain ballots; unlawful acts inside polling place.

NRS 293.740           Soliciting votes and electioneering inside certain places or within certain distance from certain places prohibited; penalty.

NRS 293.750           Removal or destruction of election supplies or equipment.

NRS 293.755           Tampering or interfering with certain election equipment or computer programs used to conduct election; report of violation to district attorney.

NRS 293.760           Alteration, defacement or removal of posted results of votes cast.

NRS 293.770           Refusal of person sworn by election board to answer questions.

NRS 293.775           Voting by person who knows he or she is not qualified elector; voting using name of another person.

NRS 293.780           Voting more than once at same election.

NRS 293.790           Offer to vote by person whose vote has been rejected.

NRS 293.800           Unlawful acts concerning registration of voters; violations of laws governing elections; crimes by public officers.

NRS 293.805           Unlawful to pay compensation based upon total number of persons preregistered or registered or total number preregistered or registered in particular political party.

NRS 293.810           Preregistration or registration in more than one county at one time.

NRS 293.820           Solicitation of contribution for political organization without prior approval or charter.

NRS 293.830           Betting on election.

NRS 293.840           Civil penalty.

ELECTION SECURITY

NRS 293.870           Confidentiality of records relating to security of information systems used for elections; limitations on disclosure.

NRS 293.875           Training on cybersecurity required for local election officials; notification of Secretary of State of attacks on security of information systems used by such officials.

NRS 293.877           Training on forensic signature verification required for local election officials.

CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL INFORMATION OF CERTAIN PERSONS

General Provisions

NRS 293.900           Definitions.

NRS 293.902           “Confidential information” defined.

NRS 293.904           “Personal information” defined.

 

Procedures

NRS 293.906           Court order required to request confidentiality of certain personal information; duties of Secretary of State or county or city clerk.

NRS 293.908           Certain persons who may request personal information to be kept confidential.

NRS 293.909           Additional circumstances in which certain persons may petition to have personal information kept confidential.

NRS 293.910           Limitations on disclosure of confidential information.

NRS 293.912           Authorization to provide confidential information to certain persons or entities; records.

NRS 293.914           Denial of request for confidential information.

 

Prohibitions; Penalties

NRS 293.916           Unlawful to obtain, disclose or use personal or confidential information in unauthorized manner.

NRS 293.918           Unlawful to disclose confidential information that will create substantial risk of bodily harm.

NRS 293.920           Civil penalties.

_________

APPENDIX

JUDICIALLY APPROVED PETITION DISTRICTS BASED ON 2010 CENSUS

_________

GENERAL PROVISIONS

      NRS 293.010  Definitions.  As used in this title, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 293.016 to 293.121, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 235; A 1973, 350; 1979, 262; 1987, 334, 1361; 1993, 2173; 1995, 2623, 2774; 1997, 2776; 1999, 262; 2001, 2946; 2003, 2174; 2007, 2581; 2009, 354, 2587; 2011, 3270; 2019, 1627, 3371, 4060; 2021, 1223, 3852, 3878; 2023, 3311)

      NRS 293.016  “Abstract of votes” defined.  “Abstract of votes” means a compilation of votes cast for a particular candidate by office and precinct.

      (Added to NRS by 1975, 935)

      NRS 293.017  “Active registration” defined.  “Active registration” means a current registration of a voter in the statewide voter registration list, entitling such voter to vote in the manner provided by this title.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 235; A 2021, 3818)

      NRS 293.019  “Approved electronic transmission” defined.  “Approved electronic transmission” means the sending of information by facsimile machine or by use of the Internet pursuant to the acceptable standards set forth by regulations of the Secretary of State adopted pursuant to NRS 293.247.

      (Added to NRS by 2009, 353)

      NRS 293.021  “Automatic voter registration agency” defined. [Effective January 1, 2025.]  “Automatic voter registration agency” means a voter registration agency described in NRS 293.5768.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 3850; A 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.025  “Ballot” defined.  “Ballot” means the record of a voter’s preference of candidates and questions voted upon at an election. The term includes, without limitation, any paper given to a voter upon which the voter places his or her vote and any electronic storage tapes.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 236; A 1995, 2774; 2007, 1148, 2581)

      NRS 293.026  “Ballot box” defined.  “Ballot box” means a box that is capable of being secured and is used to receive the voted ballots.

      (Added to NRS by 2007, 2581)

      NRS 293.030  “Ballot listing” defined.  “Ballot listing” means the list of the names of candidates as they appear on the ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 236)

      NRS 293.032  “Canvass” defined.  “Canvass” means a review of the election results by the board of county commissioners or the mayor and city council or the justices of the Supreme Court, by which any errors within the election results are officially noted and the official election results are declared.

      (Added to NRS by 1975, 935; A 1987, 334)

      NRS 293.033  “Central committee” defined.  “Central committee” means the county or the state authority of a major political party.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 236; A 1989, 221)

      NRS 293.0335  “Central counting place” defined.  “Central counting place” means the location designated by the county or city clerk for the compilation of election returns.

      (Added to NRS by 2011, 3270)

      NRS 293.034  “Certificate of election” defined.  “Certificate of election” means a certificate prepared by the county or city clerk or Governor, as the case may be, for the person having the highest number of votes for any district, county, township, city, state or statewide office as official recognition of the person’s election to office.

      (Added to NRS by 1975, 935; A 1987, 334)

      NRS 293.035  “Challenge list” defined.  “Challenge list” means a form furnished election board officers to be used in making a record of all challenges.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 236)

      NRS 293.038  “City of population category one” defined.  “City of population category one” means a city:

      1.  Organized pursuant to the provisions of chapter 266 of NRS; or

      2.  Incorporated pursuant to a special charter,

Ê whose population is 50,000 or more.

      (Added to NRS by 1997, 2776; A 1999, 262; 2001, 633)

      NRS 293.0382  “City of population category two” defined.  “City of population category two” means a city:

      1.  Organized pursuant to the provisions of chapter 266 of NRS; or

      2.  Incorporated pursuant to a special charter,

Ê whose population is more than 5,000 and less than 50,000.

      (Added to NRS by 1999, 262; A 2001, 633)

      NRS 293.0384  “City of population category three” defined.  “City of population category three” means a city:

      1.  Organized pursuant to the provisions of chapter 266 of NRS; or

      2.  Incorporated pursuant to a special charter,

Ê whose population is 5,000 or less.

      (Added to NRS by 1999, 262; A 2001, 633)

      NRS 293.040  “Clerk” defined.  “Clerk” means the election board officer designated or assigned to make the record of the election in the roster, tally list and challenge list in the precinct, district or polling place in which such officer is appointed.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 236; A 2001, 2946; 2007, 2581; 2015, 3147)

      NRS 293.042  “Contest” defined.  “Contest” means an adversary proceeding between a candidate for a public office who has received the greatest number of votes and any other candidate for that office or, in certain cases, any registered voter of the appropriate political subdivision, for the purpose of determining the validity of an election.

      (Added to NRS by 1975, 935)

      NRS 293.044  “County clerk” defined; synonymous with “registrar of voters” in certain counties.  Except as the term is used in NRS 293.393, whenever the term “county clerk” is used in this title it means “registrar of voters” in those counties where such office has been created pursuant to the provisions of NRS 244.164.

      (Added to NRS by 1965, 670; A 1983, 925)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 293.092)

      NRS 293.0455  “Declaration of candidacy” defined.  “Declaration of candidacy” means a declaration of candidacy that a person must file with the appropriate filing officer pursuant to this title in order to be named as a candidate on an official ballot at any election.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 3370)

      NRS 293.046  “Deputy clerk” defined.  “Deputy clerk” means a deputy clerk for early voting who is appointed pursuant to NRS 293.358 to serve as the election officer in charge of the polling place for early voting.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2167)

      NRS 293.050  “Election board officer” defined.  “Election board officer” means a person appointed to assist in the conduct of an election.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 236)

      NRS 293.055  “Elector” defined.  “Elector” means a person who is eligible to vote under the provisions of Section 1 of Article 2 of the Constitution of the State of Nevada.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 236)

      NRS 293.056  “Facsimile machine” defined.  “Facsimile machine” means a device that sends or receives a reproduction or facsimile of a document or photograph which is transmitted electronically or telephonically by telecommunications lines.

      (Added to NRS by 2001, 2946)

      NRS 293.057  “Filing officer” defined.  “Filing officer” means the Secretary of State, county or city clerk or any other officer authorized by law to receive designations and declarations of candidacy, certificates and acceptances of nomination or any other nomination papers.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 236; A 1987, 334)

      NRS 293.059  “General city election” defined.  “General city election” means an election held pursuant to NRS 293C.140 or 293C.145. The term includes a general municipal election held pursuant to the provisions of a special charter of an incorporated city.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 334; A 1997, 3447; 2003, 674; 2019, 3534)

      NRS 293.060  “General election” defined.  “General election” means the election held pursuant to NRS 293.12755.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 236; A 1987, 334)

      NRS 293.063  “Independent candidate” defined.  “Independent candidate” means a candidate who has been nominated for a partisan office but who is registered with no political party affiliation pursuant to the provisions of this title.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 236; A 1961, 284; 1963, 1386; 1967, 844)

      NRS 293.0635  “Information system” defined.  “Information system” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 480.906.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 3370)

      NRS 293.064  “Judicial office” defined.  “Judicial office” means the office filled by any judicial officer.

      (Added to NRS by 1961, 296)

      NRS 293.0643  “Judicial officer” defined.  “Judicial officer” means any justice of the Supreme Court, any judge of the Court of Appeals, any judge of a district court or any justice of the peace.

      (Added to NRS by 1961, 296; A 2013, 1776)

      NRS 293.065  “Mail” defined.  “Mail” means the depositing of printed or written matter in a mailbox or post office for delivery by the United States Postal Service.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 236; A 1987, 712)

      NRS 293.0653  “Mail ballot” defined.  “Mail ballot” means a mail ballot distributed to an active registered voter pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.269911 to 293.269937, inclusive, and NRS 293C.263 to 293C.26337, inclusive.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1216)

      NRS 293.0655  “Major political party” defined.  “Major political party” means any organization which qualifies as such pursuant to NRS 293.128.

      (Added to NRS by 1989, 221)

      NRS 293.0657  “Mechanical recording device” defined.  “Mechanical recording device” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 293B.032.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2772)

      NRS 293.0659  “Mechanical voting system” defined.  “Mechanical voting system” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 293B.033.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2772)

      NRS 293.066  “Minor political party” defined.  “Minor political party” means any organization which is organized as such pursuant to NRS 293.171.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 1359; A 2011, 3270)

      NRS 293.0675  “Nonpartisan office” defined.  “Nonpartisan office” means an elected office for which a political party may not nominate a candidate.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2772)

      NRS 293.068  “Oath” defined.  “Oath” includes affirmation.

      (Added to NRS by 1961, 296)

      NRS 293.069  “Petition district” defined.  “Petition district” means a district described in the shapefile adopted by NRS 304.095 for the election of Representatives in Congress.

      (Added to NRS by 2009, 2587; A 2011, 1783; 2021, 33rd Special Session, 4)

      NRS 293.070  “Physical disability” defined.  “Physical disability” means blindness or any other physical handicap making it impracticable to cast a ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237; A 1961, 285; 1985, 1092)

      NRS 293.073  “Political party” defined.  “Political party” means any minor or major political party.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237; A 1963, 1382; 1971, 434; 1987, 1361; 1989, 221)

      NRS 293.077  “Precinct” defined.  “Precinct” means the smallest voting area in a political subdivision.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237)

      NRS 293.0771  “Presidential preference primary election” defined.  “Presidential preference primary election” means an election held in a presidential election year pursuant to NRS 298.600 to 298.720, inclusive, to determine the preferences of the registered voters of a major political party regarding the party’s nominee for President of the United States.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 3878)

      NRS 293.079  “Primary city election” defined.  “Primary city election” means an election held pursuant to NRS 293C.175. The term includes a primary municipal election held pursuant to the provisions of a special charter of an incorporated city.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 334; A 1997, 3447; 2003, 674; 2019, 3534)

      NRS 293.080  “Primary election” defined.  “Primary election” means the election held pursuant to NRS 293.175.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237; A 1975, 374; 1983, 1116; 1987, 334)

      NRS 293.090  “Registered voter” defined.  “Registered voter” means an elector who has completed the procedure prescribed by law for registration as a voter.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237)

      NRS 293.0925  “Registrar of voters’ register” defined.  Repealed. (See chapter 554, Statutes of Nevada 2021, at page 3848.)

 

      NRS 293.093  “Regular votes” defined.  “Regular votes” means the votes cast by registered voters, except votes cast by:

      1.  A mail ballot;

      2.  A provisional ballot pursuant to NRS 293.3078 to 293.3086, inclusive; or

      3.  A provisional ballot pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237; A 2007, 2581; 2019, 4060; 2021, 1224)

      NRS 293.094  “Rejected ballot” defined.  “Rejected ballot” means a ballot that must not be counted because it is rejected by the election board or counting board for any reason required or authorized by this chapter.

      (Added to NRS by 1961, 296; A 1997, 749)

      NRS 293.095  “Roster” defined.  “Roster” means the record in printed or electronic form furnished to election board officers which:

      1.  Contains a list of registered voters and is to be used for obtaining the signature of each registered voter who applies to vote at a polling place; or

      2.  Is to be used for obtaining the signature of each elector who applies to register to vote or applies to vote at a polling place pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237; A 2015, 3147; 2019, 4060)

      NRS 293.097  “Sample ballot” defined.

      1.  “Sample ballot” means a document distributed by a county or city clerk upon which is included a list of the offices, candidates and ballot questions that will appear on a ballot.

      2.  The term includes, without limitation, any such document which is prepared on a computer and distributed by mail or electronic means pursuant to NRS 293.565 or 293C.530.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237; A 1987, 334, 690; 2007, 2581; 2015, 2641, 3147)

      NRS 293.100  “School office” defined.  “School office” means an office filled by a school officer.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237)

      NRS 293.103  “School officers” defined.  “School officers” means the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada, members of the State Board of Education and school district trustees.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237; A 1993, 388)

      NRS 293.104  “Security of an information system” defined.  “Security of an information system” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 480.910.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 3370)

      NRS 293.105  “Service of the United States” defined.  “Service of the United States” means the Armed Forces of the United States and the auxiliaries thereof, the United States Coast Guard, the merchant marine service of the United States, civilian employment by the Federal Government beyond the boundaries of the State of Nevada, and religious groups and welfare agencies officially attached to and serving with the Armed Forces of the United States.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237)

      NRS 293.107  “Spoiled ballot” defined.  “Spoiled ballot” means a ballot defaced by a voter and exchanged for a new one.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237)

      NRS 293.109  “State officer” defined.  “State officer” means:

      1.  The Governor;

      2.  The Lieutenant Governor;

      3.  The Secretary of State;

      4.  The State Treasurer;

      5.  The State Controller;

      6.  The Attorney General;

      7.  A justice of the Supreme Court;

      8.  A judge of the Court of Appeals;

      9.  A State Senator;

      10.  A State Assemblyman or Assemblywoman;

      11.  A regent of the University of Nevada;

      12.  A member of the State Board of Education; or

      13.  A district judge.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2167; A 2013, 1776)

      NRS 293.1105  “Statewide office” defined.  “Statewide office” means an elected state office whose candidates are voted upon in the general election by the registered voters of the entire State.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 1626)

      NRS 293.111  “Statewide voter registration list” defined.  “Statewide voter registration list” means the list of registered voters established and maintained pursuant to NRS 293.675.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2168)

      NRS 293.113  “Tally list” defined.  “Tally list” means:

      1.  The paper form furnished to election board officers to be used in recording the number of votes cast for each candidate and question on the ballot; or

      2.  An electronically generated report of the number of votes cast for each candidate and question on the ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 237; A 2007, 2582; 2015, 3147)

      NRS 293.115  “Township office” defined.  “Township office” is an office filled by a township officer.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 238)

      NRS 293.117  “Township officer” defined.  “Township officer” means a public official elected in a township to serve the township.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 238)

      NRS 293.119  “Undervote” defined.  “Undervote” means a ballot that has been cast by a voter but shows no legally valid selection for any candidate for a particular office or for a ballot question.

      (Added to NRS by 2011, 3270)

      NRS 293.1195  “United States Election Assistance Commission” defined.  “United States Election Assistance Commission” means the Election Assistance Commission created pursuant to 52 U.S.C. § 20921, as amended, or any successor agency.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 3370)

      NRS 293.1205  “Voter registration card” defined.  “Voter registration card” means a voter registration card that is issued to a voter pursuant to any provision of this title and contains the information set forth in NRS 293.484.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4050)

      NRS 293.121  “Voting district” defined.  “Voting district” means an area formed by the consolidation of two or more contiguous precincts.

      (Added to NRS by 1961, 296)

APPLICABILITY AND ADMINISTRATION

      NRS 293.124  Secretary of State to serve as Chief Officer of Elections; regulations.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall serve as the Chief Officer of Elections for this State. As Chief Officer, the Secretary of State is responsible for the execution and enforcement of the provisions of title 24 of NRS and all other provisions of state and federal law relating to elections in this State.

      2.  The Secretary of State shall adopt such regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2664; A 1995, 2257)

      NRS 293.126  Applicability of chapter to city elections.

      1.  The provisions of NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, apply to city elections.

      2.  The other provisions of this chapter, not inconsistent with the provisions of chapter 293C of NRS or a city charter, also apply to city elections.

      (Added to NRS by 1997, 3447; A 2019, 4060)

      NRS 293.1265  Inapplicability of certain laws to members or members-elect of Legislature; plenary and exclusive jurisdiction and power of each House over certain matters.

      1.  The provisions of this chapter or any other provision of law relating to the qualifications, elections and returns of members or members-elect of the Legislature do not apply to the extent that they conflict or are otherwise inconsistent with any provision of Section 6 of Article 4 of the Nevada Constitution, including, without limitation, any provision relating to the jurisdiction and power of each House of the Legislature to judge of the qualifications, elections and returns of its members, punish its members for disorderly conduct or expel or remove its members from office.

      2.  Each House of the Legislature has plenary and exclusive jurisdiction and power concerning any matter relating to any provision of Section 6 of Article 4 of the Nevada Constitution, and a member or member-elect of the Legislature cannot be disqualified from entering upon, taking, holding or exercising any powers or duties of the office unless disqualified by his or her own House.

      3.  A person becomes a member-elect of the Legislature on the day next after his or her election pursuant to Sections 3 and 4 of Article 4 of the Nevada Constitution and, on and after that date:

      (a) Each House of the Legislature has plenary and exclusive jurisdiction and power with regard to the member-elect concerning any matter relating to any provision of Section 6 of Article 4 of the Nevada Constitution; and

      (b) No action may be brought or maintained against the member-elect or the House concerning any matter relating to any provision of Section 6 of Article 4 of the Nevada Constitution.

      4.  If there is a conflict between any other provision of law and the provisions of this section, the provisions of this section control.

      (Added to NRS by 2017, 3295)

      NRS 293.127  Liberal construction of title and determination of real will of electors.

      1.  This title must be liberally construed to the end that:

      (a) All electors, including, without limitation, electors who are elderly or disabled, have an opportunity to participate in elections and to cast their votes privately;

      (b) An eligible voter with a physical or mental disability is not denied the right to vote solely because of the physical or mental disability; and

      (c) The real will of the electors is not defeated by any informality or by failure substantially to comply with the provisions of this title with respect to the giving of any notice or the conducting of an election or certifying the results thereof.

      2.  For purposes of counting a vote, the real will of an elector must be determined pursuant to NRS 293.3677 or 293C.369 or regulations adopted pursuant to NRS 293.3677 or 293C.369.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 238; A 1963, 1372; 2001, 1434, 2025; 2003, 149, 152)

      NRS 293.1273  Facsimile of signature created by computer to verify or compare signature.  A facsimile of a voter’s signature that is created by a computer may be used if a verification or comparison of the signature is required by any provision of this title.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2168; A 2019, 4060)

      NRS 293.1275  Counting of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in computing certain periods of time; exceptions.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, in computing any period of time specified for the execution of an act or event in this title, Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays and holidays proclaimed by the Governor must be counted.

      2.  If the last day limited for filing any paper mentioned in this title falls on a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday or any holiday proclaimed by the Governor, the period so limited must expire on the following business day at 5 p.m.

      3.  Saturdays, Sundays and holidays must not be counted if the provision specifying the period states that:

      (a) Any such days are excluded; or

      (b) The period is measured by working days.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 244; A 1995, 2774; 2003, 1701)

GENERAL ELECTIONS

      NRS 293.12755  Date.  A general election must be held throughout the State on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in each even-numbered year.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 334)

CIRCULATION AND SUFFICIENCY OF CERTAIN PETITIONS

      NRS 293.127563  Secretary of State to determine number of signatures required for certain petitions.

      1.  As soon as practicable after each general election, the Secretary of State shall determine the number of signatures required to be gathered from each petition district within the State for a petition for initiative or referendum that proposes a constitutional amendment or statewide measure.

      2.  To determine the number of signatures required to be gathered from each petition district, the Secretary of State shall calculate the amount that equals 10 percent of the voters who voted in this State at the last preceding general election and divide that amount by the number of petition districts. Fractional numbers must be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

      (Added to NRS by 2007, 2741; A 2009, 2587; 2011, 1783, 3271)

      NRS 293.127565  Use of public buildings to gather signatures on petitions; remedy for violation; regulations.

      1.  At each building that is open to the general public and occupied by the government of this State or a political subdivision of this State or an agency thereof, other than a building of a public elementary or secondary school, an area must be designated for the use of any person to gather signatures on a petition at any time that the building is open to the public. The area must be reasonable and may be inside or outside of the building. Each public officer or employee in control of the operation of a building governed by this subsection shall:

      (a) Designate the area at the building for the gathering of signatures; and

      (b) On an annual basis, submit to the Secretary of State and the county clerk for the county in which the building is located a notice of the area at the building designated for the gathering of signatures on a petition. The Secretary of State and the county clerks shall make available to the public a list of the areas at public buildings designated for the gathering of signatures on a petition.

      2.  Before a person may use an area designated pursuant to subsection 1, the person must notify the public officer or employee in control of the operation of the building governed by subsection 1 of the dates and times that the person intends to use the area to gather signatures on a petition. The public officer or employee may not deny the person the use of the area.

      3.  Not later than 3 working days after the date of the decision that aggrieved the person, a person aggrieved by a decision made by a public officer or employee pursuant to subsection 1 or 2 may appeal the decision to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall review the decision to determine whether the public officer or employee violated subsection 1 or 2. If the Secretary of State determines a public officer or employee violated subsection 1 or 2 and that a person was denied the use of a public building for the purpose of gathering signatures on a petition, the Secretary of State shall order that the deadline for filing the petition provided pursuant to NRS 293.128, 293.172, 293.200, 295.056, 298.109, 306.015 or 306.110 must be extended for a period equal to the time that the person was denied the use of a public building for the purpose of gathering signatures on a petition, but in no event may the deadline be extended for a period of more than 5 days.

      4.  The decision of the Secretary of State is a final decision for the purposes of judicial review. Not later than 7 days after the date of the decision by the Secretary of State, the decision of the Secretary of State may only be appealed in the First Judicial District Court. If the First Judicial District Court determines that the public officer or employee violated subsection 1 or 2 and that a person was denied the use of a public building for the purpose of gathering signatures on a petition, the Court shall order that the deadline for filing the petition provided pursuant to NRS 293.128, 293.172, 293.200, 295.056, 298.109, 306.015 or 306.110 must be extended for a period equal to the time that the person was denied the use of a public building for the purpose of gathering signatures on a petition, but in no event may the deadline be extended for a period of more than 5 days.

      5.  The Secretary of State may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of subsection 3.

      (Added to NRS by 2001, 1347; A 2005, 1432, 2828; 2019, 1627)

      NRS 293.12757  Qualification to sign petition. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]  If a person is qualified to register to vote and has properly completed any method authorized by the provisions of this title to register to vote:

      1.  The person may sign a petition required under the election laws of this State on or after the date on which the person is deemed to be registered to vote pursuant to NRS 293.4855, 293.517, 293.5235, 293.5752 or 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, or any other provision of this title; and

      2.  The county clerk shall use the date prescribed by subsection 1 for the purposes of the verification of the person’s signature on the petition.

      (Added to NRS by 1999, 3546; A 2005, 2829; 2007, 2582; 2017, 3843; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2019, 4060)

      NRS 293.12757  Qualification to sign petition. [Effective January 1, 2025.]  If a person is qualified to register to vote and has properly completed any method authorized by the provisions of this title to register to vote:

      1.  The person may sign a petition required under the election laws of this State on or after the date on which the person is deemed to be registered to vote pursuant to NRS 293.4855, 293.517, 293.5235, 293.57695 or 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, or any other provision of this title; and

      2.  The county clerk shall use the date prescribed by subsection 1 for the purposes of the verification of the person’s signature on the petition.

      (Added to NRS by 1999, 3546; A 2005, 2829; 2007, 2582; 2017, 3843; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2019, 4060, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.12758  Receipt issued by county clerk; requirements for petition.

      1.  The county clerk shall issue a receipt to any person who submits a petition for the verification of signatures pursuant to the election laws of this State, including, without limitation, a petition of candidacy. The receipt must state:

      (a) The number of documents submitted;

      (b) The number of pages of each document; and

      (c) The number of signatures which the person declares are on the petition.

      2.  If a petition consists of more than one document, all of the documents must be submitted to the county clerk for verification at the same time.

      3.  The county clerk shall not accept a petition unless each page of the petition is numbered.

      4.  Each signature on the petition must be signed in ink. The county clerk shall disregard any signature which is not signed in ink.

      5.  As used in this section, “document” includes material which is separately compiled and bound together and may consist of one or more sheets of paper.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2664; A 2019, 3371)

      NRS 293.1276  County clerk to forward number of signatures to Secretary of State; notice of failure to file required number of signatures; handling of petition; regulations.

      1.  Within 4 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the submission of a petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to NRS 293.128, 295.056, 298.109, 306.035 or 306.110, and within 2 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the submission of a petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to NRS 293.172 or 293.200, the county clerk shall determine the total number of signatures affixed to the documents and, in the case of a petition for initiative or referendum proposing a constitutional amendment or statewide measure, shall tally the number of signatures for each petition district contained fully or partially within the county and forward that information to the Secretary of State.

      2.  If the Secretary of State finds that the total number of signatures filed with all the county clerks is less than 100 percent of the required number of registered voters, the Secretary of State shall so notify the person who submitted the petition and the county clerks and no further action may be taken in regard to the petition. If the petition is a petition to recall a county, district or municipal officer, the Secretary of State shall also notify the officer with whom the petition is to be filed.

      3.  After the petition is submitted to the county clerk, it must not be handled by any other person except by an employee of the county clerk’s office until it is filed with the Secretary of State.

      4.  The Secretary of State may adopt regulations establishing procedures to carry out the provisions of this section.

      (Added to NRS by 1985, 1090; A 1987, 1361; 1993, 2665; 1997, 750; 1999, 2147; 2009, 2588; 2011, 1784, 3271; 2015, 3568)

      NRS 293.1277  Verification of signatures by county clerks; regulations. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  If the Secretary of State finds that the total number of signatures submitted to all the county clerks is 100 percent or more of the number of registered voters needed to declare the petition sufficient, the Secretary of State shall immediately so notify the county clerks. After the notification, each of the county clerks shall determine the number of registered voters who have signed the documents submitted in the county clerk’s county and, in the case of a petition for initiative or referendum proposing a constitutional amendment or statewide measure, shall tally the number of signatures for each petition district contained or fully contained within the county clerk’s county. This determination must be completed within 9 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the notification pursuant to this subsection regarding a petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to NRS 293.128, 295.056, 298.109 or 306.110, within 20 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the notification pursuant to this subsection regarding a petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to NRS 306.035, and within 3 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the notification pursuant to this subsection regarding a petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to NRS 293.172 or 293.200. For the purpose of verification pursuant to this section, the county clerk shall not include in his or her tally of total signatures any signature included in the incorrect petition district.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections 3 and 4, if more than 500 names have been signed on the documents submitted to a county clerk, the county clerk shall examine the signatures by sampling them at random for verification. The random sample of signatures to be verified must be drawn in such a manner that every signature which has been submitted to the county clerk is given an equal opportunity to be included in the sample. The sample must include an examination of:

      (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), at least 500 or 5 percent of the signatures, whichever is greater.

      (b) If the petition is for the recall of a public officer who holds a statewide office, at least 25 percent of the signatures.

Ê If documents were submitted to the county clerk for more than one petition district wholly contained within that county, a separate random sample must be performed for each petition district.

      3.  If a petition district comprises more than one county and the petition is for an initiative or referendum proposing a constitutional amendment or a statewide measure, and if more than 500 names have been signed on the documents submitted for that petition district, the appropriate county clerks shall examine the signatures by sampling them at random for verification. The random sample of signatures to be verified must be drawn in such a manner that every signature which has been submitted to the county clerks within the petition district is given an equal opportunity to be included in the sample. The sample must include an examination of at least 500 or 5 percent of the signatures presented in the petition district, whichever is greater. The Secretary of State shall determine the number of signatures that must be verified by each county clerk within the petition district.

      4.  If a petition is for the recall of a public officer who does not hold a statewide office, each county clerk:

      (a) Shall not examine the signatures by sampling them at random for verification;

      (b) Shall examine for verification every signature on the documents submitted to the county clerk; and

      (c) When determining the total number of valid signatures on the documents, shall remove each name of a registered voter who submitted a request to have his or her name removed from the petition pursuant to NRS 306.015.

      5.  In determining from the records of registration the number of registered voters who signed the documents, the county clerk may use the signatures contained in the file of applications to register to vote. If the county clerk uses that file, the county clerk shall ensure that every application in the file is examined, including any application in his or her possession which may not yet be entered into the county clerk’s records. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, the county clerk shall rely only on the appearance of the signature and the address and date included with each signature in making his or her determination.

      6.  If:

      (a) A person registers to vote using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671;

      (b) A person registers to vote pursuant to NRS 293D.230 and signs his or her application to register to vote using a digital signature or an electronic signature; or

      (c) A person registers to vote pursuant to NRS 293.5742,

Ê the county clerk may rely on such other indicia as prescribed by the Secretary of State in making his or her determination.

      7.  In the case of a petition for initiative or referendum proposing a constitutional amendment or statewide measure, when the county clerk is determining the number of registered voters who signed the documents from each petition district contained fully or partially within the county clerk’s county, he or she must use the statewide voter registration list available pursuant to NRS 293.675.

      8.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 10, upon completing the examination, the county clerk shall immediately attach to the documents a certificate properly dated, showing the result of the examination, including the tally of signatures by petition district, if required, and transmit the documents with the certificate to the Secretary of State. In the case of a petition for initiative or referendum proposing a constitutional amendment or statewide measure, if a petition district comprises more than one county, the appropriate county clerks shall comply with the regulations adopted by the Secretary of State pursuant to this section to complete the certificate. A copy of this certificate must be filed in the clerk’s office. When the county clerk transmits the certificate to the Secretary of State, the county clerk shall notify the Secretary of State of the number of requests to remove a name received by the county clerk pursuant to NRS 295.055 or pursuant to NRS 306.015 for a petition to recall a public officer who holds a statewide office, if applicable.

      9.  A person who submits a petition to the county clerk which is required to be verified pursuant to NRS 293.128, 293.172, 293.200, 295.056, 298.109, 306.035 or 306.110 must be allowed to witness the verification of the signatures. A public officer who is the subject of a recall petition must also be allowed to witness the verification of the signatures on the petition.

      10.  For any petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.200, 306.035 or 306.110 for any county, district or municipal office within one county, the county clerk shall not transmit to the Secretary of State the documents containing the signatures of the registered voters.

      11.  The Secretary of State shall by regulation establish further procedures for carrying out the provisions of this section.

      (Added to NRS by 1985, 1090; A 1987, 1361; 1993, 2665; 1995, 2257; 1997, 750; 1999, 2147; 2001, 641; 2009, 2588; 2011, 1784, 2083, 3271; 2013, 29; 2015, 3568; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2019, 1628, 4060; 2021, 3818)

      NRS 293.1277  Verification of signatures by county clerks; regulations. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  If the Secretary of State finds that the total number of signatures submitted to all the county clerks is 100 percent or more of the number of registered voters needed to declare the petition sufficient, the Secretary of State shall immediately so notify the county clerks. After the notification, each of the county clerks shall determine the number of registered voters who have signed the documents submitted in the county clerk’s county and, in the case of a petition for initiative or referendum proposing a constitutional amendment or statewide measure, shall tally the number of signatures for each petition district contained or fully contained within the county clerk’s county. This determination must be completed within 9 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the notification pursuant to this subsection regarding a petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to NRS 293.128, 295.056, 298.109 or 306.110, within 20 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the notification pursuant to this subsection regarding a petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to NRS 306.035, and within 3 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the notification pursuant to this subsection regarding a petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to NRS 293.172 or 293.200. For the purpose of verification pursuant to this section, the county clerk shall not include in his or her tally of total signatures any signature included in the incorrect petition district.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections 3 and 4, if more than 500 names have been signed on the documents submitted to a county clerk, the county clerk shall examine the signatures by sampling them at random for verification. The random sample of signatures to be verified must be drawn in such a manner that every signature which has been submitted to the county clerk is given an equal opportunity to be included in the sample. The sample must include an examination of:

      (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), at least 500 or 5 percent of the signatures, whichever is greater.

      (b) If the petition is for the recall of a public officer who holds a statewide office, at least 25 percent of the signatures.

Ê If documents were submitted to the county clerk for more than one petition district wholly contained within that county, a separate random sample must be performed for each petition district.

      3.  If a petition district comprises more than one county and the petition is for an initiative or referendum proposing a constitutional amendment or a statewide measure, and if more than 500 names have been signed on the documents submitted for that petition district, the appropriate county clerks shall examine the signatures by sampling them at random for verification. The random sample of signatures to be verified must be drawn in such a manner that every signature which has been submitted to the county clerks within the petition district is given an equal opportunity to be included in the sample. The sample must include an examination of at least 500 or 5 percent of the signatures presented in the petition district, whichever is greater. The Secretary of State shall determine the number of signatures that must be verified by each county clerk within the petition district.

      4.  If a petition is for the recall of a public officer who does not hold a statewide office, each county clerk:

      (a) Shall not examine the signatures by sampling them at random for verification;

      (b) Shall examine for verification every signature on the documents submitted to the county clerk; and

      (c) When determining the total number of valid signatures on the documents, shall remove each name of a registered voter who submitted a request to have his or her name removed from the petition pursuant to NRS 306.015.

      5.  In determining from the records of registration the number of registered voters who signed the documents, the county clerk may use the signatures contained in the file of applications to register to vote. If the county clerk uses that file, the county clerk shall ensure that every application in the file is examined, including any application in his or her possession which may not yet be entered into the county clerk’s records. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, the county clerk shall rely only on the appearance of the signature and the address and date included with each signature in making his or her determination.

      6.  If:

      (a) A person registers to vote using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671;

      (b) A person registers to vote pursuant to NRS 293D.230 and signs his or her application to register to vote using a digital signature or an electronic signature; or

      (c) A person is registered to vote by an automatic voter registration agency,

Ê the county clerk may rely on such other indicia as prescribed by the Secretary of State in making his or her determination.

      7.  In the case of a petition for initiative or referendum proposing a constitutional amendment or statewide measure, when the county clerk is determining the number of registered voters who signed the documents from each petition district contained fully or partially within the county clerk’s county, he or she must use the statewide voter registration list available pursuant to NRS 293.675.

      8.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 10, upon completing the examination, the county clerk shall immediately attach to the documents a certificate properly dated, showing the result of the examination, including the tally of signatures by petition district, if required, and transmit the documents with the certificate to the Secretary of State. In the case of a petition for initiative or referendum proposing a constitutional amendment or statewide measure, if a petition district comprises more than one county, the appropriate county clerks shall comply with the regulations adopted by the Secretary of State pursuant to this section to complete the certificate. A copy of this certificate must be filed in the clerk’s office. When the county clerk transmits the certificate to the Secretary of State, the county clerk shall notify the Secretary of State of the number of requests to remove a name received by the county clerk pursuant to NRS 295.055 or pursuant to NRS 306.015 for a petition to recall a public officer who holds a statewide office, if applicable.

      9.  A person who submits a petition to the county clerk which is required to be verified pursuant to NRS 293.128, 293.172, 293.200, 295.056, 298.109, 306.035 or 306.110 must be allowed to witness the verification of the signatures. A public officer who is the subject of a recall petition must also be allowed to witness the verification of the signatures on the petition.

      10.  For any petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.200, 306.035 or 306.110 for any county, district or municipal office within one county, the county clerk shall not transmit to the Secretary of State the documents containing the signatures of the registered voters.

      11.  The Secretary of State shall by regulation establish further procedures for carrying out the provisions of this section.

      (Added to NRS by 1985, 1090; A 1987, 1361; 1993, 2665; 1995, 2257; 1997, 750; 1999, 2147; 2001, 641; 2009, 2588; 2011, 1784, 2083, 3271; 2013, 29; 2015, 3568; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2019, 1628, 4060; 2021, 3818, 3852; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.1278  Qualification or disqualification of petition upon receipt of certificates or amended certificates by Secretary of State.

      1.  If the certificates received by the Secretary of State from all the county clerks establish that the number of valid signatures is less than 90 percent of the required number of registered voters, the petition shall be deemed to have failed to qualify, and the Secretary of State shall immediately so notify the petitioners and the county clerks.

      2.  If those certificates establish that the number of valid signatures is equal to or more than the sum of 100 percent of the number of registered voters needed to make the petition sufficient plus the total number of requests to remove a name received by the county clerks pursuant to NRS 295.055 or pursuant to NRS 306.015 for a petition to recall a public officer who holds a statewide office, if applicable, and, in the case of a petition for initiative or referendum proposing a constitutional amendment or statewide measure, that the petition has the minimum number of signatures required for each petition district, the petition shall be deemed to qualify as of the date of receipt by the Secretary of State of those certificates, and the Secretary of State shall immediately so notify the petitioners and the county clerks.

      3.  If the certificates establish that the petitioners have 100 percent or more of the number of registered voters needed to make the petition sufficient but the petition fails to qualify pursuant to subsection 2, each county clerk who received a request to remove a name pursuant to NRS 295.055 or pursuant to NRS 306.015 for a petition to recall a public officer who holds a statewide office, if applicable, shall remove each name as requested, amend the certificate and transmit the amended certificate to the Secretary of State. If the amended certificates establish that the petitioners have 100 percent or more of the number of registered voters needed to make the petition sufficient and, in the case of a petition for initiative or referendum proposing a constitutional amendment or statewide measure, that the petition has the minimum number of signatures required for each petition district, the petition shall be deemed to qualify as of the date of receipt by the Secretary of State of the amended certificates, and the Secretary of State shall immediately so notify the petitioners and the county clerks.

      (Added to NRS by 1985, 1091; A 1993, 2666; 2001, 642; 2009, 2589; 2011, 1786, 3273; 2019, 1630)

      NRS 293.1279  Qualification or disqualification of petition upon verification of signatures; regulations.

      1.  If the statistical sampling shows that the number of valid signatures filed is 90 percent or more, but less than the sum of 100 percent of the number of signatures of registered voters needed to declare the petition sufficient plus the total number of requests to remove a name received by the county clerks pursuant to NRS 295.055 or pursuant to NRS 306.015 for a petition to recall a public officer who holds a statewide office, if applicable, the Secretary of State shall order the county clerks to examine the signatures for verification. The county clerks shall examine the signatures for verification until they determine that 100 percent of the number of signatures of registered voters needed to declare the petition sufficient are valid. If the county clerks received a request to remove a name pursuant to NRS 295.055 or pursuant to NRS 306.015 for a petition to recall a public officer who holds a statewide office, if applicable, the county clerks may not determine that 100 percent of the number of signatures of registered voters needed to declare the petition sufficient are valid until they have removed each name as requested pursuant to NRS 295.055 or 306.015.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if the statistical sampling shows that the number of valid signatures filed in any county is 90 percent or more but less than the sum of 100 percent of the number of signatures of registered voters needed to constitute 10 percent of the number of voters who voted at the last preceding general election in that county plus the total number of requests to remove a name received by the county clerk in that county pursuant to NRS 295.055 or pursuant to NRS 306.015 for a petition to recall a public officer who holds a statewide office, if applicable, the Secretary of State may order the county clerk in that county to examine every signature for verification. If the county clerk received a request to remove a name pursuant to NRS 295.055 or pursuant to NRS 306.015 for a petition to recall a public officer who holds a statewide office, if applicable, the county clerk may not determine that 100 percent or more of the number of signatures of registered voters needed to constitute 10 percent of the number of voters who voted at the last preceding general election in that county are valid until the county clerk has removed each name as requested pursuant to NRS 295.055 or 306.015. In the case of a petition for initiative or referendum that proposes a constitutional amendment or statewide measure, if the statistical sampling shows that the number of valid signatures in any petition district is 90 percent or more but less than the sum of 100 percent of the number of signatures of registered voters required for that petition district pursuant to NRS 295.012 plus the total number of requests to remove a name received by the county clerk or county clerks, if the petition district comprises more than one county, pursuant to NRS 295.055, the Secretary of State may order a county clerk to examine every signature for verification.

      3.  After the receipt of such an order, the county clerk or county clerks shall determine from the records of registration what number of registered voters have signed the petition and, if appropriate, tally those signatures by petition district. This determination must be completed within 12 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the receipt of an order regarding a petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to NRS 293.128, 295.056, 298.109 or 306.110, or pursuant to NRS 306.035 for a petition to recall a public officer who holds a statewide office, and within 5 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the receipt of an order regarding a petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to NRS 293.172 or 293.200. If necessary, the board of county commissioners shall allow the county clerk additional assistants for examining the signatures and provide for their compensation. In determining from the records of registration what number of registered voters have signed the petition and in determining in which petition district the voters reside, the county clerk must use the statewide voter registration list. The county clerk may rely on the appearance of the signature and the address and date included with each signature in determining the number of registered voters that signed the petition.

      4.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, upon completing the examination, the county clerk or county clerks shall immediately attach to the documents of the petition an amended certificate, properly dated, showing the result of the examination and shall immediately forward the documents with the amended certificate to the Secretary of State. A copy of the amended certificate must be filed in the county clerk’s office. In the case of a petition for initiative or referendum to propose a constitutional amendment or statewide measure, if a petition district comprises more than one county, the county clerks shall comply with the regulations adopted by the Secretary of State pursuant to this section to complete the amended certificate.

      5.  For any petition containing signatures which are required to be verified pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.200, 306.035 or 306.110 for any county, district or municipal office within one county, the county clerk shall not forward to the Secretary of State the documents containing the signatures of the registered voters.

      6.  Except for a petition to recall a county, district or municipal officer, the petition shall be deemed filed with the Secretary of State as of the date on which the Secretary of State receives certificates from the county clerks showing the petition to be signed by the requisite number of voters of the State.

      7.  If the amended certificates received from all county clerks by the Secretary of State establish that the petition is still insufficient, the Secretary of State shall immediately so notify the petitioners and the county clerks. If the petition is a petition to recall a county, district or municipal officer, the Secretary of State shall also notify the filing officer with whom the petition is to be filed.

      8.  The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.

      (Added to NRS by 1985, 1091; A 1985, 551; 1987, 1362; 1993, 2666; 1997, 751; 1999, 2148; 2001, 642; 2003, 2174; 2007, 2742; 2009, 2590; 2011, 1786, 3273; 2015, 3570; 2019, 1630)

      NRS 293.12793  Appeal with Secretary of State contesting verification of signatures; notification of public officer who is subject of petition to recall; consideration and investigation of allegations.

      1.  If the Secretary of State determines that the total number of signatures that the county clerks have certified pursuant to NRS 293.1277 or 293.1279 is less than 100 percent of the number of registered voters needed to make the petition sufficient, the person who submitted the petition may contest the verification of the signatures by filing an appeal with the Secretary of State. The appeal must:

      (a) Be filed within 5 working days after receipt of notification of the determination of the Secretary of State;

      (b) Include each reason for the appeal; and

      (c) Include a statement of the number of signatures, if any, that the county clerk determined were invalid.

      2.  The Secretary of State shall:

      (a) If the petition was circulated pursuant to chapter 306 of NRS, immediately notify the public officer who is the subject of the petition of the appeal by the person who submitted the petition; and

      (b) Consider the allegations and conduct an investigation, if necessary.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2664; A 1997, 752; 1999, 3546)

      NRS 293.12795  Action by Secretary of State upon review of appeal; judicial review of decision of Secretary of State.

      1.  If an appeal is based upon the results of the verification of signatures on a petition performed pursuant to NRS 293.1277 or 293.1279, the Secretary of State shall:

      (a) If the Secretary of State finds for the appellant, order the county clerk to recertify the petition, including as verified signatures all contested signatures which the Secretary of State determines are valid. If the county clerk has not yet removed each name as requested pursuant to NRS 295.055 or pursuant to NRS 306.015 for a petition to recall a public officer who holds a statewide office, the county clerk shall do so before recertifying the petition.

      (b) If the Secretary of State does not find for the appellant, notify the appellant and the county clerk that the petition remains insufficient.

      2.  If the Secretary of State is unable to make a decision on the appeal based upon the documents submitted, the Secretary of State may order the county clerk to reverify the signatures.

      3.  The decision of the Secretary of State is a final decision for the purposes of judicial review. The decision of the Secretary of State may only be appealed in the First Judicial District Court.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2664; A 2001, 643; 2019, 1632)

MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES

      NRS 293.128  Procedure for qualification.

      1.  To qualify as a major political party, any organization must, under a common name:

      (a) On January 1 preceding any primary election, have been designated as a political party on the applications to register to vote of at least 10 percent of the total number of registered voters in this State; or

      (b) File a petition with the Secretary of State not later than the last Friday in February before any primary election signed by a number of registered voters equal to or more than 10 percent of the total number of votes cast at the last preceding general election for the offices of Representative in Congress.

      2.  If a petition is filed pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1, the names of the voters need not all be on one document, but each document of the petition must be verified by the circulator thereof to the effect that the signers are registered voters of this State according to the circulator’s best information and belief and that the signatures are genuine and were signed in the circulator’s presence. Each document of the petition must bear the name of a county, and only registered voters of that county may sign the document. The documents which are circulated for signature must then be submitted for verification pursuant to NRS 293.1276 to 293.1279, inclusive, not later than 25 working days before the last Friday in February preceding a primary election.

      3.  In addition to the requirements set forth in subsection 1, each organization which wishes to qualify as a political party must file with the Secretary of State a certificate of existence which includes the:

      (a) Name of the political party;

      (b) Names and addresses of its officers;

      (c) Names of the members of its executive committee; and

      (d) Name of the person who is authorized by the party to act as registered agent in this State.

      4.  A political party shall file with the Secretary of State an amended certificate of existence within 5 days after any change in the information contained in the certificate.

      (Added to NRS by 1971, 433; A 1975, 936; 1979, 262; 1985, 1092; 1987, 1363; 1989, 221, 1727, 2158; 1995, 2258, 2623; 1997, 652; 1999, 3546; 2003, 1701; 2007, 2717; 2009, 1259)

      NRS 293.165  Procedure for filling certain vacancies in major or minor political party nomination or nonpartisan nomination; deadline for making changes to general election ballot.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.166, a vacancy occurring in a major or minor political party nomination for a partisan office may be filled by a candidate designated by the party central committee of the county or State, as the case may be, of the major political party or by the executive committee of the minor political party subject to the provisions of subsections 3, 4 and 5.

      2.  A vacancy occurring in a nonpartisan office or nomination for a nonpartisan office after the close of filing and before 5 p.m. of the fourth Friday in July of the year in which the general election is held must be filled by the person who receives or received the next highest vote for the nomination in the primary election if a primary election was held for that nonpartisan office. If no primary election was held for that nonpartisan office or if there was not more than one person who was seeking the nonpartisan nomination in the primary election, a person may become a candidate for the nonpartisan office at the general election if the person files a declaration of candidacy with the appropriate filing officer and pays the filing fee required by NRS 293.193 after 8 a.m. on the third Monday in June, or if the third Monday in June is a legal holiday, on the day immediately following the third Monday in June, and before 5 p.m. on the fourth Friday in July.

      3.  If a vacancy occurs in a major political party nomination for a partisan office after the primary election and before 5 p.m. on the fourth Friday in July of the year in which the general election is held and:

      (a) The vacancy occurs because the nominee dies or is adjudicated insane or mentally incompetent, the vacancy may be filled by a candidate designated by the party central committee of the county or State, as the case may be, of the major political party.

      (b) The vacancy occurs for a reason other than the reasons described in paragraph (a), the nominee’s name must remain on the ballot for the general election and, if elected, a vacancy exists.

      4.  No change may be made on the ballot for the general election after 5 p.m. on the fourth Friday in July of the year in which the general election is held. If, after that time and date:

      (a) A nominee dies or is adjudicated insane or mentally incompetent; or

      (b) A vacancy in the nomination is otherwise created,

Ê the nominee’s name must remain on the ballot for the general election and, if elected, a vacancy exists.

      5.  Each designation of a candidate provided for in this section must be filed with the appropriate filing officer before 5 p.m. on the fourth Friday in July of the year in which the general election is held. In each case, the candidate must file a declaration of candidacy with the appropriate filing officer and pay the filing fee required by NRS 293.193 before 5 p.m. on the date the designation is filed.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 242; A 1965, 668; 1967, 845; 1971, 437; 1981, 1698; 1989, 2159; 1993, 2174; 1995, 2774; 1999, 2149, 3547; 2001, 274, 2947; 2003, 1703; 2005, 1432; 2009, 1259; 2011, 3275; 2013, 1178, 2370; 2015, 3572; 2019, 3371; 2023, 1464)

      NRS 293.166  Procedure for filling certain vacancies in party nomination for office of State Legislator from multicounty legislative district; deadline for making changes to general election ballot.

      1.  A vacancy occurring in a party nomination for the office of State Senator, Assemblyman or Assemblywoman from a legislative district comprising more than one county may be filled as follows, subject to the provisions of subsections 2, 3 and 4. The county commissioners of each county, all or part of which is included within the legislative district, shall meet to appoint a person who is of the same political party as the former nominee and who actually, as opposed to constructively, resides in the district to fill the vacancy, with the chair of the board of county commissioners of the county whose population residing within the district is the greatest presiding. Each board of county commissioners shall first meet separately and determine the single candidate it will nominate to fill the vacancy. Then, the boards shall meet jointly and the chairs on behalf of the boards shall cast a proportionate number of votes according to the percent, rounded to the nearest whole percent, which the population of its county is of the population of the entire district. Populations must be determined by the last decennial census or special census conducted by the Bureau of the Census of the United States Department of Commerce. The person who receives a plurality of these votes is appointed to fill the vacancy. If no person receives a plurality of the votes, the boards of county commissioners of the respective counties shall each as a group select one candidate, and the nominee must be chosen by drawing lots among the persons so selected.

      2.  If a vacancy occurs in a party nomination for the office of State Senator, Assemblyman or Assemblywoman from a legislative district comprising more than one county after the primary election and before 5 p.m. on the fourth Friday in July of the year in which the general election is held and:

      (a) The vacancy occurs because the nominee dies or is adjudicated insane or mentally incompetent, the vacancy may be filled pursuant to the provisions of subsection 1.

      (b) The vacancy occurs for a reason other than the reasons described in paragraph (a), the nominee’s name must remain on the ballot for the general election and, if elected, a vacancy exists.

      3.  No change may be made on the ballot for the general election after 5 p.m. on the fourth Friday in July of the year in which the general election is held. If, after that time and date:

      (a) A nominee dies or is adjudicated insane or mentally incompetent; or

      (b) A vacancy in the nomination is otherwise created,

Ê the nominee’s name must remain on the ballot for the general election and, if elected, a vacancy exists.

      4.  Each designation of a candidate provided for in this section must be filed with the appropriate filing officer before 5 p.m. on the fourth Friday in July of the year in which the general election is held. In each case, the candidate must file a declaration of candidacy with the appropriate filing officer and pay the filing fee required by NRS 293.193 before 5 p.m. on the date the designation is filed.

      (Added to NRS by 1967, 1087; A 1971, 437; 1981, 1699; 1989, 2159; 1999, 2150; 2005, 1433; 2011, 3276; 2013, 1179; 2015, 3573; 2019, 3372)

      NRS 293.167  Nomination of party candidates for United States Senator or Representative in Congress.  Party candidates for United States Senator and Representative in Congress shall be nominated in the same manner as state officers are nominated.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 242)

MINOR POLITICAL PARTIES

      NRS 293.171  Procedure for organization.

      1.  To be organized as a minor political party, an organization must file with the Secretary of State a certificate of existence which includes the:

      (a) Name of the political party;

      (b) Names of its officers;

      (c) Names of the members of its executive committee; and

      (d) Name of the person authorized to file the list of its candidates for partisan office with the Secretary of State.

      2.  A copy of the constitution or bylaws of the party must be affixed to the certificate.

      3.  A minor political party shall file with the Secretary of State an amended certificate of existence within 5 days after any change in the information contained in the certificate.

      4.  The constitution or bylaws of a minor political party must provide a procedure for the nomination of its candidates in such a manner that only one candidate may be nominated for each office.

      5.  A minor political party whose candidates for partisan office do not appear on the ballot for the general election must file a notice of continued existence with the Secretary of State not later than the second Friday in August preceding the general election.

      6.  A minor political party which fails to file a notice of continued existence as required by subsection 5 ceases to exist as a minor political party in this State.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 1359; A 1989, 2160; 1999, 3548; 2011, 3276)

      NRS 293.1715  Procedure to place candidates’ names on ballot; limitation on number of candidates to appear on ballot; procedure to determine number of signatures required.

      1.  The names of the candidates for partisan office of a minor political party must not appear on the ballot for a primary election or presidential preference primary election.

      2.  The names of the candidates for partisan office of a minor political party must be placed on the ballot for the general election if the minor political party is qualified. To qualify as a minor political party, the minor political party must have filed a certificate of existence and be organized pursuant to NRS 293.171, must have filed a list of its candidates for partisan office pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.1725 with the Secretary of State and:

      (a) At the last preceding general election, the minor political party must have polled for any of its candidates for partisan office a number of votes equal to or more than 1 percent of the total number of votes cast for the offices of Representative in Congress;

      (b) On January 1 preceding a primary election, the minor political party must have been designated as the political party on the applications to register to vote of at least 1 percent of the total number of registered voters in this State; or

      (c) On June 1 preceding the general election or, if the date falls on a weekend, the first Monday in June, must file a petition with the Secretary of State which is signed by a number of registered voters equal to at least 1 percent of the total number of votes cast at the last preceding general election for the offices of Representative in Congress which must be apportioned equally among the petition districts.

      3.  The name of only one candidate of each minor political party for each partisan office may appear on the ballot for a general election.

      4.  A minor political party must file a copy of the petition required by paragraph (c) of subsection 2 with the Secretary of State before the petition may be circulated for signatures.

      5.  To determine the number of signatures required by paragraph (c) of subsection 2 to be gathered from each petition district, the Secretary of State shall calculate the number that equals 1 percent of the voters who voted in this State at the last preceding general election and apportion that number by the number of petition districts. Fractional numbers must be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 1360; A 1989, 2160; 1993, 2174; 1995, 2259; 1999, 1389, 3548; 2003, 1641; 2009, 1260; 2011, 3277; 2015, 3573; 2021, 1973, 3881)

      NRS 293.172  Contents of petition required to place candidates’ names on ballot; limitation on who may sign petition; requirements for signing.

      1.  A petition filed pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 293.1715 may consist of more than one document. Each document of the petition must:

      (a) Bear the name of the minor political party and, if applicable, the candidate and office to which the candidate is to be nominated.

      (b) Include the affidavit of the person who circulated the document verifying that the signers are registered voters in this State according to his or her best information and belief and that the signatures are genuine and were signed in his or her presence.

      (c) Bear the name of a county and be submitted to the county clerk of that county for verification in the manner prescribed in NRS 293.1276 to 293.1279, inclusive, not later than 10 working days before the last day to file the petition. A challenge to the form of a document must be made in a district court in the county that is named on the document.

      (d) Be signed only by registered voters of the county that is named on the document.

      2.  If the office to which the candidate is to be nominated is a county office, only the registered voters of that county may sign the petition. If the office to which the candidate is to be nominated is a district office, only the registered voters of that district may sign the petition.

      3.  Each person who signs a petition shall also provide the address of the place where he or she resides, the date that he or she signs and the name of the county in which he or she is registered to vote.

      4.  The county clerk shall not disqualify the signature of a voter who failed to provide all the information required by subsection 3 if the voter is registered in the county named on the document.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 1360; A 1993, 2667; 1999, 1390, 3549; 2011, 3278; 2015, 3574)

      NRS 293.1725  Candidates: Submission of list to Secretary of State; filing of declaration of candidacy and certificate of nomination.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, a minor political party that wishes to place its candidates for partisan office on the ballot for a general election and:

      (a) Is entitled to do so pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection 2 of NRS 293.1715; or

      (b) Files or will file a petition pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 2 of NRS 293.1715,

Ê must file with the Secretary of State a list of its candidates for partisan office not earlier than the first Monday in March preceding the election and not later than 5 p.m. on the second Friday after the first Monday in March. The list must be signed by the person so authorized in the certificate of existence of the minor political party before a notary public or other person authorized to take acknowledgments. The list may be amended not later than 5 p.m. on the second Friday after the first Monday in March.

      2.  The Secretary of State shall immediately forward a certified copy of the list of candidates for partisan office of each minor political party to the filing officer with whom each candidate must file his or her declaration of candidacy.

      3.  Each candidate on the list must file his or her declaration of candidacy with the appropriate filing officer and pay the filing fee required by NRS 293.193 not earlier than the date on which the list of candidates for partisan office of the minor political party is filed with the Secretary of State and not later than 5 p.m. on the second Friday after the first Monday in March.

      4.  A minor political party that wishes to place candidates for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States on the ballot and has qualified to place the names of its candidates for partisan office on the ballot for the general election pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 293.1715 must file with the Secretary of State a certificate of nomination for these offices not later than the last Tuesday in August.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 1360; A 1989, 2161; 1993, 2175; 1997, 316; 1999, 1391, 3550; 2003, 1642; 2009, 1261; 2011, 3278; 2013, 2371; 2019, 3373)

      NRS 293.174  Challenge of qualification.  If the qualification of a minor political party to place the names of candidates on the ballot pursuant to NRS 293.1715 is challenged, all affidavits and documents in support of the challenge must be filed not later than 5 p.m. on the second Monday in June. Any judicial proceeding resulting from the challenge must be set for hearing not more than 5 days after the second Monday in June. A challenge pursuant to this section must be filed with the First Judicial District Court if the petition was filed with the Secretary of State. The district court in which the challenge is filed shall give priority to such proceedings over all other matters pending with the court, except for criminal proceedings.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 1361; A 1999, 1392; 2009, 1262; 2011, 3279; 2015, 3574; 2021, 1973)

NOMINATIONS AND CANDIDATES

      NRS 293.175  Date of primary election; nomination of candidates; applicability of provisions governing nominations.

      1.  The primary election must be held on the second Tuesday in June of each even-numbered year.

      2.  Candidates for partisan office of a major political party and candidates for nonpartisan office must be nominated at the primary election.

      3.  Candidates for partisan office of a minor political party must be nominated in the manner prescribed pursuant to NRS 293.171 to 293.174, inclusive.

      4.  Independent candidates for partisan office must be nominated in the manner provided in NRS 293.200.

      5.  The provisions of NRS 293.175 to 293.203, inclusive:

      (a) Apply to a special election to fill a vacancy, except to the extent that compliance with the provisions is not possible because of the time at which the vacancy occurred.

      (b) Do not apply to the nomination of the officers of incorporated cities.

      (c) Do not apply to the nomination of district officers whose nomination is otherwise provided for by statute.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 243; A 1963, 1387; 1983, 1116; 1985, 268; 1987, 1366; 1989, 226; 1999, 1392, 3550; 2001, 672; 2005, 1434; 2009, 1262; 2013, 1777, 2372)

      NRS 293.1755  Residency requirements for candidates; unlawful for candidates to make certain false statements; certain offices excepted from residency requirements.

      1.  In addition to any other requirement provided by law, no person may be a candidate for any office unless, for at least the 30 days immediately preceding the date of the close of filing of declarations of candidacy for the office which the person seeks, the person has, in accordance with NRS 281.050, actually, as opposed to constructively, resided in the State, district, county, township or other area prescribed by law to which the office pertains and, if elected, over which he or she will have jurisdiction or will represent.

      2.  Any person who knowingly and willfully files a declaration of candidacy which contains a false statement regarding the person’s residency in violation of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

      3.  The provisions of this section do not apply to candidates for:

      (a) Any federal office.

      (b) The office of district attorney.

      (Added to NRS by 1975, 617; A 1983, 1103; 1989, 2161; 1997, 3447; 1999, 2151; 2001, 673; 2017, 3296; 2019, 3374)

      NRS 293.176  When candidacy for major political party prohibited; exception.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, no person may be a candidate of a major political party for partisan office in any election if the person has changed:

      (a) The designation of his or her political party affiliation; or

      (b) His or her designation of political party from nonpartisan to a designation of a political party affiliation,

Ê on an application to register to vote in the State of Nevada or in any other state during the time beginning on December 31 preceding the closing filing date for that election and ending on the date of that election whether or not the person’s previous registration was still effective at the time of the change in party designation.

      2.  The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to any person who is a candidate of a political party that is not organized pursuant to NRS 293.171 on the December 31 next preceding the closing filing date for the election.

      (Added to NRS by 1963, 1373; A 1971, 1551; 1979, 491; 1987, 690; 1989, 2161; 1995, 75, 2259, 2775; 1997, 1607; 1999, 3551; 2001, 2947; 2005, 1434; 2011, 3280)

      NRS 293.177  Declaration of candidacy: Filing required; fee; filing periods; forms; contents; submission and retention of proof of identity, address and residency; appointment of agent for service of process; investigation and challenge of candidates; unlawful for candidates to make certain false statements.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.165 and 293.166, a name may not be printed on a ballot to be used at a primary election unless the person named has filed a declaration of candidacy with the appropriate filing officer and paid the filing fee required by NRS 293.193 not earlier than:

      (a) For a candidate for judicial office, the first Monday in January of the year in which the election is to be held and not later than 5 p.m. on the second Friday after the first Monday in January; and

      (b) For all other candidates, the first Monday in March of the year in which the election is to be held and not later than 5 p.m. on the second Friday after the first Monday in March.

      2.  A declaration of candidacy required to be filed pursuant to this chapter must be in substantially the following form:

      (a) For partisan office:

 

Declaration of Candidacy of ........ for the

Office of ................

 

State of Nevada

 

County of .......................

 

For the purpose of having my name placed on the official ballot as a candidate for the ................ Party nomination for the office of ........., I, the undersigned ........, do swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that I actually, as opposed to constructively, reside at .........., in the City or Town of ......., County of .........., State of Nevada; that my actual, as opposed to constructive, residence in the State, district, county, township, city or other area prescribed by law to which the office pertains began on a date at least 30 days immediately preceding the date of the close of filing of declarations of candidacy for this office; that my telephone number is ............, and the address at which I receive mail, if different than my residence, is .........; that I am registered as a member of the ................ Party; that I am a qualified elector pursuant to Section 1 of Article 2 of the Constitution of the State of Nevada; that if I have ever been convicted of treason or a felony, my civil rights have been restored; that I have not, in violation of the provisions of NRS 293.176, changed the designation of my political party or political party affiliation on an official application to register to vote in any state since December 31 before the closing filing date for this election; that I generally believe in and intend to support the concepts found in the principles and policies of that political party in the coming election; that if nominated as a candidate of the ................ Party at the ensuing election, I will accept that nomination and not withdraw; that I will not knowingly violate any election law or any law defining and prohibiting corrupt and fraudulent practices in campaigns and elections in this State; that I will qualify for the office if elected thereto, including, but not limited to, complying with any limitation prescribed by the Constitution and laws of this State concerning the number of years or terms for which a person may hold the office; that I understand that knowingly and willfully filing a declaration of candidacy which contains a false statement is a crime punishable as a gross misdemeanor and also subjects me to a civil action disqualifying me from entering upon the duties of the office; and that I understand that my name will appear on all ballots as designated in this declaration.

 

                                                           ...............................................................................

                                                                               (Designation of name)

 

                                                           ...............................................................................

                                                                     (Signature of candidate for office)

 

Subscribed and sworn to before me

this ...... day of the month of ...... of the year ......

 

..................................................................

       Notary Public or other person

    authorized to administer an oath

 

      (b) For nonpartisan office:

 

Declaration of Candidacy of ........ for the

Office of ................

 

State of Nevada

 

County of .......................

 

For the purpose of having my name placed on the official ballot as a candidate for the office of ................, I, the undersigned ................, do swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that I actually, as opposed to constructively, reside at ........., in the City or Town of ......., County of ........., State of Nevada; that my actual, as opposed to constructive, residence in the State, district, county, township, city or other area prescribed by law to which the office pertains began on a date at least 30 days immediately preceding the date of the close of filing of declarations of candidacy for this office; that my telephone number is ..........., and the address at which I receive mail, if different than my residence, is ..........; that I am a qualified elector pursuant to Section 1 of Article 2 of the Constitution of the State of Nevada; that if I have ever been convicted of treason or a felony, my civil rights have been restored; that if nominated as a nonpartisan candidate at the ensuing election, I will accept the nomination and not withdraw; that I will not knowingly violate any election law or any law defining and prohibiting corrupt and fraudulent practices in campaigns and elections in this State; that I will qualify for the office if elected thereto, including, but not limited to, complying with any limitation prescribed by the Constitution and laws of this State concerning the number of years or terms for which a person may hold the office; that I understand that knowingly and willfully filing a declaration of candidacy which contains a false statement is a crime punishable as a gross misdemeanor and also subjects me to a civil action disqualifying me from entering upon the duties of the office; and that I understand that my name will appear on all ballots as designated in this declaration.

 

                                                           ...............................................................................

                                                                               (Designation of name)

 

                                                           ...............................................................................

                                                                     (Signature of candidate for office)

 

Subscribed and sworn to before me

this ...... day of the month of ...... of the year ......

 

..................................................................

       Notary Public or other person

    authorized to administer an oath

 

      3.  The address of a candidate which must be included in the declaration of candidacy pursuant to subsection 2 must be the street address of the residence where the candidate actually, as opposed to constructively, resides in accordance with NRS 281.050, if one has been assigned. The declaration of candidacy must not be accepted for filing if the candidate fails to comply with the following provisions of this subsection or, if applicable, the provisions of subsection 4:

      (a) The candidate shall not list the candidate’s address as a post office box unless a street address has not been assigned to his or her residence; and

      (b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, the candidate shall present to the filing officer:

             (1) A valid driver’s license or identification card issued by a governmental agency that contains a photograph of the candidate and the candidate’s residential address; or

             (2) A current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the candidate’s name and residential address, but not including a voter registration card.

      4.  If the candidate executes an oath or affirmation under penalty of perjury stating that the candidate is unable to present to the filing officer the proof of residency required by subsection 3 because a street address has not been assigned to the candidate’s residence or because the rural or remote location of the candidate’s residence makes it impracticable to present the proof of residency required by subsection 3, the candidate shall present to the filing officer:

      (a) A valid driver’s license or identification card issued by a governmental agency that contains a photograph of the candidate; and

      (b) Alternative proof of the candidate’s residential address that the filing officer determines is sufficient to verify where the candidate actually, as opposed to constructively, resides in accordance with NRS 281.050. The Secretary of State may adopt regulations establishing the forms of alternative proof of the candidate’s residential address that the filing officer may accept to verify where the candidate actually, as opposed to constructively, resides in accordance with NRS 281.050.

      5.  The filing officer shall retain a copy of the proof of identity and residency provided by the candidate pursuant to subsection 3 or 4. Such a copy:

      (a) May not be withheld from the public; and

      (b) Must not contain the social security number, driver’s license or identification card number or account number of the candidate.

      6.  By filing the declaration of candidacy, the candidate shall be deemed to have appointed the filing officer for the office as his or her agent for service of process for the purposes of a proceeding pursuant to NRS 293.182. Service of such process must first be attempted at the appropriate address as specified by the candidate in the declaration of candidacy. If the candidate cannot be served at that address, service must be made by personally delivering to and leaving with the filing officer duplicate copies of the process. The filing officer shall immediately send, by registered or certified mail, one of the copies to the candidate at the specified address, unless the candidate has designated in writing to the filing officer a different address for that purpose, in which case the filing officer shall mail the copy to the last address so designated.

      7.  If the filing officer receives credible evidence indicating that a candidate has been convicted of a felony and has not had his or her civil rights restored, the filing officer:

      (a) May conduct an investigation to determine whether the candidate has been convicted of a felony and, if so, whether the candidate has had his or her civil rights restored; and

      (b) Shall transmit the credible evidence and the findings from such investigation to the Attorney General, if the filing officer is the Secretary of State, or to the district attorney, if the filing officer is a person other than the Secretary of State.

      8.  The receipt of information by the Attorney General or district attorney pursuant to subsection 7 must be treated as a challenge of a candidate pursuant to subsections 4 and 5 of NRS 293.182 to which the provisions of NRS 293.2045 apply.

      9.  Any person who knowingly and willfully files a declaration of candidacy which contains a false statement in violation of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 243; A 1961, 285; 1963, 1372; 1967, 859; 1971, 438, 1551; 1975, 617; 1977, 240; 1979, 262, 635; 1983, 1116; 1985, 1218; 1989, 178, 1728, 2162; 1993, 2175; 1995, 75, 2260; 1997, 228, 752, 771, 3447; 1999, 2151; 2001, 149, 673; 2003, 683, 1643, 1715; 2005, 2284; 2007, 212, 1148; 2009, 1262; 2017, 3296; 2019, 3374, 4062; 2021, 33rd Special Session, 81)

      NRS 293.179  Questionnaire for candidates for judicial office; filing officers required to post questionnaires on Internet.

      1.  A candidate for judicial office who is not the incumbent shall complete and file with the filing officer, along with the declaration of candidacy for that office, a questionnaire prescribed by the Nevada Supreme Court. The questionnaire must include, without limitation, information on:

      (a) The education of the candidate; and

      (b) The qualifications possessed by the candidate which are relevant to the judicial office for which he or she is filing.

      2.  A candidate for judicial office who is the incumbent may complete and file with the filing officer the questionnaire described in subsection 1 within the time period prescribed by NRS 293.177 for a candidate to file a declaration of candidacy.

      3.  Upon receipt of the questionnaire completed and filed pursuant to subsection 1 or 2, the filing officer shall post the questionnaire on the Internet website of the filing officer.

      (Added to NRS by 2023, 1107)

      NRS 293.181  Declaration of residency required of candidates for office of State Legislator; form; contents; unlawful for candidates to make certain false statements.

      1.  A candidate for the office of State Senator, Assemblyman or Assemblywoman must execute and file, with his or her declaration of candidacy, a declaration of residency which must be in substantially the following form:

 

I, the undersigned, do swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that I have been a citizen resident of this State as required by NRS 218A.200; that I understand that knowingly and willfully filing a declaration of residency which contains a false statement is a crime punishable as a gross misdemeanor and also subjects me to a civil action disqualifying me from entering upon the duties of the office; and that I have actually, as opposed to constructively, resided at the following residence or residences since November 1 of the preceding year:

 

                                                                           ...............................................................

Street Address                                                 Street Address

                                                                           ...............................................................

City or Town                                                   City or Town

                                                                           ...............................................................

State                                                                  State

 

From...................     To....................                 From.......................     To....................

Dates of Residency                                         Dates of Residency

 

                                                                           ...............................................................

Street Address                                                 Street Address

                                                                           ...............................................................

City or Town                                                   City or Town

                                                                           ...............................................................

State                                                                  State

 

From...................     To....................                 From.......................     To....................

Dates of Residency                                         Dates of Residency

(Attach additional sheet or sheets of residences as necessary)

 

      2.  Each address of a candidate which must be included in the declaration of residency pursuant to subsection 1 must be the street address of the residence where the candidate actually, as opposed to constructively, resided or resides in accordance with NRS 281.050, if one has been assigned. The declaration of residency must not be accepted for filing if any of the candidate’s addresses are listed as a post office box unless a street address has not been assigned to the residence.

      3.  Any person who knowingly and willfully files a declaration of residency which contains a false statement in violation of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

      (Added to NRS by 1981, 1037; A 1989, 179; 1993, 2177; 1997, 754; 1999, 2153; 2017, 3300; 2019, 3378)

      NRS 293.182  Written challenges concerning qualifications of candidates; enforcement in preelection actions.

      1.  After a person files a declaration of candidacy to be a candidate for an office, and not later than 5 days after the last day the person may withdraw his or her candidacy pursuant to NRS 293.202, an elector may file with the filing officer for the office a written challenge of the person on the grounds that the person fails to meet any qualification required for the office pursuant to the Constitution or laws of this State. Before accepting the challenge from the elector, the filing officer shall notify the elector that if the challenge is found by a court to be frivolous, the elector may be required to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs of the person who is being challenged.

      2.  A challenge filed pursuant to subsection 1 must:

      (a) Indicate each qualification the person fails to meet;

      (b) Have attached all documentation and evidence supporting the challenge; and

      (c) Be in the form of an affidavit, signed by the elector under penalty of perjury.

      3.  Upon receipt of a challenge pursuant to subsection 1:

      (a) The Secretary of State shall immediately transmit the challenge to the Attorney General.

      (b) A filing officer other than the Secretary of State shall immediately transmit the challenge to the district attorney.

      4.  If the Attorney General or district attorney determines that probable cause exists to support the challenge, the Attorney General or district attorney shall, not later than 5 working days after receiving the challenge, petition a court of competent jurisdiction to order the person to appear before the court. Upon receipt of such a petition, the court shall enter an order directing the person to appear before the court at a hearing, at a time and place to be fixed by the court in the order, to show cause why the challenge is not valid. A certified copy of the order must be served upon the person. The court shall give priority to such proceedings over all other matters pending with the court, except for criminal proceedings.

      5.  If, at the hearing, the court determines by a preponderance of the evidence that the challenge is valid or that the person otherwise fails to meet any qualification required for the office pursuant to the Constitution or laws of this State, or if the person fails to appear at the hearing, the person is subject to the provisions of NRS 293.2045.

      6.  If, at the hearing, the court determines that the challenge is frivolous, the court may order the elector who filed the challenge to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs of the person who was challenged.

      (Added to NRS by 2001, 671; A 2017, 3301; 2019, 3379)

      NRS 293.184  Remedies for candidates who unlawfully make certain false statements; disqualification from taking office; removal from ballot or notification to voters at polling places; enforcement in preelection actions.

      1.  In addition to any other remedy or penalty provided by law, if a person knowingly and willfully files a declaration of candidacy which contains a false statement:

      (a) The name of the person must not appear on any ballot for the election for which the person filed the declaration of candidacy, except that if the statutory deadline for making changes to the ballot has passed, the provisions of subsection 2 apply; and

      (b) The person is disqualified from entering upon the duties of the office for which the person filed the declaration of candidacy.

      2.  If the name of a person who is disqualified from entering upon the duties of an office pursuant to subsection 1 appears on a ballot for the election because the statutory deadline for making changes to the ballot has passed, the appropriate election officers shall post a sign at each polling place where the person’s name will appear on the ballot informing voters that the person is disqualified from entering upon the duties of the office.

      3.  The provisions of this section may be enforced in any preelection action to which the provisions of NRS 293.2045 apply.

      (Added to NRS by 2001, 672; A 2011, 3280; 2017, 3302; 2019, 3380)

      NRS 293.185  Appropriate filing officer for filing declaration of candidacy.  A declaration of candidacy must be filed with the appropriate filing officer, during regular office hours, as follows:

      1.  For United States Senator, Representative in Congress, statewide offices, State Senators, Assemblymen and Assemblywomen to be elected from districts comprising more than one county, and all other offices whose districts comprise more than one county, with the Secretary of State.

      2.  For Representative in Congress and district offices voted for wholly within one county, State Senators, Assemblymen and Assemblywomen to be elected from districts comprising but one or part of one county, county and township officers, with the county clerk.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 244; A 1965 Special Session, 4; 1983, 1287; 1987, 1367; 2019, 3380)

      NRS 293.186  Candidates for public office to receive form or access to electronic form for making financial disclosure statement and related instructions.  The Secretary of State and each county clerk, or the registrar of voters of the county if one was appointed pursuant to NRS 244.164, or city clerk who receives from a candidate for public office a declaration of candidacy shall give to the candidate:

      1.  If the candidate is a candidate for judicial office, the form prescribed by the Administrative Office of the Courts for the making of a financial disclosure statement;

      2.  If the candidate is not a candidate for judicial office and is required to file electronically the financial disclosure statement, access to the electronic form prescribed by the Secretary of State; or

      3.  If the candidate is not a candidate for judicial office, is required to submit the financial disclosure statement electronically and has submitted an affidavit to the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 281.572, the form prescribed by the Secretary of State,

Ê accompanied by instructions on how to complete the form and the time by which it must be filed.

      (Added to NRS by 1985, 2122; A 1987, 2098; 1997, 3475; 2001, 1958; 2003, 3397; 2011, 1732; 2015, 1726; 2019, 3380)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 281A.650)

      NRS 293.187  Certification of names of persons for whom candidacy papers have been filed.

      1.  Not later than 5 working days after the last day on which a candidate for nonjudicial office may withdraw his or her candidacy pursuant to NRS 293.202:

      (a) The Secretary of State shall forward to each county clerk a certified list containing the name and mailing address of each person for whom candidacy papers for judicial and nonjudicial office have been filed in the Office of the Secretary of State, and who is entitled to be voted for in the county at the next succeeding primary election, together with the title of the office for which the person is a candidate and the party or principles he or she represents; and

      (b) Each county clerk shall forward to the Secretary of State a certified list containing the name and mailing address of each person for whom candidacy papers for judicial and nonjudicial office have been filed in the office of the county clerk, and who is entitled to be voted for in the county at the next succeeding primary election, together with the title of the office for which the person is a candidate and the party or principles he or she represents.

      2.  There must be a party designation only for candidates for partisan offices.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 244; A 1983, 1118; 1989, 1729; 1993, 2178; 1999, 3551; 2013, 2372; 2019, 3381)

      NRS 293.190  Certification of names of persons nominated at primary election.  Not later than 15 days after the primary election at which candidates are nominated for any public office:

      1.  The Secretary of State shall certify to each county clerk the name of each person nominated and the title of the office for which he or she is nominated for all candidates required to file declarations, certificates and acceptances of candidacies in the Office of the Secretary of State; and

      2.  Each county clerk shall certify to the Secretary of State the name of each person nominated and the title of the office for which he or she is nominated for all candidates required to file declarations, certificates and acceptances of candidacies in the office of the county clerk.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 244; A 1961, 285; 2013, 2373)

      NRS 293.193  Filing fees.

      1.  Fees as listed in this section for filing declarations of candidacy must be paid to the filing officer by cash, cashier’s check or certified check.

 

United States Senator.......................................................................................... $500

Representative in Congress................................................................................... 300

Governor.................................................................................................................. 300

Justice of the Supreme Court................................................................................ 300

Any state office, other than Governor or justice of the Supreme Court....... 200

District judge........................................................................................................... 150

Justice of the peace................................................................................................. 100

Any county office................................................................................................... 100

State Senator............................................................................................................ 100

Assemblyman or Assemblywoman..................................................................... 100

Any district office other than district judge......................................................... 30

Constable or other town or township office......................................................... 30

 

For the purposes of this subsection, trustee of a county school district, hospital or hospital district is not a county office.

      2.  No filing fee may be required from a candidate for an office the holder of which receives no compensation.

      3.  The county clerk shall pay to the county treasurer all filing fees received from candidates. The county treasurer shall deposit the money to the credit of the general fund of the county.

      4.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.194, a filing fee paid pursuant to this section is not refundable.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 245; A 1967, 845; 1981, 20; 1985, 650; 1987, 691; 1989, 56; 1991, 122, 1603; 1997, 755; 2003, 1704; 2019, 3381)

      NRS 293.194  Return of filing fee to certain candidates.  The filing fee of an independent candidate who files a petition pursuant to NRS 293.200 or 298.109, of a candidate of a minor political party or of a candidate of a new major political party, must be returned to the candidate by the filing officer to whom the fee was paid within 10 days after the date on which a final determination is made that the petition of the candidate, minor political party or new major political party failed to contain the required number of signatures.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 1361; A 1997, 756; 2019, 3382)

      NRS 293.195  Nonpartisan offices.

      1.  Judicial offices, school offices, the office of county sheriff, the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada, city and town officers, the office of constable, the State Board of Education and members of boards of hospital trustees of public hospitals are hereby designated nonpartisan offices.

      2.  No words designating the party affiliation of a candidate for nonpartisan offices may be printed upon the ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 245; A 1961, 286; 1969, 1561; 1977, 241; 1989, 410; 1995, 2775; 2019, 1559)

      NRS 293.196  Each office of justice of the Supreme Court constitutes separate office for nomination and election.  For purposes of elections only, the Secretary of State shall establish designations which separately identify each office of justice of the Supreme Court. Before any person is allowed to file a declaration of candidacy for the office of justice of the Supreme Court, the person shall designate the particular office for which he or she is declaring candidacy.

      (Added to NRS by 1975, 936)

      NRS 293.1965  Each office of judge of the Court of Appeals constitutes separate office for nomination and election.  For the purposes of elections only, the Secretary of State shall establish designations which separately identify each office of judge of the Court of Appeals. Before any person is allowed to file a declaration of candidacy for the office of judge of the Court of Appeals, the person shall designate the particular office for which he or she is declaring candidacy.

      (Added to NRS by 2013, 1776)

      NRS 293.197  Each department of district court constitutes separate office for nomination and election; ballots used in certain counties.

      1.  In any judicial district that has more than one district judge, each department is a separate office for the purposes of nominating and electing the district judge of that department.

      2.  In any judicial district that includes a county whose population is 100,000 or more:

      (a) The departments of the family division of the district court must be denoted as such on all ballots and sample ballots, using the words “district court judge, family division, department . . .” Each such department must be separately designated.

      (b) The remaining departments of the district court must be denoted as such on all ballots and sample ballots, using the words “district court judge, department . . .” Each such department must be designated with a numeral, beginning with “1” and continuing in sequence for each department.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 245; A 1991, 2185; 1999, 3551)

      NRS 293.198  Each department of Justice Court constitutes separate office for nomination and election.  In any township which has more than one justice of the peace, each department is a separate office for the purposes of nominating and electing the justice of the peace of that department.

      (Added to NRS by 1979, 262)

      NRS 293.200  Independent candidates: Qualification; petition of candidacy; time limit for challenge; declaration of candidacy.

      1.  An independent candidate for partisan office must file with the appropriate filing officer as set forth in NRS 293.185:

      (a) A copy of the petition of candidacy that he or she intends to subsequently circulate for signatures. The copy must be filed not earlier than the January 2 preceding the date of the election and not later than 10 working days before the last day to file the petition pursuant to subsection 4. The copy of the petition must be filed with the appropriate filing officer before the petition may be circulated for signatures.

      (b) Either of the following:

             (1) A petition of candidacy signed by a number of registered voters equal to at least 1 percent of the total number of ballots cast in:

                   (I) This State for that office at the last preceding general election in which a person was elected to that office, if the office is a statewide office;

                   (II) The county for that office at the last preceding general election in which a person was elected to that office, if the office is a county office; or

                   (III) The district for that office at the last preceding general election in which a person was elected to that office, if the office is a district office.

             (2) A petition of candidacy signed by 250 registered voters if the candidate is a candidate for statewide office, or signed by 100 registered voters if the candidate is a candidate for any office other than a statewide office.

      2.  The petition may consist of more than one document. Each document must bear the name of the county in which it was circulated, and only registered voters of that county may sign the document. If the office is not a statewide office, only the registered voters of the county, district or municipality in question may sign the document. The documents that are circulated for signature in a county must be submitted to that county clerk for verification in the manner prescribed in NRS 293.1276 to 293.1279, inclusive, not later than 10 working days before the last day to file the petition pursuant to subsection 4. Each person who signs the petition shall add to his or her signature the address of the place at which the person actually resides, the date that he or she signs the petition and the name of the county where he or she is registered to vote. The person who circulates each document of the petition shall sign an affidavit attesting that the signatures on the document are genuine to the best of his or her knowledge and belief and were signed in his or her presence by persons registered to vote in that county.

      3.  The petition of candidacy may state the principle, if any, which the person qualified represents.

      4.  Petitions of candidacy must be filed not earlier than the first Monday in March preceding the general election and not later than 5 p.m. on the third Friday in June.

      5.  No petition of candidacy may contain the name of more than one candidate for each office to be filled.

      6.  A person may not file as an independent candidate if he or she is proposing to run as the candidate of a political party.

      7.  The names of independent candidates must be placed on the general election ballot and must not appear on the primary election ballot.

      8.  If the sufficiency of the petition of the candidacy of any person seeking to qualify pursuant to this section is challenged, all affidavits and documents in support of the challenge must be filed not later than 5 p.m. on the fourth Friday in June. Any judicial proceeding resulting from the challenge must be set for hearing not more than 5 days after the fourth Friday in June.

      9.  Any challenge pursuant to subsection 8 must be filed with:

      (a) The First Judicial District Court if the petition of candidacy was filed with the Secretary of State.

      (b) The district court for the county where the petition of candidacy was filed if the petition was filed with a county clerk.

      10.  The district court in which the challenge is filed shall give priority to such proceedings over all other matters pending with the court, except for criminal proceedings.

      11.  An independent candidate for partisan office must file a declaration of candidacy with the appropriate filing officer and pay the filing fee required by NRS 293.193 not earlier than the first Monday in March of the year in which the election is held and not later than 5 p.m. on the second Friday after the first Monday in March.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 245; A 1961, 286; 1963, 1387; 1971, 440, 1122; 1975, 936; 1979, 403; 1983, 1118; 1987, 1367; 1989, 2164; 1993, 2668; 1997, 316; 1999, 1392, 2154, 3551; 2001, 149, 154; 2003, 1645, 1704; 2009, 1266; 2013, 2373; 2015, 3575; 2019, 3382)

      NRS 293.202  Withdrawal of candidacy; rescission.

      1.  A withdrawal of candidacy for office must be in writing and must be presented by the candidate in person, within 7 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the last day for filing, to the officer whose duty it is to receive filings for candidacy for that office. If the withdrawal of candidacy is submitted in a timely manner pursuant to the provisions of this subsection, it shall be deemed effective after the seventh day, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the last day for filing.

      2.  A rescission of a withdrawal of candidacy must be in writing and presented by the candidate in person, within the 7 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after the last day for filing, to the officer whose duty it is to receive filings for candidacy for that office.

      (Added to NRS by 1979, 262; A 1981, 349; 1991, 2217; 1995, 2775; 1997, 3450; 1999, 3553; 2007, 2582)

      NRS 293.203  Contents and publication of notice of primary or general election.  Immediately upon receipt by the county clerk of the certified list of candidates for judicial and nonjudicial office from the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.187, the county clerk shall publish a notice of primary election or general election in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for 2 successive weeks. If no such newspaper is published in the county, the publication may be made in a newspaper of general circulation published in the nearest Nevada county. The notice must contain:

      1.  The date of the election.

      2.  The location of the polling places.

      3.  The hours during which the polling places will be open for voting.

Ê The notice required for a general election pursuant to this section may be published in conjunction with the notice required for a proposed constitution or constitutional amendment pursuant to NRS 293.253. If the notices are combined in this manner, they must be published three times in accordance with subsection 3 of NRS 293.253.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 246; A 1961, 286; 1967, 860; 1991, 2217; 1997, 756; 2015, 3147; 2019, 3383, 4066)

      NRS 293.204  Period for filing declaration of candidacy for special election.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 306.110, if a special election is held pursuant to the provisions of this title, the Secretary of State shall prescribe the period during which a candidate must file a declaration of candidacy with the appropriate filing officer and pay the filing fee required by NRS 293.193.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2168; A 2019, 3384)

PREELECTION ACTIONS CHALLENGING CANDIDATES

      NRS 293.2045  Remedies in preelection actions challenging candidates who fail to meet qualifications for office; disqualification from taking office; removal from ballot or notification to voters at polling places; applicability.

      1.  In addition to any other remedy or penalty provided by law, but except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.1265, if a court of competent jurisdiction finds in any preelection action that a person who is a candidate for any office fails to meet any qualification required for the office pursuant to the Constitution or laws of this State:

      (a) The name of the person must not appear on any ballot for the election for which the person filed a declaration of candidacy, except that if the statutory deadline for making changes to the ballot has passed, the provisions of subsection 2 apply; and

      (b) The person is disqualified from entering upon the duties of the office for which the person filed a declaration of candidacy.

      2.  If the name of a person who is disqualified from entering upon the duties of an office pursuant to subsection 1 appears on a ballot for the election because the statutory deadline for making changes to the ballot has passed, the appropriate election officers shall post a sign at each polling place where the person’s name will appear on the ballot informing voters that the person is disqualified from entering upon the duties of the office.

      3.  The provisions of this section apply to any preelection action brought to challenge a person who is a candidate for any office on the grounds that the person fails to meet any qualification required for the office pursuant to the Constitution or laws of this State, including, without limitation, any action brought pursuant to NRS 281.050, 293.182 or 293C.186 or any action brought for:

      (a) Declaratory or injunctive relief pursuant to chapter 30 or 33 of NRS;

      (b) Writ relief pursuant to chapter 34 of NRS; or

      (c) Any other legal or equitable relief.

      (Added to NRS by 2017, 3295; A 2019, 3384)

ELECTION PRECINCTS

      NRS 293.205  Establishment, abolishment, alteration and consolidation; boundaries.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.208, on or before the third Wednesday in March of every even-numbered year, the county clerk shall establish election precincts, define the boundaries thereof, abolish, alter, consolidate and designate precincts as public convenience, necessity and economy may require.

      2.  The boundaries of each election precinct must follow visible ground features or extensions of visible ground features, except where the boundary coincides with the official boundary of the State or a county or city.

      3.  Election precincts must be composed only of contiguous territory.

      4.  As used in this section, “visible ground feature” includes a street, road, highway, river, stream, shoreline, drainage ditch, railroad right-of-way or any other physical feature which is clearly visible from the ground.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 246; A 1961, 287; 1971, 440; 1975, 937; 1977, 241; 1981, 1871; 1983, 1119; 1985, 1092; 1987, 153; 1989, 849, 1665; 2009, 1267)

      NRS 293.206  Submission of maps to Secretary of State and Legislative Counsel Bureau; determination of statutory compliance; revisions.

      1.  On or before the last day in March of every even-numbered year, the county clerk shall provide the Secretary of State and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau with a copy or electronic file of a map showing the boundaries of all election precincts in the county.

      2.  If the Secretary of State determines that the boundaries of an election precinct do not comply with the provisions of NRS 293.205, the Secretary of State must provide the county clerk with a written statement of noncompliance setting forth the reasons the precinct is not in compliance. Within 15 days after receiving the notice of noncompliance, the county clerk shall make any adjustments to the boundaries of the precinct which are required to bring the precinct into compliance with the provisions of NRS 293.205 and shall submit a corrected copy or electronic file of the precinct map to the Secretary of State and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

      3.  If the initial or corrected election precinct map is not filed as required pursuant to this section or the county clerk fails to make the necessary changes to the boundaries of an election precinct pursuant to subsection 2, the Secretary of State may establish appropriate precinct boundaries in compliance with the provisions of NRS 293.205 to 293.210, inclusive. If the Secretary of State revises the map pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary of State shall submit a copy or electronic file of the revised map to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau and the appropriate county clerk.

      4.  As used in this section, “electronic file” includes, without limitation, an electronic data file of a geographic information system.

      (Added to NRS by 1989, 1664; A 2003, 1646; 2009, 1267; 2021, 1224)

      NRS 293.207  Establishment on basis of number of voters therein; maximum number of voters; consolidation of precincts.

      1.  Election precincts must be established on the basis of the number of registered voters therein, with a maximum of 5,000 registered voters who are not designated inactive pursuant to NRS 293.530 per precinct in those precincts in which a mechanical voting system is used.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections 3 and 4, the county clerk may consolidate two or more contiguous election precincts into a single voting district to conduct a particular election as public convenience, necessity and economy may require.

      3.  If a county clerk proposes to consolidate two or more contiguous election precincts, in whole or in part, pursuant to subsection 2, the county clerk shall, at least 14 days before consolidating the precincts, cause notice of the proposed consolidation to be:

      (a) Posted in the manner prescribed for a regular meeting of the board of county commissioners; and

      (b) Mailed to each Assemblyman, Assemblywoman, State Senator, county commissioner and, if applicable, member of the governing body of a city who represents residents of a precinct affected by the consolidation.

      4.  A person may file a written objection to the proposed consolidation with the county clerk. The county clerk shall consider each written objection filed pursuant to this subsection before consolidating the precincts.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 246; A 1971, 440; 1975, 970; 1983, 914; 1985, 1092; 1991, 2218; 1997, 2776; 1999, 1394; 2007, 2582; 2015, 3148; 2021, 718)

      NRS 293.208  Limitations on creation, division, abolition, consolidation and alteration during certain periods; exceptions.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections 2, 3 and 5 and in NRS 293.206, no election precinct may be created, divided, abolished or consolidated, or the boundaries thereof changed, during the period between the third Wednesday in March of any year whose last digit is 6 and the time when the Legislature has been redistricted in a year whose last digit is 1, unless the creation, division, abolishment or consolidation of the precinct, or the change in boundaries thereof, is:

      (a) Ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction;

      (b) Required to meet objections to a precinct by the Attorney General of the United States pursuant to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, 52 U.S.C. §§ 10101 and 10301 et seq., and any amendments thereto;

      (c) Required to comply with subsection 2 of NRS 293.205;

      (d) Required by the incorporation of a new city; or

      (e) Required by the creation of or change in the boundaries of a special district.

Ê As used in this subsection, “special district” means any general improvement district or any other quasi-municipal corporation organized under the local improvement and service district laws of this State as enumerated in title 25 of NRS which is required by law to hold elections or any fire protection district which is required by law to hold elections.

      2.  If a city annexes an unincorporated area located in the same county as the city and adjacent to the corporate boundary, the annexed area may be included in an election precinct immediately adjacent to it.

      3.  A new election precinct may be established at any time if it lies entirely within the boundaries of any existing precinct.

      4.  If a change in the boundaries of an election precinct is made pursuant to this section during the time specified in subsection 1, the county clerk must:

      (a) Within 15 days after the change to the boundary of a precinct is established by the county clerk or ordered by a court, send to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau and the Secretary of State a copy or electronic file of a map showing the new boundaries of the precinct; and

      (b) Maintain in his or her office an index providing the name of the precinct and describing all changes which were made, including any change in the name of the precinct and the name of any new precinct created within the boundaries of an existing precinct.

      5.  Cities of population categories two and three are exempt from the provisions of subsection 1.

      6.  As used in this section, “electronic file” includes, without limitation, an electronic data file of a geographic information system.

      (Added to NRS by 1989, 848; A 1989, 1667; 1997, 756; 2001, 633; 2003, 1647; 2009, 1268; 2017, 3329)

      NRS 293.209  Creation or change of election district during certain period in year of general or general city election prohibited; annexation not prohibited during year of election.

      1.  A political subdivision of this State shall not create, divide, change the boundaries of, abolish or consolidate an election district after the first day of filing by candidates for nonjudicial office during any year in which a general election or general city election is held for that election district.

      2.  This section does not prohibit a political subdivision from annexing territory in a year in which a general election or general city election is held for that election district.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2168; A 1995, 2775; 1997, 757; 2019, 3384)

      NRS 293.210  Establishment of new election precinct: Petition and conditions.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.208, a new precinct may be established upon petition of 10 or more registered voters, permanently residing in the area sought to be constituted a precinct, stating that they reside more than 10 miles from any polling place in the county. If it appears to the satisfaction of the county clerk that not less than 50 registered voters reside in the area, the precinct may be established without regard to the distance which the registered voters reside from another polling place or precinct.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 246; A 1971, 441; 1985, 269; 1989, 849)

ELECTION BOARDS

      NRS 293.217  Appointment of officers by county clerk; appointment of deputy sheriffs for elections; appointment of trainees.

      1.  The county clerk of each county shall appoint and notify registered voters to act as election board officers for the various polling places in the county as provided in NRS 293.220 to 293.227, inclusive, and NRS 293.269929. The registered voters appointed as election board officers for any polling place must not all be of the same political party. No candidate for nomination or election or a relative of the candidate within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity may be appointed as an election board officer. Immediately after election board officers are appointed, if requested by the county clerk, the sheriff shall:

      (a) Appoint a deputy sheriff for each polling place in the county and for the central election board or the mail ballot central counting board; or

      (b) Deputize as a deputy sheriff for the election an election board officer of each polling place in the county and for the central election board or the mail ballot central counting board. The deputized officer shall receive no additional compensation for services rendered as a deputy sheriff during the election for which the officer is deputized.

Ê Deputy sheriffs so appointed and deputized shall preserve order during hours of voting and attend closing of the polls.

      2.  The county clerk may appoint a trainee for the position of election board officer as set forth in NRS 293.2175.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 247; A 1961, 287; 1963, 1381; 1975, 937; 1985, 1594; 1987, 712; 1993, 527; 2007, 2583; 2015, 3148; 2021, 1224)

      NRS 293.2175  Appointment of pupil as trainee: Qualifications; requirements; duties; compensation.

      1.  The county clerk may appoint a pupil as a trainee for the position of election board officer. To qualify for such an appointment, the pupil must be:

      (a) A United States citizen, a resident of Nevada and a resident of the county in which the pupil serves;

      (b) Enrolled in high school; and

      (c) At the time of service, at least 16 years of age.

      2.  The county clerk may only appoint a pupil as a trainee if:

      (a) The pupil is appointed without party affiliation;

      (b) The county clerk sends the pupil a certificate stating the date and hours that the pupil will act as a trainee;

      (c) At least 20 days before the election in which the pupil will act as a trainee, the principal of the high school or the pupil’s assigned school counselor receives the county clerk’s certificate and a written request signed by the pupil’s parent or guardian to be excused from school for the time specified in the certificate;

      (d) The principal of the high school or the assigned school counselor of the pupil approves the pupil’s request; and

      (e) The pupil attends the training class required by NRS 293B.260.

      3.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the county clerk may assign a trainee such duties as the county clerk deems appropriate. The county clerk shall not require the trainee to perform those duties later than 10 p.m. or any applicable curfew, whichever is earlier.

      4.  The county clerk may compensate a trainee for service at the same rate fixed for election board officers generally.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 527; A 1997, 3450; 1999, 263; 2003, 1648; 2015, 3148; 2019, 4066)

      NRS 293.218  Recommendations by chair of election board of persons for service on election board.  The county clerk may provide by rule or regulation for the:

      1.  Recommendation, by the persons selected as chairs of election boards, of suitable persons to serve as members of election boards; and

      2.  Recommendation by the chairs of suitable persons to serve in the case of vacancies.

      (Added to NRS by 1973, 320; A 1977, 241; 1987, 335; 1997, 3450)

      NRS 293.220  Delivery of notice of appointment to officer or trainee.  Upon the selection of persons to act as election board officers pursuant to NRS 293.217 or as trainees pursuant to NRS 293.2175, the county clerk shall deliver, by mail or other means, notifications of the appointments to those persons.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 247; A 1987, 335; 1993, 528; 1999, 263)

      NRS 293.223  Notice of unwillingness to serve as officer or trainee; appointment of replacement.  If any person appointed to serve as an election board officer pursuant to NRS 293.217 or as a trainee pursuant to NRS 293.2175 is unwilling to serve as appointed, the person shall notify the county clerk within 5 days after receipt of the notification that he or she is unwilling to serve, whereupon the county clerk shall appoint some other registered voter to serve at the election.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 247; A 1987, 335; 1993, 528; 1999, 263)

      NRS 293.225  Continuing powers and duties of election boards; reserve officers of election board; procedure for filling vacancies.

      1.  Members of election boards continue as such from the day before the day of the election, until the time for filing contests of the election has expired.

      2.  Each member of an election board is subject to call by the board of county commissioners or city council to correct any errors discovered during the canvass of votes by the board of county commissioners or city council.

      3.  Reserve election board officers must be appointed by the county or city clerk, if practicable, to fill any vacancy which occurs on the day of the election, and the reserve officers must be compensated if they serve at the polls.

      4.  If a vacancy occurs in any election board on the day of the election and no reserves are available, the election board may appoint, at the polling place, any registered voter who is willing to serve and satisfies the election board that he or she possesses the qualifications required to perform the services required.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 247; A 1985, 1595; 1987, 335)

      NRS 293.227  Designation of chair; duties; restrictions upon participation of trainees; training; travel expenses for training.

      1.  Each election board must have one member designated as the chair by the county or city clerk. The election boards shall make the records of election required by this chapter.

      2.  The appointment of a trainee as set forth in NRS 293.2175 and 293C.222 may be used to determine the number of members on the election board, but under no circumstances may a trainee serve as chair of the election board.

      3.  The county or city clerk shall conduct or cause to be conducted a school to acquaint the members of an election board with the election laws, duties of election boards, regulations of the Secretary of State and with the procedure for making the records of election and using the register for election boards.

      4.  The board of county commissioners of any county or the city council of any city may reimburse the members of an election board who attend the school for their travel expenses at a rate not exceeding 10 cents per mile.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 248; A 1961, 288; 1967, 845; 1977, 241; 1987, 336; 1993, 528; 1999, 264; 2003, 1648; 2007, 2583; 2015, 3149; 2019, 4067)

REGULATION OF ELECTIONS

      NRS 293.247  Regulations of Secretary of State for conduct of elections; interpretations; distribution of information to county and city clerks.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations, not inconsistent with the election laws of this State, for the conduct of primary, presidential preference primary, general, special and district elections in all cities and counties. Permanent regulations of the Secretary of State that regulate the conduct of a primary, general, special or district election and are effective on or before the last business day of February immediately preceding a primary, general, special or district election govern the conduct of that election. Permanent regulations of the Secretary of State that regulate the conduct of a presidential preference primary election and are effective on or before the last business day of September immediately preceding a presidential preference primary election govern the conduct of that election.

      2.  The Secretary of State shall prescribe the forms for a declaration of candidacy and any petition which is filed pursuant to the election laws of this State.

      3.  The regulations must prescribe:

      (a) The manner of printing ballots and the number of ballots to be distributed to precincts and districts;

      (b) The form and placement of instructions to voters;

      (c) The disposition of election returns;

      (d) The procedures to be used for canvasses, ties, recounts and contests, including, without limitation, the appropriate use of a paper record created when a voter casts a ballot on a mechanical voting system that directly records the votes electronically;

      (e) The procedures to be used to ensure the security of the ballots from the time they are transferred from the polling place until they are stored pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.391 or 293C.390;

      (f) The procedures to be used to ensure the security and accuracy of computer programs and tapes used for elections;

      (g) The procedures to be used for the testing, use and auditing of a mechanical voting system which directly records the votes electronically and which creates a paper record when a voter casts a ballot on the system;

      (h) The acceptable standards for the sending and receiving of applications, forms and ballots, by approved electronic transmission, by the county clerks and the electors, registered voters or other persons who are authorized to use approved electronic transmission pursuant to the provisions of this title;

      (i) The forms for applications to preregister and register to vote and any other forms necessary for the administration of this title; and

      (j) Such other matters as determined necessary by the Secretary of State.

      4.  The Secretary of State may provide interpretations and take other actions necessary for the effective administration of the statutes and regulations governing the conduct of primary, presidential preference primary, general, special and district elections in this State.

      5.  The Secretary of State shall prepare and distribute to each county and city clerk copies of:

      (a) Laws and regulations concerning elections in this State;

      (b) Interpretations issued by the Secretary of State’s Office; and

      (c) Any Attorney General’s opinions or any state or federal court decisions which affect state election laws or regulations whenever any of those opinions or decisions become known to the Secretary of State.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 249; A 1971, 1485; 1975, 937; 1979, 263; 1987, 337, 692, 1368; 1991, 2218; 1993, 2178; 1995, 2262; 1997, 3452; 2007, 2584; 2009, 354; 2013, 2374; 2015, 1877; 2017, 3843; 2019, 3384; 2021, 3881)

      NRS 293.250  Secretary of State to prescribe procedures and requirements relating to certain election-related computer systems and form of ballots and other election-related documents; requirements for statewide measures and other printed matter on ballots; authority of county clerks to divide paper ballots and prescribe color for ballots and voting receipts.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in chapter 293D of NRS, the Secretary of State shall, in a manner consistent with the election laws of this State, prescribe:

      (a) The form of all ballots, mail ballots, diagrams, sample ballots, certificates, notices, declarations, applications to preregister and register to vote, lists, applications, registers, rosters, statements and abstracts required by the election laws of this State.

      (b) The procedures to be followed and the requirements of:

             (1) The system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671 for using a computer to register voters.

             (2) The use of the system of approved electronic transmission established pursuant to NRS 293D.200 by electors and voters with disabilities pursuant to NRS 293.269951.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in chapter 293D of NRS, the Secretary of State shall prescribe with respect to the matter to be printed on every kind of ballot:

      (a) The placement and listing of all offices, candidates and measures upon which voting is statewide, which must be uniform throughout the State.

      (b) The listing of all other candidates required to file with the Secretary of State, and the order of listing all offices, candidates and measures upon which voting is not statewide, from which each county or city clerk shall prepare appropriate ballot forms for use in any election in his or her county.

      3.  The Secretary of State shall place the condensation of each proposed constitutional amendment or statewide measure near the spaces or devices for indicating the voter’s choice.

      4.  The fiscal note for, explanation of, arguments for and against, and rebuttals to such arguments of each proposed constitutional amendment or statewide measure must be included on all sample ballots.

      5.  The condensations and explanations for constitutional amendments and statewide measures proposed by initiative or referendum must be prepared by the Secretary of State, upon consultation with the Attorney General. The arguments and rebuttals for or against constitutional amendments and statewide measures proposed by initiative or referendum must be prepared in the manner set forth in NRS 293.252. The fiscal notes for constitutional amendments and statewide measures proposed by initiative or referendum must be prepared by the Secretary of State, upon consultation with the Fiscal Analysis Division of the Legislative Counsel Bureau. The condensations, explanations, arguments, rebuttals and fiscal notes must be in easily understood language and of reasonable length, and whenever feasible must be completed by August 1 of the year in which the general election is to be held. The explanations must include a digest. The digest must include a concise and clear summary of any existing laws directly related to the constitutional amendment or statewide measure and a summary of how the constitutional amendment or statewide measure adds to, changes or repeals such existing laws. For a constitutional amendment or statewide measure that creates, generates, increases or decreases any public revenue in any form, the first paragraph of the digest must include a statement that the constitutional amendment or statewide measure creates, generates, increases or decreases, as applicable, public revenue.

      6.  The names of candidates for township and legislative or special district offices must be printed only on the ballots furnished to voters of that township or district.

      7.  A county clerk:

      (a) May divide paper ballots into two sheets in a manner which provides a clear understanding and grouping of all measures and candidates.

      (b) Shall prescribe the color or colors of the ballots and voting receipts used in any election which the clerk is required to conduct.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 250; A 1961, 288; 1965, 652; 1967, 846; 1971, 441, 1486; 1977, 242, 1010; 1981, 752; 1985, 558; 1987, 110, 338; 1995, 2262; 1997, 2777, 2795, 3064, 3453; 1999, 635; 2003, 1690; 2007, 2585; 2011, 1922, 2085; 2013, 643; 2017, 3844; 2019, 4067; 2021, 1225, 1871, 3820)

      NRS 293.2502  Elections procedures manual: Requirements; submission to Legislative Commission.

      1.  At least once every 2 years, the Secretary of State shall prepare, maintain and publish an elections procedures manual to ensure correctness, impartiality, uniformity and efficiency in the elections procedures of this State. Each county clerk and city clerk is required to comply with the procedures set forth in the most current version of the elections procedures manual.

      2.  The elections procedures manual required pursuant to subsection 1 must include, without limitation, guidance and standards for administering an election that are consistent with the provisions of this title and any regulations adopted by the Secretary of State pursuant thereto.

      3.  The most recent version of the elections procedures manual prepared pursuant to subsection 1 must be submitted by the Secretary of State to the Legislative Commission for approval not less frequently than every 4 years. The Secretary of State may make any change to the elections procedures manual that is not substantively related to administering an election without the approval of the Legislative Commission.

      4.  Nothing in this section authorizes the Secretary of State to include any provision in the elections procedures manual that amends or conflicts with any provision of state or federal law or regulations.

      (Added to NRS by 2023, 2612)

      NRS 293.2504  Training course related to elections procedures.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall develop and provide a training course to each county clerk and city clerk related to elections procedures, including, without limitation, the procedures set forth in the elections procedures manual required pursuant to NRS 293.2502.

      2.  Each county clerk and city clerk shall attend the training course provided by the Secretary of State.

      3.  A county clerk or city clerk may require any deputy or employee of the office of the county or city clerk whose duties relate to elections to attend a training course provided by the Secretary of State pursuant to this section.

      4.  The Secretary of State:

      (a) Shall provide to or reimburse the county or city, as applicable, for the cost of the per diem allowance and travel expenses of the county clerk or city clerk for attending the training course required pursuant to this section. Any reimbursement must be paid from the Reserve for Statutory Contingency Account upon recommendation by the Secretary of State and approval by the State Board of Examiners.

      (b) May provide to or reimburse the county or city, as applicable, for the cost of the per diem allowance and travel expenses of any deputy or employee of the office of the county or city clerk for attending the training course required pursuant to this section. Any reimbursement must be paid from the Reserve for Statutory Contingency Account upon recommendation by the Secretary of State and approval by the State Board of Examiners.

      (Added to NRS by 2023, 2613)

STATEWIDE MEASURES: PREPARATION OF ARGUMENTS; PUBLICATION

      NRS 293.252  Appointment of committees to prepare arguments advocating and opposing approval of constitutional amendments and statewide measures proposed by initiative or referendum; duties of committees; Secretary of State required to reject libelous or factually inaccurate statements; appeal; inapplicability of Open Meeting Law.

      1.  For each constitutional amendment or statewide measure proposed by initiative or referendum to be placed on the ballot by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State shall, pursuant to subsection 4, appoint two committees. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, one committee must be composed of three persons who favor approval by the voters of the initiative or referendum and the other committee must be composed of three persons who oppose approval by the voters of the initiative or referendum.

      2.  If the Secretary of State is unable to appoint three persons who are willing to serve on a committee, the Secretary of State may appoint fewer than three persons to that committee, but the Secretary of State must appoint at least one person to each committee appointed pursuant to this section.

      3.  With respect to a committee appointed pursuant to this section:

      (a) A person may not serve simultaneously on the committee that favors approval by the voters of an initiative or referendum and the committee that opposes approval by the voters of that initiative or referendum.

      (b) Members of the committee serve without compensation.

      (c) The term of office for each member commences upon appointment and expires upon the publication of the sample ballot containing the initiative or referendum.

      4.  The Secretary of State shall consider appointing to a committee pursuant to this section:

      (a) Any person who has expressed an interest in serving on the committee; and

      (b) A person who is a member of an organization that has expressed an interest in having a member of the organization serve on the committee.

      5.  A committee appointed pursuant to this section:

      (a) Shall elect a chair for the committee;

      (b) Shall meet and conduct its affairs as necessary to fulfill the requirements of this section;

      (c) May seek and consider comments from the general public;

      (d) Shall, based on whether the members were appointed to advocate or oppose approval by the voters of the initiative or referendum, prepare an argument either advocating or opposing approval by the voters of the initiative or referendum;

      (e) Shall prepare a rebuttal to the argument prepared by the other committee appointed pursuant to this section;

      (f) Shall address in the argument and rebuttal prepared pursuant to paragraphs (d) and (e):

             (1) The fiscal impact of the initiative or referendum;

             (2) The environmental impact of the initiative or referendum; and

             (3) The impact of the initiative or referendum on the public health, safety and welfare; and

      (g) Shall submit the argument and rebuttal prepared pursuant to paragraphs (d), (e) and (f) to the Secretary of State not later than the date prescribed by the Secretary of State pursuant to subsection 6.

      6.  The Secretary of State shall provide, by rule or regulation:

      (a) The maximum permissible length of an argument and rebuttal prepared pursuant to this section; and

      (b) The date by which an argument and rebuttal prepared pursuant to this section must be submitted by a committee to the Secretary of State.

      7.  Upon receipt of an argument or rebuttal prepared pursuant to this section, the Secretary of State:

      (a) May consult with persons who are generally recognized by a national or statewide organization as having expertise in the field or area to which the initiative or referendum pertains; and

      (b) Shall reject each statement in the argument or rebuttal that the Secretary of State believes is libelous or factually inaccurate.

Ê The decision of the Secretary of State to reject a statement pursuant to this subsection is a final decision for the purposes of judicial review. Not later than 5 days after the Secretary of State rejects a statement pursuant to this subsection, the committee that prepared the statement may appeal that rejection by filing a complaint in the First Judicial District Court. The Court shall set the matter for hearing not later than 3 working days after the complaint is filed and shall give priority to such a complaint over all other matters pending before the court, except for criminal proceedings.

      8.  The Secretary of State may revise the language submitted by a committee pursuant to this section so that it is clear, concise and suitable for incorporation in the sample ballot, but shall not alter the meaning or effect of the language without the consent of the committee.

      9.  The provisions of chapter 241 of NRS do not apply to any consultations, deliberations, hearings or meetings conducted pursuant to this section.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 1689; A 2007, 1140; 2023, 1152)

      NRS 293.253  Publication of certain statewide measures: Duties of Secretary of State and county clerk; costs.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall provide each county clerk with copies of any proposed constitution or constitutional amendment which will appear on the general election ballot, together with the copies of the condensations, explanations, arguments, rebuttals and fiscal notes prepared pursuant to NRS 218D.810, 293.250 and 293.252.

      2.  Whenever feasible, the Secretary of State shall provide those copies on or before the first Monday in August of the year in which the proposals will appear on the ballot. Copies of any additional proposals must be provided as soon after their filing as feasible.

      3.  Each county clerk shall cause a copy of the full text of any such constitution or amendment and its condensation, explanation, arguments, rebuttals and fiscal note to be published, in conspicuous display advertising format of not less than 10 column inches, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county three times at intervals of not less than 7 days, the first publication to be on or before the first Monday in October. If no such newspaper is published in the county, the publication may be made in a newspaper of general circulation published in the nearest Nevada county.

      4.  If a copy of any such constitution or amendment is furnished by the Secretary of State too late to be published at 7-day intervals, it must be published three times at the longest intervals feasible in each county.

      5.  The portion of the cost of publication which is attributable to publishing the questions, explanations, arguments, rebuttals and fiscal notes of proposed constitutions or constitutional amendments is a charge against the State and must be paid from the Reserve for Statutory Contingency Account upon recommendation by the Secretary of State and approval by the State Board of Examiners.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 250; A 1967, 846; 1975, 938; 1977, 1010; 1981, 752; 1987, 111; 1991, 1760; 1997, 3065; 2003, 1691; 2015, 3149; 2019, 4068)

VOTERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS

      NRS 293.2543  Short title.  NRS 293.2546 may be cited as the Voters’ Bill of Rights.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 680)

      NRS 293.2546  Legislative declaration of voters’ rights.  The Legislature hereby declares that each voter has the right:

      1.  To receive and cast a ballot that:

      (a) Is written in a format that allows the clear identification of candidates; and

      (b) Accurately records the voter’s preference in the selection of candidates.

      2.  To have questions concerning voting procedures answered and to have an explanation of the procedures for voting posted in a conspicuous place at the polling place.

      3.  To vote without being intimidated, threatened or coerced.

      4.  To vote during any period for early voting or on election day if the voter is waiting in line to vote or register to vote at a polling place at which the voter is entitled to vote or register to vote at the time that the polls close and the voter has not already cast a vote in that election.

      5.  To return a spoiled ballot and is entitled to receive another ballot in its place.

      6.  To request assistance in voting, if necessary.

      7.  To a sample ballot which is accurate, informative and delivered in a timely manner as provided by law.

      8.  To receive instruction in the use of the equipment for voting during early voting or on election day.

      9.  To have nondiscriminatory equal access to the elections system, including, without limitation, a voter who is elderly, disabled, a member of a minority group, employed by the military or a citizen who is overseas.

      10.  To have a uniform, statewide standard for counting and recounting all votes accurately.

      11.  To have complaints about elections and election contests resolved fairly, accurately and efficiently.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 680; A 2017, 403, 3330; 2019, 4069)

      NRS 293.2549  Duties of Secretary of State and of county and city clerks.

      1.  The Secretary of State, each county clerk and each city clerk shall:

      (a) Make the Voters’ Bill of Rights readily available to the public;

      (b) Maintain a copy of the Voters’ Bill of Rights in his or her office for reproduction and distribution to the public; and

      (c) Ensure that the Voters’ Bill of Rights is posted in a conspicuous place, in at least 12-point type, at each polling place.

      2.  The Secretary of State shall ensure that the Voters’ Bill of Rights is posted on the Secretary of State’s Internet website.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 680)

VOTERS’ PRIVILEGES

      NRS 293.2555  Privilege for political vote.  In addition to the right to claim the privilege for voters recognized by NRS 49.315 in proceedings governed by title 4 of NRS, a voter who casts a vote legally at an election may not, in any other proceedings or circumstances, be compelled under oath to reveal how he or she voted at the election, and the voter has a privilege to refuse to disclose the tenor of his or her vote at the election.

      (Added to NRS by 2017, 2168)

BALLOTS

      NRS 293.256  Names of candidates on ballots not to include title, designation of profession or occupation.  In any election regulated by this chapter, the names of candidates as printed on the ballot shall not include any title, designation or other reference which will indicate the profession or occupation of such candidates.

      (Added to NRS by 1969, 20; A 1995, 2624)

      NRS 293.2565  Use of given names, surnames and nicknames on ballot; use of additional criteria to distinguish between candidates having same given names and surnames.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, in any election regulated by this chapter, the name of a candidate printed on a ballot may be the given name and surname of the candidate or a contraction or familiar form of his or her given name followed by his or her surname. A nickname of not more than 10 letters may be incorporated into the name of a candidate. The nickname must be in quotation marks and appear immediately before the surname of the candidate. A nickname must not indicate any political, economic, social or religious view or affiliation and must not be the name of any person, living or dead, whose reputation is known on a statewide, nationwide or worldwide basis, or in any other manner deceive a voter regarding the person or principles for which he or she is voting.

      2.  In any election regulated by this chapter, if two or more candidates have the same given name and surname and:

      (a) None of the candidates is an incumbent, the middle names or middle initials, if any, of the candidates must be included in the names of the candidates; or

      (b) One of the candidates is an incumbent, the name of the incumbent must be listed first and the word “Incumbent” must appear next to the name of the candidate who is the incumbent.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 1714; A 2011, 2086)

      NRS 293.257  Separate primary ballots; placement of candidates’ names; designation on application to register to vote of affiliation with major political party condition for registered voter to cast ballot for party at primary election.

      1.  There must be a separate primary ballot for each major political party. The names of candidates for partisan offices who have designated a major political party in the declaration of candidacy must appear on the primary ballot of the major political party designated.

      2.  The county clerk may choose to place the names of candidates for nonpartisan offices on the ballots for each major political party or on a separate nonpartisan primary ballot, but the arrangement which the county clerk selects must permit all registered voters to vote on them.

      3.  A registered voter may cast a primary ballot for a major political party at a primary election only if the registered voter designated on his or her application to register to vote an affiliation with that major political party.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 250; A 1963, 1388; 1965, 652; 1967, 847; 1971, 442; 1977, 243; 1979, 264; 1989, 227; 2011, 3280; 2019, 3385)

      NRS 293.260  Declaration of nominees: Omission and appearance of names on primary and general ballot; certain candidates declared elected at primary election; exceptions.

      1.  If there is no contest of election for nomination to a particular office, neither the title of the office nor the name of the candidate may appear on the ballot at the primary election.

      2.  If a major political party has two or more candidates for a particular office, the person who receives the highest number of votes at the primary election must be declared the nominee of that major political party for the office.

      3.  If not more than the number of candidates to be elected have filed for nomination for:

      (a) Any partisan office or the office of judge of a district court, judge of the Court of Appeals or justice of the Supreme Court, the names of those candidates must be omitted from all ballots for a primary election and placed on all ballots for the general election.

      (b) Any nonpartisan office, other than the office of judge of a district court, judge of the Court of Appeals, justice of the Supreme Court or member of a town advisory board, the names of those candidates must appear on the ballot for a primary election unless the candidates were nominated pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 293.165. If a candidate receives one or more votes at the primary election, the candidate must be declared elected to the office and his or her name must not be placed on the ballot for the general election. If a candidate does not receive one or more votes at the primary election, his or her name must be placed on the ballot for the general election.

      (c) The office of member of a town advisory board, the candidate must be declared elected to the office and no election must be held for that office.

      4.  If there are not more than twice the number of candidates to be elected to a nonpartisan office, the candidates must, without a primary election, be declared the nominees for the office, and the names of the candidates must be omitted from all ballots for a primary election and placed on all ballots for the general election.

      5.  If there are more than twice the number of candidates to be elected to a nonpartisan office, the names of the candidates must appear on the ballot for a primary election. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.400, those candidates who receive the highest number of votes at the primary election, not to exceed twice the number to be elected, must be declared nominees for the office and the names of those candidates must be placed on the ballot for the general election, except that if one of those candidates receives a majority of the votes cast in the primary election for:

      (a) The office of judge of a district court, judge of the Court of Appeals or justice of the Supreme Court, the candidate must be declared the only nominee for the office and only his or her name must be placed on the ballot for the general election.

      (b) Any other nonpartisan office, the candidate must be declared elected to the office and his or her name must not be placed on the ballot for the general election.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 251; A 1963, 1388; 1979, 264; 1987, 339; 1989, 227; 1997, 94, 757, 770, 3453; 2003, 869; 2007, 2586; 2013, 1777; 2015, 1479, 3576; 2019, 3386)

      NRS 293.263  Primary ballot for major political party: Form; names of candidates to be grouped alphabetically; exception.  On the primary ballots for a major political party, the name of the major political party must appear at the top of the ballot. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.2565, following this designation must appear the names of candidates grouped alphabetically under the title and length of term of the partisan office for which those candidates filed.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 251; A 1965, 652; 1967, 847; 1971, 442; 1979, 265; 1989, 227; 2003, 1717)

      NRS 293.265  Nonpartisan primary ballot: Form; names of candidates to be grouped alphabetically; exception.  On nonpartisan primary ballots, there must appear at the top of the ballot the designation “Nonpartisan Offices.” Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.2565, following this designation must appear the names of candidates grouped alphabetically under the title and length of term of the nonpartisan office for which those candidates filed.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 251; A 1961, 288; 1963, 1388; 1965, 652; 1967, 847; 1979, 265; 2003, 1717; 2007, 2587)

      NRS 293.267  Ballot for general election: Form; names of candidates to be grouped alphabetically; exception; indication of party name, “no political party” or “nonpartisan” or abbreviations thereof; order of appearance of certain statewide measures.

      1.  Ballots for a general election must contain the names of candidates who were nominated at the primary election, the names of the candidates of a minor political party and the names of independent candidates.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.2565, names of candidates must be grouped alphabetically under the title and length of term of the office for which those candidates filed.

      3.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4:

      (a) Immediately following the name of each candidate for a partisan office must appear the name or abbreviation of his or her political party, the words “no political party” or the abbreviation “NPP,” as the case may be.

      (b) Immediately following the name of each candidate for a nonpartisan office must appear the word “nonpartisan” or the abbreviation “NP.”

      4.  Where a system of voting other than by paper ballot is used, the Secretary of State may provide for any placement of the name or abbreviation of the political party, the words “no political party” or “nonpartisan” or the abbreviation “NPP” or “NP,” as appropriate, which clearly relates the designation to the name of the candidate to whom it applies.

      5.  If the Legislature rejects a statewide measure proposed by initiative and proposes a different measure on the same subject which the Governor approves, the measure proposed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor must be listed on the ballot before the statewide measure proposed by initiative. Each ballot and sample ballot upon which the measures appear must contain a statement that reads substantially as follows:

 

       The following questions are alternative approaches to the same issue, and only one approach may be enacted into law. Please vote for only one.

 

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 251; A 1963, 1389; 1965, 653; 1967, 847; 1969, 137; 1979, 265; 1987, 339; 1989, 2165; 1997, 3454; 2003, 1718; 2011, 3069; 2015, 3150)

      NRS 293.2673  Ballot to indicate date of election and at which election ballot will be used.

      1.  A ballot prepared for use in an election in this State must be dated and marked in such a manner as to indicate clearly at which election the ballot will be used.

      2.  If a ballot includes a detachable stub, both the ballot and the stub must include the date of the election and indicate clearly at which election the ballot will be used.

      3.  If a ballot includes a voting receipt, the voting receipt must include the date of the election and indicate clearly at which election the voter cast the ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2168; A 1995, 2776; 2007, 2587)

      NRS 293.268  Order of listing offices, candidates and questions on ballots.  The offices for which there are candidates, the names of the candidates therefor, and the questions to be voted upon must be printed on ballots in the following order:

      1.  President and Vice President of the United States.

      2.  United States Senator and Representative in Congress, in that sequence.

      3.  Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Controller and Attorney General, in that sequence.

      4.  State Senators and members of the Assembly.

      5.  County and township partisan offices.

      6.  Statewide nonpartisan offices.

      7.  District nonpartisan offices.

      8.  County nonpartisan offices.

      9.  City offices:

      (a) Mayor;

      (b) Council members according to ward in numerical order, if no wards, in alphabetical order; and

      (c) Municipal judges.

      10.  Township nonpartisan offices.

      11.  Questions presented to the voters of the State with advisory questions listed in consecutive order after any other questions presented to the voters of the State.

      12.  Questions presented only to the voters of a special district or political subdivision of the State with advisory questions listed in consecutive order after any other questions presented only to the voters of a special district or political subdivision of the State.

      (Added to NRS by 1961, 296; A 1975, 939; 1979, 131; 1987, 339; 1993, 2180; 2003, 3193)

      NRS 293.269  Ballots for statewide offices or President and Vice President must permit voter to register opposition to all candidates.

      1.  Every ballot upon which appears the names of candidates for any statewide office or for President and Vice President of the United States shall contain for each office an additional line equivalent to the lines on which the candidates’ names appear and placed at the end of the group of lines containing the names of the candidates for that office. Each additional line shall contain a square in which the voter may express a choice of that line in the same manner as the voter would express a choice of a candidate, and the line shall read “None of these candidates.”

      2.  Only votes cast for the named candidates shall be counted in determining nomination or election to any statewide office or presidential nominations or the selection of presidential electors, but for each office the number of ballots on which the additional line was chosen shall be listed following the names of the candidates and the number of their votes in every posting, abstract and proclamation of the results of the election.

      3.  Every sample ballot or other instruction to voters prescribed or approved by the Secretary of State shall clearly explain that the voter may mark the choice of the line “None of these candidates” only if the voter has not voted for any candidate for the office.

      (Added to NRS by 1975, 475)

      NRS 293.2693  Voter education program to be provided in county or city using paper ballots.  If a county or city uses paper ballots, including, without limitation, for mail ballots, the county or city clerk shall provide a voter education program specific to the voting system used by the county or city. The voter education program must include, without limitation, information concerning the effect of overvoting and the procedures for correcting a vote on a ballot before it is cast and counted and for obtaining a replacement ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2169; A 2007, 1151, 2587; 2021, 1226)

      NRS 293.2694  Contracts to purchase ballots; notification by county or city of election to use ballots purchased by Secretary of State; contract vendor required to deposit mail ballots for mailing within this State.

      1.  The Secretary of State may enter into one or more contracts for the purchase of all ballots, including, without limitation, mail ballots, and return envelopes for use in any statewide and local election held in this State pursuant to title 24 of NRS. Such a contract is subject to the provisions of chapter 333 of NRS.

      2.  Each board of county commissioners and governing body of an incorporated city in this State may elect to use the ballots, including, without limitation, mail ballots, and return envelopes purchased by the Secretary of State in accordance with the contract or contracts entered into pursuant to this section for all statewide and local elections held in a given year in this State pursuant to title 24 of NRS by notifying the Secretary of State in writing not less than 8 months before the date of the presidential preference primary election in a presidential election year or the date of the primary election in any other election year.

      3.  If a contract or contracts entered into pursuant to this section requires the vendor to distribute mail ballots on behalf of a county or city clerk, the contract or contracts must require the vendor to deposit the mail ballots for mailing at a location within this State.

      (Added to NRS by 2023, 3303)

VOTING SYSTEMS GENERALLY

      NRS 293.2696  General requirements for voting systems; duties of Secretary of State and of county and city clerks.  The Secretary of State and each county and city clerk shall ensure that each voting system used in this State:

      1.  Secures to each voter privacy and independence in the act of voting, including, without limitation, confidentiality of the ballot of the voter;

      2.  Allows each voter to verify privately and independently the votes selected by the voter on the ballot before the ballot is cast and counted;

      3.  Provides each voter with the opportunity, in a private and independent manner, to change the ballot and to correct any error before the ballot is cast and counted, including, without limitation, the opportunity to correct an error through the issuance of a replacement ballot if the voter is otherwise unable to change the ballot or correct the error;

      4.  Provides a permanent paper record with a manual audit capacity; and

      5.  Meets or exceeds the standards for voting systems established by the United States Election Assistance Commission, including, without limitation, the error rate standards.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2169; A 2007, 2587; 2019, 3387)

      NRS 293.2699  Voting systems used by counties and cities: Voting materials to be provided in English and other languages as required by federal law or as authorized by county or city clerk.

      1.  Each voting system used by a county or city shall provide voting materials in:

      (a) English; and

      (b) Every language in which voting materials are required to be prepared in the county or city pursuant to 52 U.S.C. § 10503.

      2.  In addition to the requirements set forth in subsection 1, if a county clerk or city clerk determines that there is a significant and substantial need for voting materials of the county or city, as applicable, to be provided in the language or languages of a minority group, the county clerk or city clerk may prepare voting materials in such language or languages. For the purposes of this subsection, there is a significant and substantial need for voting materials to be provided in the language or languages of a minority group if, without limitation, the minority group has been subject to historical discrimination and unequal educational opportunities, and, as a result, members of the minority group are of limited-English proficiency.

      3.  As used in this section:

      (a) “Limited-English proficiency” means being unable to speak or understand English adequately to participate in the electoral process.

      (b) “Minority group” includes, without limitation, United States citizens of Chinese heritage.

      (c) “Voting materials” has the meaning ascribed to it in 52 U.S.C. § 10503.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2169; A 2017, 3331, 3818)

MEETINGS WITH INDIAN TRIBES

      NRS 293.269905  Deadlines; requirements; facilitation of meetings.

      1.  Each county clerk shall schedule a meeting with each Indian tribe located in whole or in part within the county for, to the extent practicable:

      (a) Not later than August 1 of each odd-numbered year to discuss the details for the next regularly scheduled election cycle. Such a meeting may address, without limitation:

             (1) The establishment and operation of polling places, temporary branch polling places or ballot drop boxes within an Indian reservation or Indian colony and the size requirements for any such polling places and temporary branch polling places;

             (2) The dates and times of the upcoming elections for which polling places, temporary branch polling places or ballot drop boxes may be established;

             (3) The deadlines relating to the next regularly scheduled election cycle for the Indian tribe to submit a request pursuant to NRS 293.2733 and 293.3572 for the establishment of polling places, temporary branch polling places or ballot drop boxes;

             (4) Responsibilities for the recruitment of election board officers; and

             (5) Any other information relating to the establishment and operation of polling places, temporary branch polling places and ballot drop boxes;

      (b) Not later than September 1 of each odd-numbered year to confirm any details relating to the establishment and operation of a polling place, temporary branch polling places or ballot drop boxes. Such a meeting may address, without limitation:

             (1) Whether the Indian tribe will request or has requested to establish any polling places, temporary branch polling places or ballot drop boxes within an Indian reservation or Indian colony and the size requirements for any such polling places and temporary branch polling places;

             (2) The days and hours of any polling place or temporary branch polling place established within an Indian reservation or Indian colony;

             (3) Election board officers for any polling place or temporary branch polling place established within an Indian reservation or Indian colony; and

             (4) The deadlines relating to the next regularly scheduled election cycle for the Indian tribe to submit a request pursuant to NRS 293.2733 and 293.3572; and

      (c) On an ongoing basis during the year of an election if an Indian tribe elects to establish any polling places or temporary branch polling places within an Indian reservation or Indian colony.

      2.  If a county clerk:

      (a) Is unable to make contact with an Indian tribe to carry out the requirements of subsection 1, the county clerk shall contact the Secretary of State to facilitate contact; or

      (b) Has not contacted an Indian tribe, a representative of the Indian tribe may contact the Secretary of State to facilitate contact.

      3.  The tribal liaison designated by the Office of the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 233A.260 may assist the county clerk or an Indian tribe to facilitate any contact required pursuant to this section.

      (Added to NRS by 2023, 1529)

MAIL BALLOT VOTING

      NRS 293.269911  Preparation and distribution of mail ballots; exceptions; mail ballot contents; time for distribution; mootness of untimely legal action which would prevent distribution.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, the county clerk shall prepare and distribute to each active registered voter in the county and each person who registers to vote or updates his or her voter registration information not later than the 14 days before the election a mail ballot for every election. The county clerk shall make reasonable accommodations for the use of the mail ballot by a person who is elderly or disabled, including, without limitation, by providing, upon request, the mail ballot in 12-point type to a person who is elderly or disabled.

      2.  The county clerk shall allow a voter to elect not to receive a mail ballot pursuant to this section by submitting to the county clerk a written notice in the form prescribed by the county clerk which must be received by the county clerk not later than 60 days before the day of the election.

      3.  The county clerk shall not distribute a mail ballot to any person who:

      (a) Registers to vote for the election pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive; or

      (b) Elects not to receive a mail ballot pursuant to subsection 2.

      4.  The mail ballot must include all offices, candidates and measures upon which the voter is entitled to vote at the election.

      5.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections 2 and 3, the mail ballot must be distributed to:

      (a) Each active registered voter who:

             (1) Resides within the State, not later than 20 days before the election; and

             (2) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c), resides outside the State, not later than 40 days before the election.

      (b) Each active registered voter who registers to vote after the dates set for distributing mail ballots pursuant to paragraph (a) but who is eligible to receive a mail ballot pursuant to subsection 1, not later than 13 days before the election.

      (c) Each covered voter who is entitled to have a military-overseas ballot transmitted pursuant to the provisions of chapter 293D of NRS or the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20301 et seq., not later than the time required by those provisions.

      6.  In the case of a special election where no candidate for federal office will appear on the ballot, the mail ballot must be distributed to each active registered voter not later than 15 days before the special election.

      7.  Any untimely legal action which would prevent the mail ballot from being distributed to any voter pursuant to this section is moot and of no effect.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1216)

      NRS 293.269913  Methods of distribution and other requirements for mail ballots and supporting materials; recordation of certain information by county clerk.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, NRS 293.269911 and chapter 293D of NRS, the county clerk shall send to each active registered voter by first-class mail, or by any class of mail if the Official Election Mail logo or an equivalent logo or mark created by the United States Postal Service is properly placed:

      (a) A mail ballot;

      (b) A return envelope;

      (c) An envelope or sleeve into which the mail ballot is inserted to ensure its secrecy; and

      (d) Instructions.

      2.  In sending a mail ballot to an active registered voter, the county clerk shall use an envelope that may not be forwarded to an address of the voter that is different from the address to which the mail ballot is mailed.

      3.  The return envelope must include postage prepaid by first-class mail if the active registered voter is within the boundaries of the United States, its territories or possessions or on a military base.

      4.  Before sending a mail ballot to an active registered voter, the county clerk shall record:

      (a) The date the mail ballot is issued;

      (b) The name of the voter to whom the mail ballot is issued, his or her precinct or district and his or her political affiliation, if any, unless all the offices on the mail ballot are nonpartisan offices;

      (c) The number of the mail ballot; and

      (d) Any remarks the county clerk finds appropriate.

      5.  The Secretary of State shall prescribe:

      (a) The form of all envelopes in which mail ballots are sent to voters and return envelopes, which must, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), be uniform throughout the State; and

      (b) A method for distinguishing the return envelopes of each county which must be prominently displayed on the outside of the return envelope.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1217; A 2023, 3304)

      NRS 293.269915  Requirements for mail ballots distributed to certain voters who have not previously voted in election for federal office in Nevada; exceptions; treatment as provisional ballot under certain circumstances. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, if a person applied by mail or computer to register to vote, or preregistered to vote by mail or computer and is subsequently deemed to be registered to vote, and the person has not previously voted in any election for federal office in this State, the county clerk must inform the person that he or she must include a copy of the information required in paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.2725 in the return envelope with the mail ballot.

      2.  The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to a person who:

      (a) Registers to vote by mail or computer, or preregisters to vote by mail or computer and is subsequently deemed to be registered to vote, and submits with his or her application to preregister or register to vote:

             (1) A copy of a current and valid photo identification; or

             (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the name and address of the person, but not including a voter registration card;

      (b) Registers to vote by mail or computer and submits with his or her application to register to vote a driver’s license number or at least the last four digits of his or her social security number, if a state or local election official has matched that information with an existing identification record bearing the same number, name and date of birth as provided by the person in the application;

      (c) Registers to vote pursuant to NRS 293.5732 to 293.5757, inclusive, and at that time presents to the Department of Motor Vehicles:

             (1) A copy of a current and valid photo identification;

             (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the name and address of the person, but not including a voter registration card; or

             (3) A driver’s license number or at least the last four digits of his or her social security number, if a state or local election official has matched that information with an existing identification record bearing the same number, name and date of birth as provided by the person in the application;

      (d) Is entitled to vote pursuant to the provisions of chapter 293D of NRS or the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20301 et seq.;

      (e) Is provided the right to vote otherwise than in person pursuant to the provisions of the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20101 et seq.; or

      (f) Is entitled to vote otherwise than in person pursuant to the provisions of any other federal law.

      3.  If a person fails to provide the identification required pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.2725 with his or her mail ballot:

      (a) The mail ballot must be treated as a provisional ballot; and

      (b) The county clerk must:

             (1) Contact the person;

             (2) Allow the person to provide the identification required before 5 p.m. on the sixth day following the election; and

             (3) If the identification required pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.2725 is provided, ensure the mail ballot is delivered to the appropriate mail ballot central counting board.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1217)

      NRS 293.269915  Requirements for mail ballots distributed to certain voters who have not previously voted in election for federal office in Nevada; exceptions; treatment as provisional ballot under certain circumstances. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, if a person applied by mail or computer to register to vote, or preregistered to vote by mail or computer and is subsequently deemed to be registered to vote, and the person has not previously voted in any election for federal office in this State, the county clerk must inform the person that he or she must include a copy of the information required in paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.2725 in the return envelope with the mail ballot.

      2.  The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to a person who:

      (a) Registers to vote by mail or computer, or preregisters to vote by mail or computer and is subsequently deemed to be registered to vote, and submits with his or her application to preregister or register to vote:

             (1) A copy of a current and valid photo identification; or

             (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the name and address of the person, but not including a voter registration card;

      (b) Registers to vote by mail or computer and submits with his or her application to register to vote a driver’s license number or at least the last four digits of his or her social security number, if a state or local election official has matched that information with an existing identification record bearing the same number, name and date of birth as provided by the person in the application;

      (c) Registers to vote pursuant to NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive, and at that time presents to the automatic voter registration agency:

             (1) A copy of a current and valid photo identification;

             (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the name and address of the person, but not including a voter registration card; or

             (3) A driver’s license number or at least the last four digits of his or her social security number, if a state or local election official has matched that information with an existing identification record bearing the same number, name and date of birth as provided by the person in the application;

      (d) Is entitled to vote pursuant to the provisions of chapter 293D of NRS or the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20301 et seq.;

      (e) Is provided the right to vote otherwise than in person pursuant to the provisions of the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20101 et seq.; or

      (f) Is entitled to vote otherwise than in person pursuant to the provisions of any other federal law.

      3.  If a person fails to provide the identification required pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.2725 with his or her mail ballot:

      (a) The mail ballot must be treated as a provisional ballot; and

      (b) The county clerk must:

             (1) Contact the person;

             (2) Allow the person to provide the identification required before 5 p.m. on the sixth day following the election; and

             (3) If the identification required pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.2725 is provided, ensure the mail ballot is delivered to the appropriate mail ballot central counting board.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1217, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.269917  Procedure for voting by mail ballot; procedure for voting in person after mail ballot sent to voter.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.269919 and chapter 293D of NRS, in order to vote a mail ballot, the voter must, in accordance with the instructions:

      (a) Mark and fold the mail ballot;

      (b) Deposit the mail ballot in the return envelope and seal the return envelope;

      (c) Affix his or her signature on the return envelope in the space provided for the signature; and

      (d) Mail or deliver the return envelope in a manner authorized by law.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in chapter 293D of NRS, voting must be only upon candidates whose names appear upon the mail ballot as prepared pursuant to NRS 293.269911, and no person may write in the name of an additional candidate for any office.

      3.  If a mail ballot has been sent to a voter who applies to vote in person at a polling place, including, without limitation, a polling place for early voting, the voter must, in addition to complying with all other requirements for voting in person that are set forth in this chapter, surrender his or her mail ballot or sign an affirmation under penalty of perjury that the voter has not voted during the election. A person who receives a surrendered mail ballot shall mark it “Cancelled.”

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1218)

      NRS 293.269919  Unlawful to mark and sign mail ballot on behalf of voter or assist voter to mark and sign mail ballot; exceptions.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not mark and sign a mail ballot on behalf of a voter or assist a voter to mark and sign a mail ballot pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.269911 to 293.269937, inclusive.

      2.  At the direction of a voter who has a physical disability, is at least 65 years of age or is unable to read or write, a person may mark and sign a mail ballot on behalf of the voter or assist the voter to mark and sign a mail ballot pursuant to this section.

      3.  If a person marks and signs a mail ballot on behalf of a voter pursuant to this section, the person must indicate next to his or her signature that the mail ballot has been marked and signed on behalf of the voter.

      4.  If a person assists a voter to mark and sign a mail ballot pursuant to this section, the person or the voter must include on the return envelope his or her name, address and signature.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1219)

      NRS 293.269921  Procedure for timely returning mail ballot; treatment of mail ballot when postmark cannot be determined; requirements for ballot drop boxes.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2 and chapter 293D of NRS, in order for a mail ballot to be counted for any election, the mail ballot must be:

      (a) Before the time set for closing of the polls, delivered by hand to the county clerk, or any ballot drop box established in the county pursuant to this section; or

      (b) Mailed to the county clerk, and:

             (1) Postmarked on or before the day of the election; and

             (2) Received by the clerk not later than 5 p.m. on the fourth day following the election.

      2.  If a mail ballot is received by mail not later than 5 p.m. on the third day following the election and the date of the postmark cannot be determined, the mail ballot shall be deemed to have been postmarked on or before the day of the election.

      3.  Each county clerk must establish a ballot drop box at every polling place in the county, including, without limitation, a polling place for early voting. A county clerk may establish a ballot drop box at any other location in the county where mail ballots can be delivered by hand and collected during the period for early voting and on election day. No person other than a clerk may establish a drop box for mail ballots.

      4.  A ballot drop box must be:

      (a) Constructed of metal or any other rigid material of sufficient strength and resistance to protect the security of the mail ballots; and

      (b) Capable of securely receiving and holding the mail ballots and being locked.

      5.  A ballot drop box must be:

      (a) Placed in an accessible and convenient location at the office of the county clerk or a polling place in the county; and

      (b) Made available for use during the hours when the office of the county clerk, or the polling place, is open for business or voting, as applicable.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1219)

      NRS 293.269923  Persons authorized to return mail ballot; unlawful acts relating to return of mail ballot; penalty.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, at the request of a voter whose mail ballot has been prepared by or on behalf of the voter, a person authorized by the voter may return the mail ballot on behalf of the voter by mail or personal delivery to the county clerk, or any ballot drop box established in the county, pursuant to NRS 293.269921.

      2.  Except for an election board officer in the course of the election board officer’s official duties, a person shall not willfully:

      (a) Impede, obstruct, prevent or interfere with the return of a voter’s mail ballot;

      (b) Deny a voter the right to return the voter’s mail ballot; or

      (c) If the person receives the voter’s mail ballot and authorization to return the mail ballot on behalf of the voter by mail or personal delivery, fail to return the mail ballot, unless otherwise authorized by the voter, by mail or personal delivery:

             (1) Before the end of the third day after the day of receipt, if the person receives the mail ballot from the voter four or more days before the day of the election; or

             (2) Before the deadline established by the United States Postal Service for the mail ballot to be postmarked on the day of the election or before the polls close on the day of the election, as applicable to the type of delivery, if the person receives the mail ballot from the voter three or fewer days before the day of the election.

      3.  A person who violates any provision of subsection 2 is guilty of a category E felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1220)

      NRS 293.269925  Establishment of procedures for processing and counting mail ballots.

      1.  The county clerk shall establish procedures for the processing and counting of mail ballots.

      2.  The procedures established pursuant to subsection 1:

      (a) May authorize mail ballots to be processed, verified and counted by computer or other electronic means; and

      (b) Must not conflict with the provisions of NRS 293.269911 to 293.269937, inclusive.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1220)

      NRS 293.269927  Duties of county clerk upon return of mail ballot: Procedure for checking signatures; safeguarding and delivery of mail ballots for counting; procedure to contact voter to remedy certain defects in returned mail ballot.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293D.200, when a mail ballot is returned by or on behalf of a voter to the county clerk, and a record of its return is made in the mail ballot record for the election, the clerk or an employee in the office of the clerk shall check the signature used for the mail ballot by electronic means pursuant to subsection 2 or manually pursuant to subsection 3.

      2.  To check the signature used for a mail ballot by electronic means:

      (a) The electronic device must take a digital image of the signature used for the mail ballot and compare the digital image with the signatures of the voter from his or her application to register to vote or application to preregister to vote available in the records of the county clerk.

      (b) If the electronic device does not match the signature of the voter, the signature shall be reviewed manually pursuant to the provisions of subsection 3.

      3.  To check the signature used for a mail ballot manually, the county clerk shall use the following procedure:

      (a) The clerk or employee shall check the signature used for the mail ballot against all signatures of the voter available in the records of the clerk.

      (b) If at least two employees in the office of the clerk believe there is a reasonable question of fact as to whether the signature used for the mail ballot matches the signature of the voter, the clerk shall contact the voter and ask the voter to confirm whether the signature used for the mail ballot belongs to the voter.

      4.  For purposes of subsection 3:

      (a) There is a reasonable question of fact as to whether the signature used for the mail ballot matches the signature of the voter if the signature used for the mail ballot differs in multiple, significant and obvious respects from the signatures of the voter available in the records of the clerk.

      (b) There is not a reasonable question of fact as to whether the signature used for the mail ballot matches the signature of the voter if:

             (1) The signature used for the mail ballot is a variation of the signature of the voter caused by the substitution of initials for the first or middle name, the substitution of a different type of punctuation in the first, middle or last name, the use of a common nickname or the use of one last name for a person who has two last names and it does not otherwise differ in multiple, significant and obvious respects from the signatures of the voter available in the records of the clerk; or

             (2) There are only slight dissimilarities between the signature used for the mail ballot and the signatures of the voter available in the records of the clerk.

      5.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, if the clerk determines that the voter is entitled to cast the mail ballot, the clerk shall deposit the mail ballot in the proper ballot box or place the mail ballot, unopened, in a container that must be securely locked or under the control of the clerk at all times. The clerk shall deliver the mail ballots to the mail ballot central counting board to be processed and prepared for counting.

      6.  If the clerk determines when checking the signature used for the mail ballot that the voter failed to affix his or her signature or failed to affix it in the manner required by law for the mail ballot or that there is a reasonable question of fact as to whether the signature used for the mail ballot matches the signature of the voter, but the voter is otherwise entitled to cast the mail ballot, the clerk shall contact the voter and advise the voter of the procedures to provide a signature or a confirmation that the signature used for the mail ballot belongs to the voter, as applicable. For the mail ballot to be counted, the voter must provide a signature or a confirmation, as applicable, not later than 5 p.m. on the sixth day following the election.

      7.  The clerk shall prescribe procedures for a voter who failed to affix his or her signature or failed to affix it in the manner required by law for the mail ballot, or for whom there is a reasonable question of fact as to whether the signature used for the mail ballot matches the signature of the voter, in order to:

      (a) Contact the voter;

      (b) Allow the voter to provide a signature or a confirmation that the signature used for the mail ballot belongs to the voter, as applicable; and

      (c) After a signature or a confirmation is provided, as applicable, ensure the mail ballot is delivered to the mail ballot central counting board.

      8.  If there is a reasonable question of fact as to whether the signature used for the mail ballot matches the signature of the voter, the voter must be identified by:

      (a) Answering questions from the county clerk covering the personal data which is reported on the application to register to vote;

      (b) Providing the county clerk, orally or in writing, with other personal data which verifies the identity of the voter; or

      (c) Providing the county clerk with proof of identification as described in NRS 293.277 other than the voter registration card issued to the voter.

      9.  The procedures established pursuant to subsection 7 for contacting a voter must require the clerk to contact the voter, as soon as possible after receipt of the mail ballot, by:

      (a) Mail;

      (b) Telephone, if a telephone number for the voter is available in the records of the clerk; and

      (c) Electronic means, which may include, without limitation, electronic mail, if the voter has provided the clerk with sufficient information to contact the voter by such means.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1220)

      NRS 293.269929  Appointment and membership of mail ballot central counting board; board under direction of county clerk.

      1.  The county clerk shall appoint a mail ballot central counting board for the election.

      2.  The clerk shall appoint and notify voters to act as election board officers for the mail ballot central counting board in such numbers as the clerk determines to be required by the volume of mail ballots required to be sent to each active registered voter in the county for the election. The voters appointed as election board officers for the mail ballot central counting board must not all be of the same political party. No candidate for nomination or election or a relative of the candidate within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity may be appointed as such an election board officer.

      3.  The clerk’s deputies who perform duties in connection with elections shall be deemed officers of the mail ballot central counting board.

      4.  The mail ballot central counting board is under the direction of the clerk.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1222)

      NRS 293.269931  Period for counting mail ballots; counting must be public; rejection of certain mail ballots.

      1.  The mail ballot central counting board may begin counting the received mail ballots 15 days before the day of the election. The board must complete the count of all mail ballots on or before the seventh day following the election. The counting procedure must be public.

      2.  If two or more mail ballots are found folded together to present the appearance of a single ballot, the mail ballots must be rejected and placed in an envelope, upon which must be written the reason for their rejection. The envelope must be signed by an election board officer and placed in the container or ballot box after the count is completed.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1222)

      NRS 293.269933  Process for counting mail ballots; requirements relating to empty envelopes and rejected mail ballots.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293D.200, each mail ballot central counting board shall process the mail ballots in the following manner:

      1.  The name of the voter, as shown on the return envelope, must be checked as if the voter were voting in person;

      2.  An election board officer shall indicate in the roster “Received” by the name of the voter;

      3.  If the board determines the voter is entitled to cast a mail ballot and all other processing steps have been completed, the return envelope must be opened and the mail ballot counted;

      4.  An election board officer shall indicate “Voted” by the name of the voter; and

      5.  When all mail ballots delivered to the board have been voted or rejected, except as otherwise provided in NRS 293D.200, the empty envelopes and the envelopes containing rejected mail ballots must be returned to the clerk. On all envelopes containing rejected mail ballots, the cause of rejection must be noted and the envelope signed by an election board officer.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1222)

      NRS 293.269935  Certification and reporting of mail ballot results; secrecy of mail ballots; unlawful to disseminate information about mail ballot results before polls close and all votes cast on election day; penalty.

      1.  The voting results of the mail ballot vote in each precinct must be certified and submitted to the county clerk, who shall have the results added to the votes of the precinct that were not cast by mail ballot. The returns of the mail ballot vote must be reported separately from the other votes that were not cast by mail ballot in the precinct unless reporting the returns separately would violate the secrecy of a voter’s ballot.

      2.  The clerk shall develop a procedure to ensure that each mail ballot is kept secret.

      3.  No voting results of mail ballots may be released until all polling places are closed and all votes have been cast on the day of the election. Any person who disseminates to the public in any way information pertaining to the count of mail ballots before all polling places are closed and all votes have been cast on the day of the election is guilty of a misdemeanor.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1223)

      NRS 293.269937  County clerk to test accuracy of electronic devices used to verify signatures on mail ballots; daily audit required during processing of mail ballots.  If a county clerk uses an electronic device in an election to verify signatures on mail ballots:

      1.  The county clerk must conduct a test of the accuracy of the electronic device before the election. The test must be conducted in a manner that ensures the electronic device will use the same standards for determining the validity of a signature as would be used by a natural person verifying the signature pursuant to NRS 293.269927.

      2.  The county clerk must perform daily audits of each electronic device during the processing of mail ballots for the election. The daily audit must include a review of a sample of at least 1 percent of the signatures verified each day. The county clerk shall appoint election board officers who must not all be of the same political party to manually review the signatures. The county clerk must prepare a report of each daily audit.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1223)

USE OF SYSTEM OF APPROVED ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION BY CERTAIN PERSONS

      NRS 293.269951  Use of system of approved electronic transmission by certain persons to register to vote and apply for and cast ballot.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall allow:

      (a) The following electors to use the system of approved electronic transmission established pursuant to NRS 293D.200 to register to vote in every election where the system of approved electronic transmission is available to a covered voter to register to vote:

             (1) An elector with a disability; and

             (2) An elector who is a tribal member and who resides on an Indian reservation or Indian colony.

      (b) The following registered voters to use the system of approved electronic transmission established pursuant to NRS 293D.200 to apply for and cast a ballot in every election where the system of approved electronic transmission is available to a covered voter to request and cast a military-overseas ballot:

             (1) A registered voter with a disability; and

             (2) A registered voter who is a tribal member and who resides on an Indian reservation or Indian colony.

      2.  The deadline to use the system of approved electronic transmission:

      (a) To register to vote for an elector pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 is the same as the deadline set forth in NRS 293D.230 for a covered voter to register to vote.

      (b) To apply for a ballot for a registered voter pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1, is the same as the deadline set forth in NRS 293D.310 for a covered voter to request and cast a military-overseas ballot.

      (c) To cast a ballot for a registered voter pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1, is the same as the deadline set forth in NRS 293D.400 for a covered voter to request and cast a military-overseas ballot.

      3.  Upon receipt of an application and ballot cast by a person authorized pursuant to subsection 1 to use the system of approved electronic transmission established pursuant to NRS 293D.200, the local elections official shall affix, mark or otherwise acknowledge receipt of the application and ballot by means of a time stamp on the application.

      4.  The Secretary of State shall ensure that a person who is authorized pursuant to subsection 1 may provide his or her digital signature or electronic signature on any document or other material that is necessary for the elector or registered voter to register to vote, apply for a ballot or cast a ballot, as applicable.

      5.  The Secretary of State shall prescribe the form and content of a declaration for use by a person authorized pursuant to subsection 1 to swear or affirm specific representations pertaining to identity, eligibility to vote, status as such an elector or registered voter and timely and proper completion of a ballot.

      6.  The Secretary of State shall prescribe the duties of the county clerk upon receipt of a ballot sent by a registered voter authorized pursuant to subsection 1 to use the system of approved electronic transmission, including, without limitation, the procedures to be used in accepting, handling and counting the ballot.

      7.  The Secretary of State shall make available to a person authorized pursuant to subsection 1 information regarding instructions on using the system for approved electronic transmission to register to vote and apply for and cast a ballot.

      8.  The Secretary of State shall adopt any regulation necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

      9.  As used in this section:

      (a) “Covered voter” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 293D.030.

      (b) “Digital signature” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 720.060.

      (c) “Electronic signature” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 719.100.

      (d) “Military-overseas ballot” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 293D.050.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1870; A 2023, 1530)

VOTING BY PERSONS DETAINED IN JAILS

      NRS 293.269971  Establishment of policy to ensure certain persons may vote and register to vote in jail; coordination between county clerk, city clerk and jail administrator; posting of elections information in county or city jail; regulations.

      1.  Each person who administers a county or city jail shall establish a policy that ensures that:

      (a) A person who is detained in the jail and is a registered voter may vote in each primary election, presidential preference primary election, primary city election, general election and general city election in which the person is eligible to vote; and

      (b) A person who is detained in the jail and is a qualified elector may register to vote in each primary election, presidential preference primary election, primary city election, general election and general city election in which the person is eligible to register to vote.

      2.  If qualified electors or registered voters of a county are detained in a jail or facility located in another county pursuant to an agreement entered into pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 211.010, the county clerk shall coordinate with the person who administers the jail in the county where such qualified electors or registered voters are detained to establish a procedure for those persons to register to vote and vote.

      3.  Each policy or procedure established pursuant to subsection 1 or 2, as applicable, must:

      (a) Be developed in coordination with the county clerk and, if applicable, the city clerk;

      (b) Be consistent with the provisions of this title relating to elections;

      (c) Ensure the safety of any election board officer or other person who assists in the conduct of registering to vote or voting at the jail;

      (d) Ensure that a person who registers to vote or votes in a jail may do so without coercion or intimidation;

      (e) Ensure the secrecy of the ballot, including, without limitation, the mail ballot; and

      (f) Set forth a process that allows for same-day voter registration and allows a family member of a person detained in the jail to provide the person in the jail with the necessary information to register to vote on the day of the election pursuant to NRS 293.5847.

      4.  Each county or city jail shall post in a prominent location and set forth in the handbook for detained persons information relating to elections and voting in the jail, including, without limitation, qualifications to register to vote and to vote and the options and procedures for registering to vote and voting at the jail.

      5.  Nothing in this section authorizes a person convicted of a felony in this State who has not had his or her right to vote restored pursuant to NRS 213.157 to vote or to register to vote.

      6.  The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.

      (Added to NRS by 2023, 2905)

      NRS 293.269973  Responsibilities of jails.

      1.  Each county or city jail shall:

      (a) Provide each person detained in the jail with a reasonable amount of privacy to vote, which may, without limitation, be in a common area, visitation area, room or cell;

      (b) Provide each person detained in the jail with a pen with black or blue ink to vote his or her mail ballot;

      (c) Allow the county clerk to establish a process for the collection of the mail ballots voted by persons detained in the jail that includes a method for documenting the chain of custody of mail ballots; and

      (d) If applicable, allow the person to cure any defect in the signature on a mail ballot pursuant to NRS 293.269927.

      2.  A county or city jail shall not open a mail ballot after a prisoner has voted and sealed the mail ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 2023, 2906)

      NRS 293.269975  Administrator of jail required to submit report of certain information to Secretary of State after certain elections.  Not later than 30 days after each primary election, presidential preference primary election, primary city election, general election and general city election, each person who administers a county jail or city jail shall submit in a report to the Secretary of State:

      1.  An explanation of the process the jail used to comply with the requirements of NRS 293.269971 and 293.269973 for the election; and

      2.  A summary of each complaint received by the jail from a person detained in the jail relating to registering to vote or voting in the election.

      (Added to NRS by 2023, 2906)

VOTING AT POLLS

      NRS 293.270  Voting by printed ballot or other approved or authorized system; write-in voting prohibited; exception.

      1.  Voting at any election regulated by this title must be on printed ballots or by any other system approved by the Secretary of State or specifically authorized by law.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in chapter 293D of NRS, voting must be only upon candidates whose names appear upon the ballot prepared by the election officers, and no person may write in the name of an additional candidate for any office.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 252; A 1973, 459; 1977, 243; 1987, 340; 1997, 3455; 2009, 355; 2011, 1922)

      NRS 293.272  Voting in person required at first election after valid registration for voter who registered to vote by mail or computer; exceptions.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2 and in NRS 293.2725 and 293.3083, a person who registered by mail or computer to vote shall, for the first election in which the person votes at which that registration is valid, vote in person unless he or she has previously voted in the county in which he or she is registered to vote.

      2.  The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to a person who:

      (a) Is entitled to vote otherwise than in person pursuant to federal law or chapter 293D of NRS;

      (b) Is disabled;

      (c) Is provided the right to vote otherwise than in person pursuant to the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20101 et seq.; or

      (d) Is sent a mail ballot pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.269913 and includes a copy of the information required pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.2725 with his or her voted mail ballot, if required pursuant to NRS 293.269915.

      (Added to NRS by 1991, 1681; A 1993, 2180; 1995, 2624; 1999, 2155; 2001, 1434; 2003, 2175; 2011, 2087; 2019, 4070; 2020, 32nd Special Session, 34; 2021, 1226)

      NRS 293.2725  Person who registers to vote at Department of Motor Vehicles or registers or preregisters to vote by mail or computer and has not previously voted in election for federal office in Nevada: Prerequisites to voting at polling place and to voting by mail; applicability of section; exceptions. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, in NRS 293.3081, 293.3083 and 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, and in federal law, a person who registers to vote by mail or computer, or a person who preregisters to vote by mail or computer and is subsequently deemed to be registered to vote, and who has not previously voted in an election for federal office in this State:

      (a) May vote at a polling place only if the person presents to the election board officer at the polling place:

             (1) A current and valid photo identification of the person, which shows his or her physical address; or

             (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the name and address of the person, but not including a voter registration card; and

      (b) May vote by mail only if the person provides to the county or city clerk:

             (1) A copy of a current and valid photo identification of the person, which shows his or her physical address; or

             (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the name and address of the person, but not including a voter registration card.

Ê If there is a question as to the physical address of the person, the election board officer or clerk may request additional information.

      2.  The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to a person who:

      (a) Registers to vote by mail or computer, or preregisters to vote by mail or computer and is subsequently deemed to be registered to vote, and submits with an application to preregister or register to vote:

             (1) A copy of a current and valid photo identification; or

             (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the name and address of the person, but not including a voter registration card;

      (b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, registers to vote by mail or computer and submits with an application to register to vote a driver’s license number or at least the last four digits of his or her social security number, if a state or local election official has matched that information with an existing identification record bearing the same number, name and date of birth as provided by the person in the application;

      (c) Registers to vote pursuant to NRS 293.5742, and at that time presents to the Department of Motor Vehicles:

             (1) A copy of a current and valid photo identification;

             (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the name and address of the person, but not including a voter registration card; or

             (3) A driver’s license number or at least the last four digits of his or her social security number, if a state or local election official has matched that information with an existing identification record bearing the same number, name and date of birth as provided by the person in the application;

      (d) Is entitled to vote an absent ballot pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20301 et seq.;

      (e) Is provided the right to vote otherwise than in person under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20101 et seq.; or

      (f) Is entitled to vote otherwise than in person under any other federal law.

      3.  The provisions of subsection 1 apply to a person described in paragraph (b) of subsection 2 if the voter registration card issued to the person is mailed by the county clerk to the person and returned to the county clerk by the United States Postal Service.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2171; A 2007, 1151; 2011, 2087, 3069; 2013, 2375; 2017, 3845; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Questions No. 5; 2019, 4070; 2021, 1226)

      NRS 293.2725  Person who has not previously voted in election for federal office in Nevada: Prerequisites to voting at polling place and to voting by mail; applicability of section; exceptions. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, in NRS 293.3081, 293.3083 and 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, and in federal law, a person who registers to vote by mail or computer or is registered to vote by an automatic voter registration agency, or a person who preregisters to vote by mail or computer and is subsequently deemed to be registered to vote, and who has not previously voted in an election for federal office in this State:

      (a) May vote at a polling place only if the person presents to the election board officer at the polling place:

             (1) A current and valid photo identification of the person, which shows his or her physical address; or

             (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the name and address of the person, but not including a voter registration card; and

      (b) May vote by mail only if the person provides to the county or city clerk:

             (1) A copy of a current and valid photo identification of the person, which shows his or her physical address; or

             (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the name and address of the person, but not including a voter registration card.

Ê If there is a question as to the physical address of the person, the election board officer or clerk may request additional information.

      2.  The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to a person who:

      (a) Registers to vote by mail or computer, or preregisters to vote by mail or computer and is subsequently deemed to be registered to vote, and submits with an application to preregister or register to vote:

             (1) A copy of a current and valid photo identification; or

             (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the name and address of the person, but not including a voter registration card;

      (b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, registers to vote by mail or computer and submits with an application to register to vote a driver’s license number or at least the last four digits of his or her social security number, if a state or local election official has matched that information with an existing identification record bearing the same number, name and date of birth as provided by the person in the application;

      (c) Registers to vote pursuant to NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive, and at that time presents to the automatic voter registration agency:

             (1) A copy of a current and valid photo identification;

             (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or document issued by a governmental entity, including a check which indicates the name and address of the person, but not including a voter registration card; or

             (3) A driver’s license number or at least the last four digits of his or her social security number, if a state or local election official has matched that information with an existing identification record bearing the same number, name and date of birth as provided by the person in the application;

      (d) Is entitled to vote an absent ballot pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20301 et seq.;

      (e) Is provided the right to vote otherwise than in person under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20101 et seq.; or

      (f) Is entitled to vote otherwise than in person under any other federal law.

      3.  The provisions of subsection 1 apply to a person described in paragraph (b) of subsection 2 if the voter registration card issued to the person is mailed by the county clerk to the person and returned to the county clerk by the United States Postal Service.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2171; A 2007, 1151; 2011, 2087, 3069; 2013, 2375; 2017, 3845; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Questions No. 5; 2019, 4070; 2021, 1226, 3855; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.273  Time for opening and closing polls; duties of election board officers; persons permitted inside certain areas of polls.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.305, at all elections held under the provisions of this title, the polls must open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

      2.  Upon opening the polls, one of the election board officers shall cause a proclamation to be made that all present may be aware of the fact that applications will be received from:

      (a) Registered voters who apply to vote at the polling place; and

      (b) Electors who apply to register to vote or apply to vote at the polling place pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive.

      3.  No person, other than election board officers engaged in receiving, preparing or depositing ballots or registering electors, may be permitted inside the guardrail during the time the polls are open, except by authority of the election board as necessary to keep order and carry out the provisions of this title.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 252; A 1971, 442, 1127; 1975, 34, 939; 1977, 243; 1981, 1740; 1991, 1352; 1993, 2180; 2001, 2948; 2015, 3151; 2019, 4071)

      NRS 293.2731  Establishment of polling places.

      1.  For a primary election or general election, the county clerk must establish:

      (a) In a county whose population is 700,000 or more, at least 100 polling places where a person can vote in person on the day of the election.

      (b) In a county whose population is 100,000 or more but less than 700,000, at least 25 polling places where a person can vote in person on the day of the election.

      (c) In a county whose population is less than 100,000, at least 1 polling place where a person can vote in person on the day of the election.

      2.  For the purposes of subsection 1, a polling place where a person can vote on the day of the election may include a vote center.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1216)

      NRS 293.2733  Establishment of polling places and ballot drop boxes within Indian reservation or colony.

      1.  If an Indian reservation or Indian colony is located in whole or in part within a county, the county clerk:

      (a) Shall, except as otherwise provided in subsections 2 and 5, establish within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony at a location approved by the Indian tribe for the day of a primary election, presidential preference primary election or general election a polling place and a ballot drop box; and

      (b) May establish additional polling places or ballot drop boxes, or both, within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony for the day of a primary election, presidential preference primary election or general election upon the request of an Indian tribe submitted not later than the dates set forth in subsection 2 to elect not to have a polling place and ballot drop box established within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony.

      2.  An Indian tribe may elect not to have a polling place and ballot drop box established within the boundaries of an Indian reservation or Indian colony for the day of a primary election, presidential preference primary election or general election by submitting notice to the county clerk on or before:

      (a) If the notice is for a primary election, January 15 of the year in which the primary election is to be held.

      (b) If the notice is for a presidential preference primary election, September 15 of the year immediately preceding the year of the presidential preference primary election.

      (c) If the notice is for a general election, June 15 of the year in which the general election is to be held.

      3.  Any location of a polling place or ballot drop box established pursuant to subsection 1 must satisfy the criteria the county clerk uses for the establishment of any other polling place and ballot drop box, as applicable.

      4.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, the county clerk must continue to establish one polling place and ballot drop box within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony at a location approved by the Indian tribe for the day of any future primary election, presidential preference primary election or general election unless otherwise notified by the Indian tribe pursuant to subsection 2.

      5.  Not later than the dates set forth in subsection 2 to elect not to have a polling place and ballot drop box established within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony, an Indian tribe that elects to have a polling place and ballot drop box established must submit to the county clerk and the tribal liaison designated by the Office of the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 233A.260:

      (a) The location for the polling place and ballot drop box and whether the location will have only a polling place or ballot drop box or both a polling place and ballot drop box;

      (b) Whether the Indian tribe will select registered voters to be appointed to act as election board officers to staff the polling place within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony; and

      (c) The proposed days and hours for the operation of the polling place.

Ê If an Indian tribe does not submit the information required pursuant to this subsection, the Indian tribe shall be deemed to have elected not to have a polling place and ballot drop box established within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony.

      (Added to NRS by 2017, 3818; A 2019, 176; 2021, 1228, 3882; 2023, 2519)

      NRS 293.2735  Establishment of polling place for precinct in residential development exclusively for elderly persons.  The county clerk shall establish at least one polling place for a precinct in any residential development exclusively for elderly persons if:

      1.  More than 100 of the residents of the development are registered to vote;

      2.  There is a common area which is adequate and available; and

      3.  The owner of the development consents to the establishment of the polling place on the property.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 1870; A 1999, 263)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 293.214)

      NRS 293.2738  Polling place not to be established in any building named for candidate appearing on ballot.  A polling place for an election must not be established in any building or other structure named for a candidate whose name appears on a ballot for that election.

      (Added to NRS by 2005, 2283)

      NRS 293.274  Members of general public allowed to observe conduct of voting at polling place; photographing or otherwise recording conduct of voting by members of general public prohibited.

      1.  The county clerk shall allow members of the general public to observe the conduct of voting at a polling place.

      2.  A member of the general public shall not photograph the conduct of voting at a polling place or record the conduct of voting on audiotape or any other means of sound or video reproduction.

      3.  For the purposes of this section, a member of the general public does not include any person who:

      (a) Gathers information for communication to the public;

      (b) Is employed or engaged by or has contracted with a newspaper, periodical, press association, or radio or television station; and

      (c) Is acting solely within his or her professional capacity.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2772; A 1999, 264)

      NRS 293.275  Possession of certain rosters by election board required for performance of board’s duties; required tests of electronic rosters before election.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, an election board may not perform its duty in serving registered voters at any polling place in any election provided for in this title, unless it has before it:

      (a) The roster designated for registered voters who apply to vote at the polling place; and

      (b) The roster designated for electors who apply to register to vote or apply to vote at the polling place pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive.

      2.  For a polling place established pursuant to NRS 293.3072, an election board may perform its duty in serving registered voters at the polling place in an election if the election board has before it the roster for the county.

      3.  If a county clerk uses an electronic roster, not earlier than 2 weeks before and not later than 5 p.m. on the day before the first day of the period for early voting by personal appearance, the county clerk shall complete a test of the electronic roster to ensure its functionality in accordance with regulations adopted by the Secretary of State.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 252; A 2015, 3151; 2019, 3387, 3425, 4072)

      NRS 293.277  Conditions for entitlement of person to vote; forms of identification to identify registered voter; county clerk to prescribe verification procedure. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.283, 293.541 and 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, if a person’s name appears in the roster or if the person provides an affirmation pursuant to NRS 293.525, the person is entitled to vote and must sign his or her name in the roster or on a signature card when he or she applies to vote. The signature must be compared by an election board officer with the signature or a facsimile thereof on the person’s application to register to vote or one of the forms of identification listed in subsection 2.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.2725, the forms of identification which may be used individually to identify a voter at the polling place are:

      (a) The voter registration card issued to the voter;

      (b) A driver’s license;

      (c) An identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles;

      (d) A military identification card; or

      (e) Any other form of identification issued by a governmental agency which contains the voter’s signature and physical description or picture.

      3.  The county clerk shall prescribe a procedure, approved by the Secretary of State, to verify that the voter has not already voted in that county in the current election.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 252; A 1985, 559; 1991, 2219; 1993, 2181; 1995, 2263; 2001, 2595; 2003, 2176; 2015, 3151; 2017, 3819, 3846; 2019, 4072)

      NRS 293.277  Conditions for entitlement of person to vote; forms of identification to identify registered voter; county clerk to prescribe verification procedure. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.283, 293.541, 293.57691 and 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, if a person’s name appears in the roster or if the person provides an affirmation pursuant to NRS 293.525, the person is entitled to vote and must sign his or her name in the roster or on a signature card when he or she applies to vote. The signature must be compared by an election board officer with the signature or a facsimile thereof on the person’s application to register to vote or one of the forms of identification listed in subsection 2.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.2725, the forms of identification which may be used individually to identify a voter at the polling place are:

      (a) The voter registration card issued to the voter;

      (b) A driver’s license;

      (c) An identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles;

      (d) A military identification card; or

      (e) Any other form of identification issued by a governmental agency which contains the voter’s signature and physical description or picture.

      3.  The county clerk shall prescribe a procedure, approved by the Secretary of State, to verify that the voter has not already voted in that county in the current election.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 252; A 1985, 559; 1991, 2219; 1993, 2181; 1995, 2263; 2001, 2595; 2003, 2176; 2015, 3151; 2017, 3819, 3846; 2019, 4072; 2021, 3856; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.283  Identification of registered voter who is unable to sign name.

      1.  If, because of physical limitations, a registered voter is unable to sign his or her name in the roster or on a signature card as required by NRS 293.277, the voter must be identified by:

      (a) Answering questions from the election board officer covering the personal data which is reported on the application to register to vote;

      (b) Providing the election board officer, orally or in writing, with other personal data which verifies the identity of the voter; or

      (c) Providing the election board officer with proof of identification as described in NRS 293.277 other than the voter registration card issued to the voter.

      2.  If the identity of the voter is verified, the election board officer shall indicate in the roster “Identified” by the voter’s name.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 252; A 1985, 560; 1995, 2264; 2015, 3151; 2017, 3819, 3846; 2019, 4072)

      NRS 293.285  Procedure for taking registered voter’s signature. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.283 and 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive:

      (a) A registered voter applying to vote shall state his or her name to the election board officer in charge of the roster; and

      (b) The election board officer shall:

             (1) Announce the name of the registered voter;

             (2) Instruct the registered voter to sign the roster or signature card;

             (3) Verify the signature of the registered voter in the manner set forth in NRS 293.277; and

             (4) Verify that the registered voter has not already voted in that county in the current election.

      2.  If the signature does not match, the voter must be identified by:

      (a) Answering questions from the election board officer covering the personal data which is reported on the application to register to vote;

      (b) Providing the election board officer, orally or in writing, with other personal data which verifies the identity of the voter; or

      (c) Providing the election board officer with proof of identification as described in NRS 293.277 other than the voter registration card issued to the voter.

      3.  If the signature of the voter has changed in comparison to the signature on the application to preregister or register to vote, the voter must update his or her signature on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State.

      4.  For the purposes of subsection 2, the personal data of a voter may include his or her date of birth.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 253; A 1971, 442, 1486; 1987, 692; 2007, 2588; 2015, 3152; 2017, 3819, 3847; 2019, 4073; 2021, 1228)

      NRS 293.285  Procedure for taking registered voter’s signature. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.283 and 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive:

      (a) A registered voter applying to vote shall state his or her name to the election board officer in charge of the roster; and

      (b) The election board officer shall:

             (1) Announce the name of the registered voter;

             (2) Instruct the registered voter to sign the roster or signature card;

             (3) Verify the signature of the registered voter in the manner set forth in NRS 293.277; and

             (4) Verify that the registered voter has not already voted in that county in the current election.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.57691, if the signature does not match, the voter must be identified by:

      (a) Answering questions from the election board officer covering the personal data which is reported on the application to register to vote;

      (b) Providing the election board officer, orally or in writing, with other personal data which verifies the identity of the voter; or

      (c) Providing the election board officer with proof of identification as described in NRS 293.277 other than the voter registration card issued to the voter.

      3.  If the signature of the voter has changed in comparison to the signature on the application to preregister or register to vote, the voter must update his or her signature on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State.

      4.  For the purposes of subsection 2, the personal data of a voter may include his or her date of birth.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 253; A 1971, 442, 1486; 1987, 692; 2007, 2588; 2015, 3152; 2017, 3819, 3847; 2019, 4073; 2021, 1228, 3856; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.287  Announcement of name and political affiliation of registered voter; challenges; nonpartisan ballot at primary election.

      1.  A registered voter applying to vote at any primary election or presidential preference primary election shall give his or her name and political affiliation, if any, to the election board officer in charge of the roster, and the officer shall immediately announce the name and political affiliation.

      2.  Any person’s right to vote may be challenged by any registered voter upon:

      (a) Any of the grounds allowed for a challenge in NRS 293.303;

      (b) The ground that the person applying does not belong to the political party designated upon the roster; or

      (c) The ground that the roster does not show that the person designated the political party to which he or she claims to belong.

      3.  Any such challenge must be disposed of in the manner provided by NRS 293.303.

      4.  A registered voter who has designated on his or her application to register to vote an affiliation with a minor political party may vote a nonpartisan ballot at the primary election.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 253; A 1971, 443; 1977, 243; 1987, 1369; 1989, 228; 1991, 1681; 1995, 2264; 2015, 3152; 2021, 3883)

      NRS 293.2955  Accessibility of polling place, ballot and election materials to persons who are elderly and to persons with disabilities; particular requirements regarding voting booths and waiting lines; alternative placement of specially equipped voting devices at centralized locations.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, at all times during which a polling place is open:

      (a) The polling place must:

             (1) Be accessible to a voter who is elderly or a voter with a disability; and

             (2) Have at least one voting booth that is:

                   (I) Designed to allow a voter in a wheelchair to vote;

                   (II) Designated for use by a voter who is elderly or a voter with a disability;

                   (III) Equipped to allow a voter who is elderly or a voter with a disability to vote with the same privacy as a voter who is not elderly or as a voter without a disability; and

                   (IV) Equipped with a mechanical recording device which directly records the votes electronically and which may be used by a voter with a disability; and

      (b) Either:

             (1) The polling place must have a separate line for voters with disabilities or who are not physically able to wait in line to vote. Voters in this separate line must be allowed to vote before any voter who is not disabled and is physically able to wait in line to vote; or

             (2) An election board officer at the polling place must allow voters with disabilities or who are not physically able to wait in line to move to the front of the line of voters waiting to vote.

      2.  A polling place that does not comply with the provisions of paragraph (a) of subsection 1 may be used if necessary because of a natural disaster, including, without limitation, an earthquake, flood, fire or storm.

      3.  At each polling place, the county clerk is encouraged to:

      (a) Post in a conspicuous place, in at least 12-point type, instructions for voting;

      (b) Provide ballots in alternative audio and visual formats for use by a voter who is elderly or a voter with a disability; and

      (c) Provide, in alternative audio and visual formats for use by a voter who is elderly or a voter with a disability, all materials that are:

             (1) Related to the election; and

             (2) Made available to a voter in printed form at the polling place.

      4.  As an alternative to carrying out the functions described in subsection 3, if, in the opinion of the county clerk, the needs of voters who are elderly or disabled requiring the use of specially equipped voting devices will be best served by placing such devices at centralized voting locations, the county clerk may so provide. If the county clerk provides for the placement of specially equipped voting devices at centralized locations, a voter who is elderly or disabled and requires the use of such a device to be able to cast a ballot without assistance may cast his or her ballot at any centralized voting location designated by the county clerk.

      (Added to NRS by 2001, 1433; A 2003, 1649, 2176; 2017, 1050)

      NRS 293.296  Assistance to voter who is physically disabled or unable to read or write English.

      1.  Any registered voter who by reason of a physical disability or an inability to read or write English is unable to mark a ballot or use any voting device without assistance is entitled to assistance from a consenting person of his or her own choice, except:

      (a) The voter’s employer or an agent of the voter’s employer; or

      (b) An officer or agent of the voter’s labor organization.

      2.  A person providing assistance pursuant to this section to a voter in casting a vote shall not disclose any information with respect to the casting of that ballot.

      3.  The right to assistance in casting a ballot may not be denied or impaired when the need for assistance is apparent or is known to the election board or any member thereof or when the registered voter requests such assistance in any manner.

      4.  In addition to complying with the requirements of this section, the county clerk and election board officer shall, upon the request of a registered voter with a physical disability, make reasonable accommodations to allow the voter to vote at a polling place at which he or she is entitled to vote.

      (Added to NRS by 1973, 293; A 1977, 244; 1985, 1093; 1987, 693; 1999, 2156; 2015, 1146; 2019, 4073)

      NRS 293.297  Change of vote on certain mechanical recording devices.  A mechanical recording device which directly records votes electronically must allow the voter to change his or her vote before the mechanical recording device permanently records that vote.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 254; A 1963, 1373; 1967, 848; 1987, 340, 694; 1995, 2776; 1997, 3455; 2007, 2588)

      NRS 293.301  Procedure for posting or publishing alphabetical listing of registered voters; tearing or defacing alphabetical listing prohibited; penalty.

      1.  The county clerk of each county shall:

      (a) Require an election board officer to post an alphabetical listing of all registered voters for each precinct in a public area of each polling place in the county; or

      (b) Publish on the Internet website of the county clerk an alphabetical listing of all registered voters for each precinct in the county.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.5002 and 293.558, the alphabetical listing required by subsection 1 must include the name, precinct and political affiliation of each voter.

      3.  If the county clerk:

      (a) Requires an alphabetical listing to be posted in each polling place pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1:

             (1) An election board officer at the polling place shall, not less than four times during the hours in which the polling place is open, identify the name of each voter that voted at the polling place; and

             (2) Each page of the alphabetical listing that is posted in a polling place must contain a notice which reads substantially as follows:

 

       It is unlawful for any person to remove, tear, mark or otherwise deface this alphabetical listing of registered voters except an election board officer acting pursuant to NRS 293.301.

 

      (b) Publishes an alphabetical listing pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1, the county clerk shall, not less than four times during the hours in which polling places in the county are open, identify on the Internet website of the county clerk the name of every voter who has voted at each polling place.

      4.  Any person who removes, tears, marks or otherwise defaces an alphabetical listing posted pursuant to this section with the intent to falsify or prevent others from readily ascertaining the name, precinct or political affiliation of any voter, or the fact that a voter has or has not voted, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

      (Added to NRS by 1991, 1352; A 1993, 2181; 1995, 2776; 2005, 2287; 2015, 3152)

      NRS 293.302  Posting of notice of death of candidate at polling place.

      1.  If a candidate whose name appears on the ballot at a primary election or general election dies after the applicable dates set forth in NRS 293.368 but before the time of the closing of the polls on the day of the election, the county clerk shall post a notice of the candidate’s death at each polling place where the candidate’s name will appear on the ballot for the primary election or general election.

      2.  If a candidate whose name appears on the ballot at a presidential preference primary election dies before the time of the closing of the polls on the day of the presidential preference primary election, the county clerk shall post a notice of the candidate’s death at each polling place.

      (Added to NRS by 1997, 1292; A 1999, 702; 2003, 1705; 2021, 3883)

      NRS 293.3025  Posting of copies of certain other information and documents at polling place.  The Secretary of State and each county and city clerk shall ensure that a copy of each of the following is posted in a conspicuous place at each polling place on election day:

      1.  A sample ballot;

      2.  Information concerning the date and hours of operation of the polling place;

      3.  Instructions for voting and casting a ballot, including a provisional ballot pursuant to NRS 293.3078 to 293.3086, inclusive, or a provisional ballot pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive;

      4.  Instructions concerning the identification required for persons who registered by mail or computer and are first-time voters for federal office in this State;

      5.  Information concerning the accessibility of polling places to persons with disabilities;

      6.  General information concerning federal and state laws which prohibit acts of fraud and misrepresentation; and

      7.  Information concerning the eligibility of a candidate, a ballot question or any other matter appearing on the ballot as a result of a judicial determination or by operation of law, if any.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2173; A 2011, 2088; 2019, 4074)

      NRS 293.303  Challenges.

      1.  A person applying to vote may be challenged:

      (a) Orally by any registered voter of the precinct upon the ground that he or she is not the person entitled to vote as claimed or has voted before at the same election. A registered voter who initiates a challenge pursuant to this paragraph must submit an affirmation that is signed under penalty of perjury and in the form prescribed by the Secretary of State stating that the challenge is based on the personal knowledge of the registered voter.

      (b) On any ground set forth in a challenge filed with the county clerk pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.547.

      2.  If a person is challenged, an election board officer shall tender the challenged person the following oath or affirmation:

      (a) If the challenge is on the ground that the challenged person does not belong to the political party designated upon the roster, “I swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that I belong to the political party designated upon the roster”;

      (b) If the challenge is on the ground that the roster does not show that the challenged person designated the political party to which he or she claims to belong, “I swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that I designated on the application to register to vote the political party to which I claim to belong”;

      (c) If the challenge is on the ground that the challenged person does not reside at the residence for which the address is listed in the roster, “I swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that I reside at the residence for which the address is listed in the roster”;

      (d) If the challenge is on the ground that the challenged person previously voted a ballot for the election, “I swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that I have not voted for any of the candidates or questions included on this ballot for this election”; or

      (e) If the challenge is on the ground that the challenged person is not the person he or she claims to be, “I swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that I am the person whose name is in this roster.”

Ê The oath or affirmation must be set forth on a form prepared by the Secretary of State and signed by the challenged person under penalty of perjury.

      3.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, if the challenged person refuses to execute the oath or affirmation so tendered, the person must not be issued a ballot, and the election board officer shall indicate in the roster “Challenged” by the person’s name.

      4.  If the challenged person refuses to execute the oath or affirmation set forth in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection 2, the election board officers shall issue the person a nonpartisan ballot.

      5.  If the challenged person refuses to execute the oath or affirmation set forth in paragraph (c) of subsection 2, the election board officers shall inform the person that he or she is entitled to vote only in the manner prescribed in NRS 293.304.

      6.  If the challenged person executes the oath or affirmation and the challenge is not based on the ground set forth in paragraph (e) of subsection 2, the election board officers shall issue the person a partisan ballot.

      7.  If the challenge is based on the ground set forth in paragraph (c) of subsection 2, and the challenged person executes the oath or affirmation, the election board shall not issue the person a ballot until he or she furnishes satisfactory identification which contains proof of the address at which the person actually resides. For the purposes of this subsection, a voter registration card does not provide proof of the address at which a person resides.

      8.  If the challenge is based on the ground set forth in paragraph (e) of subsection 2 and the challenged person executes the oath or affirmation, the election board shall not issue the person a ballot unless the person:

      (a) Furnishes official identification which contains a photograph of the person, such as a driver’s license or other official document; or

      (b) Brings before the election board officers a person who is at least 18 years of age who:

             (1) Furnishes official identification which contains a photograph of that person, such as a driver’s license or other official document; and

             (2) Executes an oath or affirmation under penalty of perjury that the challenged person is who he or she swears to be.

      9.  The election board officers shall:

      (a) Record on the challenge list:

             (1) The name of the challenged person;

             (2) The name of the registered voter who initiated the challenge; and

             (3) The result of the challenge; and

      (b) If possible, orally notify the registered voter who initiated the challenge of the result of the challenge.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 255; A 1977, 244; 1983, 1287; 1985, 560; 1987, 340; 1991, 1682; 1993, 2182; 1995, 2264; 1997, 759; 2001, 1949, 2948; 2003, 200, 210; 2007, 1152, 2588; 2015, 3153; 2019, 4074)

      NRS 293.3035  Notice of result of challenge.

      1.  As soon as practicable, but in no case later than 21 calendar days after each election, the county clerk shall mail a notice to each person who is listed on the challenge list as the registered voter who initiated a challenge pursuant to NRS 293.303.

      2.  The notice mailed pursuant to subsection 1 must indicate:

      (a) The name of the person who was challenged, if known; and

      (b) The result of the challenge.

      (Added to NRS by 2001, 1949)

      NRS 293.304  Voting by person successfully challenged on grounds of residency.

      1.  If a person is successfully challenged on the ground set forth in paragraph (c) of subsection 2 of NRS 293.303 or if a person refuses to provide an affirmation pursuant to NRS 293.525, the election board shall instruct the voter that he or she may vote only at the special polling place in the manner set forth in this section.

      2.  The county clerk of each county shall maintain a special polling place in the county clerk’s office and at such other locations as he or she deems necessary during each election. The ballots voted at the special polling place must be kept separate from the ballots of voters who have not been so challenged or who have provided an affirmation pursuant to NRS 293.525 in a special sealed container if the ballots are ballots which are voted on a mechanical recording device which directly records the votes electronically.

      3.  A person who votes at a special polling place may vote only for the following offices and questions:

      (a) President and Vice President of the United States;

      (b) United States Senator;

      (c) All state officers for whom all voters in the State may vote;

      (d) All officers for whom all voters in the county may vote; and

      (e) Questions which have been submitted to all voters of the county or State.

      4.  The ballots voted at the special polling place must be counted when other ballots are counted and, if the ballots are ballots which are voted on a mechanical recording device which directly records the votes electronically, maintained in a separate sealed container until any contest of election is resolved or the date for filing a contest of election has passed, whichever is later.

      (Added to NRS by 1981, 1860; A 1987, 694, 1369; 1989, 2165; 1991, 1683, 2219; 1993, 2183; 1995, 2266, 2777; 2007, 1153, 2590)

      NRS 293.305  Closing of polls; admission of voters and other persons.

      1.  If at the hour of closing the polls there are any:

      (a) Registered voters waiting in line to apply to vote at the polling place; or

      (b) Electors waiting in line to apply to register to vote or apply to vote at the polling place pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive,

Ê the doors of the polling place must be closed after all those registered voters and electors have been admitted to the polling place. The registration of those electors and the voting by those registered voters and electors must continue until all such registration and voting has been completed.

      2.  The deputy sheriff shall allow other persons to enter the polling place after the doors have been closed pursuant to subsection 1 for the purpose of observing or any other legitimate purpose if there is room within the polling place and the admittance of the other persons will not interfere unduly with the registration of the electors and the voting by the registered voters and electors.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 256; A 1987, 341; 2019, 4075)

      NRS 293.307  Duties of voting board before adjournment.  After the last person entitled to vote has voted, the voting board, before adjourning, shall put the records and the account of ballots in order for the counting board.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 256)

VOTING AT POLLING PLACES ESTABLISHED AS VOTE CENTERS

      NRS 293.3072  Establishment of polling places as vote centers where eligible voters in county may vote on election day.

      1.  A county clerk:

      (a) May establish one or more polling places in the county where any person entitled to vote in the county by personal appearance may do so on the day of the primary election or general election.

      (b) Must establish one or more polling places in the county where any person entitled to vote in the county by personal appearance may do so on the day of the presidential preference primary election.

      2.  Any person entitled to vote in the county by personal appearance may do so at any polling place established pursuant to subsection 1.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4050; A 2021, 3884)

      NRS 293.3073  Requirements for providing notice of locations of vote centers; exceptions; limitations on establishing additional vote centers after such notice.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, if a county clerk establishes one or more polling places pursuant to NRS 293.3072, the county clerk must:

      (a) Publish during the week before the election in a newspaper of general circulation a notice of the location of each such polling place.

      (b) Post a list of the location of each such polling place on any bulletin board used for posting notice of meetings of the board of county commissioners. The list must be posted continuously for a period beginning not later than the fifth business day before the election and ending at 7 p.m. on the day of the election. The county clerk shall make copies of the list available to the public during the period of posting in reasonable quantities without charge.

      2.  The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply if every polling place in the county is a polling place where any person entitled to vote in the county by personal appearance may do so on the day of the primary election or general election.

      3.  No additional polling place may be established pursuant to NRS 293.3072 after the publication pursuant to this section, except in the case of an emergency and if approved by the Secretary of State.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4050)

      NRS 293.3074  Requirements for preparing and delivering rosters for vote centers.

      1.  For each polling place established pursuant to NRS 293.3072, if any, the county clerk shall prepare a roster that contains, for every registered voter in the county, the voter’s name, the address where he or she is registered to vote, his or her voter identification number, the voter’s precinct or district number and the voter’s signature.

      2.  The roster must be delivered or caused to be delivered by the county clerk to an election board officer of the proper polling place before the opening of the polls.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4051)

      NRS 293.3075  Requirements for casting ballots at vote centers. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.283 and 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, upon the appearance of a person to cast a ballot at a polling place established pursuant to NRS 293.3072, the election board officer shall:

      (a) Determine that the person is a registered voter in the county and has not already voted in that county in the current election;

      (b) Instruct the voter to sign the roster or a signature card; and

      (c) Verify the signature of the voter in the manner set forth in NRS 293.277.

      2.  If the signature of the voter does not match, the voter must be identified by:

      (a) Answering questions from the election board officer covering the personal data which is reported on the application to register to vote;

      (b) Providing the election board officer, orally or in writing, with other personal data which verifies the identity of the voter; or

      (c) Providing the election board officer with proof of identification as described in NRS 293.277 other than the voter registration card issued to the voter.

      3.  If the signature of the voter has changed in comparison to the signature on the application to register to vote, the voter must update his or her signature on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State.

      4.  The county clerk shall prescribe a procedure, approved by the Secretary of State, to verify that the voter has not already voted in that county in the current election.

      5.  When a voter is entitled to cast a ballot and has identified himself or herself to the satisfaction of the election board officer, the voter is entitled to receive the appropriate ballot or ballots, but only for his or her own use at the polling place where he or she applies to vote.

      6.  If the ballot is voted on a mechanical recording device which directly records the votes electronically, the election board officer shall:

      (a) Prepare the mechanical voting device for the voter;

      (b) Ensure that the voter’s precinct or voting district and the form of the ballot are indicated on the voting receipt, if the county clerk uses voting receipts; and

      (c) Allow the voter to cast a vote.

      7.  A voter applying to vote at a polling place established pursuant to NRS 293.3072 may be challenged pursuant to NRS 293.303.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4051)

      NRS 293.3075  Requirements for casting ballots at vote centers. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.283 and 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, upon the appearance of a person to cast a ballot at a polling place established pursuant to NRS 293.3072, the election board officer shall:

      (a) Determine that the person is a registered voter in the county and has not already voted in that county in the current election;

      (b) Instruct the voter to sign the roster or a signature card; and

      (c) Verify the signature of the voter in the manner set forth in NRS 293.277.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.57691, if the signature of the voter does not match, the voter must be identified by:

      (a) Answering questions from the election board officer covering the personal data which is reported on the application to register to vote;

      (b) Providing the election board officer, orally or in writing, with other personal data which verifies the identity of the voter; or

      (c) Providing the election board officer with proof of identification as described in NRS 293.277 other than the voter registration card issued to the voter.

      3.  If the signature of the voter has changed in comparison to the signature on the application to register to vote, the voter must update his or her signature on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State.

      4.  The county clerk shall prescribe a procedure, approved by the Secretary of State, to verify that the voter has not already voted in that county in the current election.

      5.  When a voter is entitled to cast a ballot and has identified himself or herself to the satisfaction of the election board officer, the voter is entitled to receive the appropriate ballot or ballots, but only for his or her own use at the polling place where he or she applies to vote.

      6.  If the ballot is voted on a mechanical recording device which directly records the votes electronically, the election board officer shall:

      (a) Prepare the mechanical voting device for the voter;

      (b) Ensure that the voter’s precinct or voting district and the form of the ballot are indicated on the voting receipt, if the county clerk uses voting receipts; and

      (c) Allow the voter to cast a vote.

      7.  A voter applying to vote at a polling place established pursuant to NRS 293.3072 may be challenged pursuant to NRS 293.303.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4051; A 2021, 3857; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

VOTING BY PROVISIONAL BALLOT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES

      NRS 293.3078  “Provisional ballot” defined.  As used in NRS 293.3078 to 293.3086, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires:

      1.  “Provisional ballot” means a provisional ballot cast by a person pursuant to NRS 293.3078 to 293.3086, inclusive.

      2.  The term does not include a provisional ballot cast by a person pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4057)

      NRS 293.3079  Provisional ballot must include all offices, candidates and measures.  If a person casts a provisional ballot pursuant to NRS 293.3078 to 293.3086, inclusive, the provisional ballot must include all offices, candidates and measures upon which the person would have been entitled to vote if the person had cast a regular ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4057)

      NRS 293.3081  Casting of provisional ballot: General conditions; declaration or application.  A person at a polling place may cast a provisional ballot in an election pursuant to NRS 293.3078 to 293.3086, inclusive, if the person complies with the applicable provisions of NRS 293.3082 and:

      1.  Declares that he or she has registered to vote and is eligible to vote at that election in that jurisdiction, but his or her name does not appear on a voter registration list as a voter eligible to vote in that election in that jurisdiction or an election official asserts that the person is not eligible to vote in that election in that jurisdiction;

      2.  Applies by mail or computer, on or after January 1, 2003, to register to vote and has not previously voted in an election for federal office in this State and fails to provide the identification required pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.2725 to the election board officer at the polling place; or

      3.  Declares that he or she is entitled to vote after the polling place would normally close as a result of a court order or other order extending the time established for the closing of polls pursuant to a law of this State in effect 10 days before the date of the election.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2169; A 2011, 2088; 2019, 4076)

      NRS 293.3082  Casting of provisional ballot: Specific prerequisites; completion of written affirmation; contents of affirmation; provision of receipt; notation on roster.

      1.  Before a person may cast a provisional ballot pursuant to NRS 293.3081, the person must complete a written affirmation on a form provided by an election board officer, as prescribed by the Secretary of State, at the polling place which includes:

      (a) The name of the person casting the provisional ballot;

      (b) The reason for casting the provisional ballot;

      (c) A statement in which the person casting the provisional ballot affirms under penalty of perjury that he or she is a registered voter in the jurisdiction and is eligible to vote in the election;

      (d) The date and type of election;

      (e) The signature of the person casting the provisional ballot;

      (f) The signature of the election board officer;

      (g) A unique affirmation identification number assigned to the person casting the provisional ballot;

      (h) If the person is casting the provisional ballot pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 293.3081:

             (1) An indication by the person as to whether or not he or she provided the required identification at the time the person applied to register to vote;

             (2) The address of the person as listed on the application to register to vote;

             (3) Information concerning the place, manner and approximate date on which the person applied to register to vote;

             (4) Any other information that the person believes may be useful in verifying that the person has registered to vote; and

             (5) A statement informing the voter that if the voter does not provide identification at the time the voter casts the provisional ballot, the required identification must be provided to the county or city clerk not later than 5 p.m. on the Friday following election day and that failure to do so will result in the provisional ballot not being counted;

      (i) If the person is casting the provisional ballot pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 293.3081:

             (1) The address of the person as listed on the application to register to vote;

             (2) The voter registration number, if any, issued to the person; and

             (3) A statement informing the voter that the required identification must be provided to the county or city clerk not later than 5 p.m. on the Friday following election day and that failure to do so will result in the provisional ballot not being counted; and

      (j) If the person is casting the provisional ballot pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 293.3081, the voter registration number, if any, issued to the person.

      2.  After a person completes a written affirmation pursuant to subsection 1:

      (a) The election board officer shall provide the person with a receipt that includes the unique affirmation identification number described in subsection 1 and that explains how the person may use the free access system established pursuant to NRS 293.3086 to ascertain whether the person’s vote was counted, and, if the vote was not counted, the reason why the vote was not counted;

      (b) The voter’s name and applicable information must be entered into the roster in a manner which indicates that the voter cast a provisional ballot; and

      (c) The election board officer shall issue a provisional ballot to the person to vote.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2170; A 2019, 4076)

      NRS 293.3083  Casting of ballot by mail; treatment as provisional ballot under certain circumstances.  A person may cast a ballot by mail, which must be treated as a provisional ballot by the county or city clerk if the person:

      1.  Applies by mail or computer to register to vote and has not previously voted in an election for federal office in this State;

      2.  Fails to provide the identification required pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.2725 to the county or city clerk at the time that the person mails the ballot; and

      3.  Completes the written affirmation set forth in subsection 1 of NRS 293.3082.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2171; A 2011, 2088; 2019, 4077)

      NRS 293.3084  County and city clerks to establish certain procedures relating to provisional ballots.  Each county and city clerk shall establish procedures to:

      1.  Keep each provisional ballot cast pursuant to NRS 293.3081 or 293.3083 separate from other ballots until it has been determined whether or not the voter was registered and eligible to vote in the election in that jurisdiction;

      2.  Keep each provisional ballot cast pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 293.3081 separate from all other provisional ballots; and

      3.  Inform a person whose name does not appear on a voter registration list as an eligible voter for a polling place or who an election official asserts is not eligible to vote at the polling place of the ability of the person to cast a provisional ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2172)

      NRS 293.3085  Canvass and counting of provisional ballots.

      1.  Following each election, a canvass of the provisional ballots cast in the election must be conducted pursuant to NRS 293.387 and, if appropriate, pursuant to NRS 293C.387.

      2.  The county and city clerk shall not:

      (a) Include any provisional ballot in the unofficial results reported on election night; or

      (b) Open any envelope containing a provisional ballot before 8 a.m. on the Wednesday following election day.

      3.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, a provisional ballot must be counted if:

      (a) The county or city clerk determines that the person who cast the provisional ballot was registered to vote in the election, eligible to vote in the election and issued the appropriate ballot for the address at which the person resides;

      (b) A voter who failed to provide required identification at the polling place or with his or her mailed ballot provides the required identification to the county or city clerk not later than 5 p.m. on the Friday following election day; or

      (c) A court order has not been issued by 5 p.m. on the Friday following election day directing that provisional ballots cast pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 293.3081 not be counted, and the provisional ballot was cast pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 293.3081.

      4.  A provisional ballot must not be counted if the county or city clerk determines that the person who cast the provisional ballot cast the wrong ballot for the address at which the person resides.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2172)

      NRS 293.3086  Free access system to provide information to voter casting provisional ballot.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall establish a free access system such as a toll-free telephone number or an Internet website to inform a person who cast a provisional ballot whether the person’s vote was counted and, if the vote was not counted, the reason why the vote was not counted.

      2.  The free access system must ensure secrecy of the ballot while protecting the confidentiality and integrity of personal information contained therein.

      3.  Access to information concerning a provisional ballot must be restricted to the person who cast the provisional ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2172)

EARLY VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE

      NRS 293.356  Issuance of ballot; location at which ballot must be voted.  If a request is made to vote early by a registered voter in person, the election board shall issue a ballot for early voting to the voter. Such a ballot must be voted on the premises of a polling place for early voting established pursuant to NRS 293.3564, 293.3572, 293.3575 or 298.690.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2169; A 1995, 2626, 2777; 1997, 668, 671, 2778; 1999, 695; 2003, 1650; 2007, 1159, 2594; 2021, 3887)

      NRS 293.3561  County clerk to establish criteria for selection of permanent and temporary polling places for early voting by personal appearance.

      1.  The permanent and temporary polling places for early voting by personal appearance must satisfy the criteria to be used to select permanent and temporary polling places for early voting by personal appearance provided by the county clerk pursuant to subsection 2.

      2.  The county clerk shall:

      (a) Provide by rule or regulation for the criteria to be used to select permanent and temporary polling places for early voting by personal appearance; and

      (b) At a meeting of the board of county commissioners, inform the board of the sites selected as permanent and temporary polling places for early voting by personal appearance.

      (Added to NRS by 2005, 2283)

      NRS 293.3564  Establishment of permanent polling places for early voting; eligible voters may vote by personal appearance at any polling place for early voting.

      1.  Each county clerk shall establish at least one permanent polling place for early voting by personal appearance in the county.

      2.  Any person entitled to vote early by personal appearance may do so at any polling place for early voting.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2169; A 1995, 2626, 2778; 1997, 668, 671, 2778; 1999, 695; 2005, 2287; 2017, 3820)

      NRS 293.3568  Period for early voting; days and hours for early voting at permanent polling places.

      1.  The period for early voting by personal appearance begins the third Saturday preceding a primary or general election and extends through the Friday before election day, Sundays and federal holidays excepted.

      2.  The county clerk may:

      (a) Include any Sunday or federal holiday that falls within the period for early voting by personal appearance.

      (b) Require a permanent polling place for early voting to remain open until 8 p.m. on any Saturday that falls within the period for early voting.

      3.  A permanent polling place for early voting must remain open:

      (a) On Monday through Friday during the period for early voting, for at least 8 hours during such hours as the county clerk may establish.

      (b) On any Saturday that falls within the period for early voting, for at least 4 hours during such hours as the county clerk may establish.

      (c) If the county clerk includes a Sunday that falls within the period for early voting pursuant to subsection 2, during such hours as the county clerk may establish.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2169; A 1995, 2626, 2778; 1997, 668, 671, 2778; 1999, 695; 2007, 2594; 2011, 3281; 2019, 4081)

      NRS 293.3572  Establishment of temporary branch polling places for early voting and ballot drop boxes; establishment within Indian reservation or colony; days and hours for early voting; legal rights and remedies of property owners or lessors not affected by presence of such polling places.

      1.  In addition to permanent polling places for early voting, the county clerk may establish temporary branch polling places for early voting which may include, without limitation, the clerk’s office pursuant to NRS 293.3561.

      2.  If an Indian reservation or Indian colony is located in whole or in part within a county, the county clerk:

      (a) Shall, except as otherwise provided in subsections 3 and 6, establish a temporary branch polling place for early voting and a ballot drop box at a location approved by the Indian tribe within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony; and

      (b) May establish additional temporary branch polling places for early voting or ballot drop boxes, or both, within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony upon the request of an Indian tribe submitted not later than the dates set forth in subsection 3 to elect not to have a polling place and ballot drop box established within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony.

      3.  An Indian tribe may elect not to have a temporary branch polling place for early voting and ballot drop box established within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony by submitting notice to the county clerk on or before:

      (a) If the notice is for a primary election, January 15 of the year in which the general election is to be held.

      (b) If the notice is for a presidential preference primary election, September 15 of the year immediately preceding the year of the presidential preference primary election.

      (c) If the notice is for a general election, June 15 of the year in which the general election is to be held.

      4.  Any location of a temporary branch polling place for early voting or ballot drop box established pursuant to subsection 2 must satisfy the criteria established by the county clerk for the selection of temporary branch polling places and ballot drop boxes pursuant to NRS 293.3561.

      5.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, the county clerk must continue to establish one temporary branch polling place and ballot drop box within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony at a location approved by the Indian tribe for early voting in future elections unless otherwise notified by the Indian tribe pursuant to subsection 3.

      6.  Not later than the dates set forth in subsection 3 to elect not to have a polling place and ballot drop box established within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony, an Indian tribe that elects to have a temporary branch polling place and ballot drop box established must submit to the county clerk and the tribal liaison designated by the Office of the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 233A.260:

      (a) The location for the temporary branch polling place and ballot drop box and whether the location will have only a temporary branch polling place or ballot drop box or both a temporary branch polling place and ballot drop box;

      (b) Whether the Indian tribe will select registered voters to be appointed to act as election board officers to staff the temporary branch polling place within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony; and

      (c) The proposed days and hours for the operation of the temporary branch polling place.

Ê If an Indian tribe does not submit the information required pursuant to this subsection, the Indian tribe shall be deemed to have elected not to have a temporary branch polling place and ballot drop box established within the boundaries of the Indian reservation or Indian colony.

      7.  The provisions of subsection 3 of NRS 293.3568 do not apply to a temporary branch polling place. Voting at a temporary branch polling place may be conducted on any one or more days and during any hours within the period for early voting by personal appearance, as determined by the county clerk.

      8.  The schedules for conducting voting are not required to be uniform among the temporary branch polling places.

      9.  The legal rights and remedies which inure to the owner or lessor of private property are not impaired or otherwise affected by the leasing of the property for use as a temporary branch polling place for early voting, except to the extent necessary to conduct early voting at that location.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2169; A 1995, 2626, 2778; 1997, 668, 671, 2779; 1999, 695; 2003, 1650; 2005, 2288; 2017, 3820; 2019, 177; 2021, 1229, 3887; 2023, 2521)

      NRS 293.3575  Establishment of polling places for early voters.  For a primary election or general election, the county clerk must establish:

      1.  In a county whose population is 700,000 or more, at least 25 polling places for early voting by personal appearance, which may be any combination of temporary or permanent polling places for early voting.

      2.  In a county whose population is 100,000 or more but less than 700,000, at least 15 polling places for early voting by personal appearance, which may be any combination of temporary or permanent polling places for early voting.

      3.  In a county whose population is less than 100,000, at least 1 permanent polling place for early voting by personal appearance.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 1216)

      NRS 293.3576  Schedule of locations and days and hours for early voting; limitations on establishment of additional locations; extension of hours after publication of schedule.

      1.  The county clerk shall publish during the week before the period for early voting and at least once each week during the period for early voting in a newspaper of general circulation a schedule stating:

      (a) The location of each permanent and temporary polling place for early voting.

      (b) The dates and hours that early voting will be conducted at each location.

      2.  The county clerk shall post a copy of the schedule on the bulletin board used for posting notice of meetings of the board of county commissioners. The schedule must be posted continuously for a period beginning not later than the fifth day before the first day of the period for early voting by personal appearance and ending on the last day of that period.

      3.  The county clerk shall make copies of the schedule available to the public in reasonable quantities without charge during the period of posting.

      4.  No additional polling places for early voting may be established after the schedule is published pursuant to this section.

      5.  The hours that early voting will be conducted at each polling place for early voting may be extended at the discretion of the county clerk after the schedule is published pursuant to this section.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2170; A 1997, 2779; 1999, 695; 2015, 3156; 2019, 4082)

      NRS 293.358  Appointment of deputy clerks.

      1.  The county clerk shall appoint for each polling place for early voting a deputy clerk for early voting who must serve as the election officer in charge of the polling place.

      2.  The county clerk may also appoint as many additional deputy clerks as he or she deems necessary for the proper conduct of the election.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2170; A 1997, 2779; 1999, 695)

      NRS 293.3583  Mechanical recording devices: Preparation before polls open each day.  If ballots which are voted on a mechanical recording device which directly records the votes electronically are used during the period for early voting by personal appearance, the election board shall, before the polls open on each day during that period:

      1.  Prepare each mechanical recording device for voting.

      2.  Ensure that each mechanical recording device will not register any ballots which were previously voted on the mechanical recording device as having been voted on that day.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2773)

      NRS 293.3585  Procedure for early voting. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.283 and 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, upon the appearance of a person to cast a ballot for early voting, an election board officer shall:

      (a) Determine that the person is a registered voter in the county.

      (b) Instruct the voter to sign the roster for early voting or a signature card.

      (c) Verify the signature of the voter in the manner set forth in NRS 293.277.

      (d) Verify that the voter has not already voted in that county in the current election.

      2.  If the signature of the voter does not match, the voter must be identified by:

      (a) Answering questions from the election board officer covering the personal data which is reported on the application to register to vote;

      (b) Providing the election board officer, orally or in writing, with other personal data which verifies the identity of the voter; or

      (c) Providing the election board officer with proof of identification as described in NRS 293.277 other than the voter registration card issued to the voter.

      3.  If the signature of the voter has changed in comparison to the signature on the application to register to vote, the voter must update his or her signature on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State.

      4.  The county clerk shall prescribe a procedure, approved by the Secretary of State, to verify that the voter has not already voted in that county in the current election.

      5.  The roster for early voting or a signature card, as applicable, must contain:

      (a) The voter’s name, the address where he or she is registered to vote, his or her voter identification number and a place for the voter’s signature;

      (b) The voter’s precinct or voting district number, if that information is available; and

      (c) The date of voting early in person.

      6.  When a voter is entitled to cast a ballot and has identified himself or herself to the satisfaction of the election board officer, the voter is entitled to receive the appropriate ballot or ballots, but only for his or her own use at the polling place for early voting.

      7.  If the ballot is voted on a mechanical recording device which directly records the votes electronically, the election board officer shall:

      (a) Prepare the mechanical recording device for the voter;

      (b) Ensure that the voter’s precinct or voting district, if that information is available, and the form of ballot are indicated on the voting receipt, if the county clerk uses voting receipts; and

      (c) Allow the voter to cast a vote.

      8.  A voter applying to vote early by personal appearance may be challenged pursuant to NRS 293.303.

      9.  For the purposes of subsection 2, the personal data of a voter may include his or her date of birth.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2170; A 1995, 2267, 2627, 2779; 1997, 668, 671, 2780; 1999, 695; 2007, 1159, 2594; 2015, 3156; 2017, 3821, 3847; 2019, 4082; 2021, 1230)

      NRS 293.3585  Procedure for early voting. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.283 and 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, upon the appearance of a person to cast a ballot for early voting, an election board officer shall:

      (a) Determine that the person is a registered voter in the county.

      (b) Instruct the voter to sign the roster for early voting or a signature card.

      (c) Verify the signature of the voter in the manner set forth in NRS 293.277.

      (d) Verify that the voter has not already voted in that county in the current election.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.57691, if the signature of the voter does not match, the voter must be identified by:

      (a) Answering questions from the election board officer covering the personal data which is reported on the application to register to vote;

      (b) Providing the election board officer, orally or in writing, with other personal data which verifies the identity of the voter; or

      (c) Providing the election board officer with proof of identification as described in NRS 293.277 other than the voter registration card issued to the voter.

      3.  If the signature of the voter has changed in comparison to the signature on the application to register to vote, the voter must update his or her signature on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State.

      4.  The county clerk shall prescribe a procedure, approved by the Secretary of State, to verify that the voter has not already voted in that county in the current election.

      5.  The roster for early voting or a signature card, as applicable, must contain:

      (a) The voter’s name, the address where he or she is registered to vote, his or her voter identification number and a place for the voter’s signature;

      (b) The voter’s precinct or voting district number, if that information is available; and

      (c) The date of voting early in person.

      6.  When a voter is entitled to cast a ballot and has identified himself or herself to the satisfaction of the election board officer, the voter is entitled to receive the appropriate ballot or ballots, but only for his or her own use at the polling place for early voting.

      7.  If the ballot is voted on a mechanical recording device which directly records the votes electronically, the election board officer shall:

      (a) Prepare the mechanical recording device for the voter;

      (b) Ensure that the voter’s precinct or voting district, if that information is available, and the form of ballot are indicated on the voting receipt, if the county clerk uses voting receipts; and

      (c) Allow the voter to cast a vote.

      8.  A voter applying to vote early by personal appearance may be challenged pursuant to NRS 293.303.

      9.  For the purposes of subsection 2, the personal data of a voter may include his or her date of birth.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2170; A 1995, 2267, 2627, 2779; 1997, 668, 671, 2780; 1999, 695; 2007, 1159, 2594; 2015, 3156; 2017, 3821, 3847; 2019, 4082; 2021, 1230, 3857; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.3594  Security precautions.

      1.  A plan for the security of ballots for early voting must be submitted to the Secretary of State for approval no later than 90 days before the election at which early voting is to be conducted.

      2.  At the close of early voting each day, the deputy clerk for early voting shall secure each voting machine used for early voting in a manner prescribed by the Secretary of State so that its unauthorized operation is prevented.

      3.  All materials for early voting must be delivered to the county clerk’s office at the close of voting on the last day for voting at the polling place for early voting.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2171; A 1995, 2780; 1997, 2781; 1999, 695)

      NRS 293.3604  Mechanical recording devices: Duties of election board at close of each voting day; duties of ballot board for early voting and county clerk at close of last voting day.  If ballots which are voted on a mechanical recording device which directly records the votes electronically are used during the period for early voting by personal appearance:

      1.  At the close of each voting day, the election board shall:

      (a) Prepare and sign a statement for the polling place. The statement must include:

             (1) The title of the election;

             (2) The number which identifies the mechanical recording device and the storage device required pursuant to NRS 293B.084;

             (3) The number of ballots voted on the mechanical recording device for that day;

             (4) The number of signatures in the roster for early voting for that day;

             (5) The number of signatures on signature cards for the day; and

             (6) The number of signatures in the roster designated for electors who applied to register to vote or applied to vote at the polling place pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive.

      (b) Secure:

             (1) The ballots pursuant to the plan for security required by NRS 293.3594; and

             (2) Each mechanical voting device in the manner prescribed by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.3594.

      2.  At the close of the last voting day, the county clerk shall deliver to the ballot board for early voting:

      (a) The statements for all polling places for early voting;

      (b) The voting rosters used for early voting;

      (c) The signature cards used for early voting;

      (d) The storage device required pursuant to NRS 293B.084 from each mechanical recording device used during the period for early voting; and

      (e) Any other items as determined by the county clerk.

      3.  Upon receipt of the items set forth in subsection 2 at the close of the last voting day, the ballot board for early voting shall:

      (a) Indicate the number of ballots on an official statement of ballots; and

      (b) Place the storage devices in the container provided to transport those items to the central counting place and seal the container with a numbered seal. The official statement of ballots must accompany the storage devices to the central counting place.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2773; A 1997, 2782; 1999, 695; 2007, 2595; 2015, 3157; 2017, 3822, 3848; 2019, 4083)

      NRS 293.3606  Returns; secrecy of ballots; disseminating information about count of returns before polls close prohibited; penalty.

      1.  After 8 a.m. on election day, the appropriate board shall count in public the returns for early voting.

      2.  The returns for early voting must not be reported until after the polls have closed on election day.

      3.  The returns for early voting must be reported separately from the regular votes of the precinct, unless reporting the returns separately would violate the secrecy of the voter’s ballot.

      4.  The county clerk shall develop a procedure to ensure that each ballot is kept secret.

      5.  Any person who disseminates to the public information relating to the count of returns for early voting before the polls close is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2172; A 1995, 2627, 2781; 1997, 668, 671, 2783; 1999, 695, 3553)

      NRS 293.3608  County clerk to ensure that mechanical recording devices used for early voting provide record of number of votes; delivery of records and storage devices to central counting place.  On election day, the county clerk shall:

      1.  Ensure that each mechanical recording device used during the period for early voting provides a record of the total number of votes recorded on the device for each candidate and for or against each measure; and

      2.  Deliver to the central counting place:

      (a) The records provided pursuant to subsection 1; and

      (b) The storage device required pursuant to NRS 293B.084 from each mechanical recording device used during the period for early voting.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2774; A 1997, 2783; 1999, 605, 695; 2003, 1650; 2015, 3158)

      NRS 293.361  Electioneering prohibited near polling place or jail during certain periods; penalty.

      1.  During the time a polling place for early voting is open for voting, a person may not electioneer for or against any candidate, measure or political party in or within 100 feet from the entrance to the voting area. During the time that a person detained in a county or city jail may vote in the jail, a person may not electioneer for or against any candidate, measure or political party in or within 100 feet from the entrance of the voting area of the jail.

      2.  During the period of early voting, the county clerk shall keep continuously posted:

      (a) At the entrance to the room or area, as applicable, in which the polling place for early voting is located a sign on which is printed in large letters “Polling Place for Early Voting.”

      (b) At the outer limits of the area within which electioneering is prohibited, at least one sign on which is printed in large letters “Distance Marker: No electioneering between this point and the entrance to the polling place.” The county clerk shall ensure that any sign posted pursuant to this paragraph is:

             (1) At least 17 inches by 11 inches in size;

             (2) Placed on a window or door of the polling place or a freestanding sign; and

             (3) Visible to a person approaching the outer limits of the area within which electioneering is prohibited.

      3.  Ropes or other suitable objects may be used at the polling place to ensure compliance with this section. Persons who are not expressly permitted by law to be in a polling place must be excluded from the polling place to the extent practicable.

      4.  Any person who willfully violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2172; A 1997, 80, 2783, 2792; 1999, 679, 695; 2023, 2906, 3305)

RETURNS AND CANVASS

      NRS 293.3625  Record made by county clerk of receipt at central counting place of sealed container used to transport official ballots.  The county clerk shall make a record of the receipt at the central counting place of each sealed container used to transport official ballots pursuant to NRS 293.304, 293B.330 and 293B.335. The record must include the numbers indicated on the container and its seal pursuant to NRS 293.462.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2772; A 1997, 668, 3460; 2001, 2029; 2007, 2596; 2021, 1231)

      NRS 293.363  Preparation by counting board to count ballots; counting must be public and continue until completed; requirements for counting paper ballots; rejection of certain ballots; record of discrepancies.

      1.  When the polls are closed, the counting board shall prepare to count the ballots voted. The counting procedure must be public and continue without adjournment until completed.

      2.  If the ballots are paper ballots, the counting board shall prepare in the following manner:

      (a) The container that holds the ballots or the ballot box must be opened and the ballots contained therein counted by the counting board and opened far enough to ascertain whether each ballot is single. If two or more ballots are found folded together to present the appearance of a single ballot, they must be laid aside until the count of the ballots is completed. If a majority of the inspectors are of the opinion that the ballots folded together were voted by one person, the ballots must be rejected and placed in an envelope, upon which must be written the reason for their rejection. The envelope must be signed by the counting board officers and placed in the container or ballot box after the count is completed.

      (b) If the ballots in the container or box are found to exceed in number the number of names as are indicated on the roster as having voted, the ballots must be replaced in the container or box, and a counting board officer, with his or her back turned to the container or box, shall draw out a number of ballots equal to the excess. The excess ballots must be marked on the back thereof with the words “Excess ballots not counted.” The ballots when so marked must be immediately sealed in an envelope and returned to the county clerk with the other ballots rejected for any cause.

      (c) When it has been ascertained that the number of ballots agrees with the number of names of registered voters shown to have voted, the board shall proceed to count. If there is a discrepancy between the number of ballots and the number of voters, a record of the discrepancy must be made.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 259; A 1961, 290; 1985, 1596; 1987, 346; 1995, 2781; 1997, 3461; 2001, 2029; 2007, 1161, 2596; 2020, 32nd Special Session, 45; 2021, 1231)

      NRS 293.365  Accounting for all paper ballots before counting of votes begins.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.269931, no counting board in any precinct, district or polling place in which paper ballots are used may commence to count the votes until all ballots used or unused are accounted for.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 260; A 1977, 245; 2015, 3158; 2020, 32nd Special Session, 46; 2021, 1232)

      NRS 293.367  Standards for rejecting ballots for appearance of tampering; regulations for counting ballots.

      1.  The basic factor to be considered by an election board when making a determination of whether a particular ballot must be rejected is whether any identifying mark appears on the ballot which, in the opinion of the election board, constitutes an identifying mark such that there is a reasonable belief entertained in good faith that the ballot has been tampered with and, as a result of the tampering, the outcome of the election would be affected.

      2.  The regulations for counting ballots must include provisions that:

      (a) An error in marking one or more votes on a ballot does not invalidate any votes properly marked on that ballot.

      (b) A soiled or defaced ballot may not be rejected if it appears that the soiling or defacing was inadvertent and was not done purposely to identify the ballot.

      (c) Only devices provided for in this chapter or chapter 293B of NRS may be used in marking ballots.

      (d) It is unlawful for any election board officer to place any mark upon any ballot other than a spoiled ballot.

      (e) When an election board officer rejects a ballot for any alleged defect or illegality, the officer shall seal the ballot in an envelope and write upon the envelope a statement that it was rejected and the reason for rejecting it. Each election board officer shall sign the envelope.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 260; A 1961, 291; 1967, 849; 1975, 939; 1979, 266; 1985, 1096; 1987, 347; 1995, 2782; 1997, 3461; 2001, 2030; 2007, 1161, 2597)

      NRS 293.3677  Standards for counting votes; regulations.

      1.  When counting a vote in an election, if more choices than permitted by the instructions for a ballot are marked for any office or question, the vote for that office or question may not be counted.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 1, in an election in which a mechanical voting system is used whereby a vote is cast by darkening a designated space on the ballot:

      (a) A vote must be counted if the designated space is darkened or there is a writing in the designated space, including, without limitation, a cross or check; and

      (b) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (a), a writing or other mark on the ballot, including, without limitation, a cross, check, tear or scratch may not be counted as a vote.

      3.  The Secretary of State:

      (a) May adopt regulations establishing additional uniform, statewide standards, not inconsistent with this section, for counting a vote cast by a method of voting described in subsection 2; and

      (b) Shall adopt regulations establishing uniform, statewide standards for counting a vote cast by each method of voting used in this State that is not described in subsection 2, including, without limitation, a vote cast on a mechanical recording device which directly records the votes electronically.

      (Added to NRS by 2001, 2024; A 2007, 1162, 2597)

      NRS 293.368  Counting of votes cast for deceased candidate.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4 of NRS 293.165, if a candidate on the ballot at a primary election dies after 5 p.m. of the second Tuesday in April, the deceased candidate’s name must remain on the ballot and the votes cast for the deceased candidate must be counted in determining the nomination for the office for which the decedent was a candidate.

      2.  If the deceased candidate on the ballot at the primary election receives the number of votes required to receive the nomination to the office for which he or she was a candidate, except as otherwise provided in subsection 2 of NRS 293.165, the deceased candidate shall be deemed nominated and the vacancy in the nomination must be filled as provided in NRS 293.165 or 293.166. If the deceased person was a candidate for a nonpartisan office, the nomination must be filled pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 293.165.

      3.  Whenever a candidate whose name appears upon the ballot at a general election dies after 5 p.m. on the fourth Friday in July of the year in which the general election is held, the votes cast for the deceased candidate must be counted in determining the results of the election for the office for which the decedent was a candidate.

      4.  If the deceased candidate on the ballot at the general election receives the majority of the votes cast for the office, the deceased candidate shall be deemed elected and the office to which he or she was elected shall be deemed vacant at the beginning of the term for which he or she was elected. The vacancy thus created must be filled in the same manner as if the candidate had died after taking office for that term.

      (Added to NRS by 1963, 1382; A 1971, 445; 1987, 347; 1997, 3462; 2003, 1705; 2005, 1435; 2009, 1269; 2011, 3281; 2013, 2376; 2015, 3577)

      NRS 293.370  Procedure for completion of tally lists.  When all the votes have been counted, the counting board officers shall produce a tally list organized by precinct and ballot type indicating the number of votes that each candidate received. The votes for and against any question submitted to the electors must be entered in the same manner.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 260; A 1979, 1304; 1995, 2627; 1997, 1608; 2007, 2598; 2011, 3071; 2015, 3158)

      NRS 293.373  Duties of officers of counting board after ballots counted if paper ballots used.  If paper ballots are used:

      1.  After the ballots have been counted, the voted ballots, rejected ballots, tally lists for regular ballots, tally list for rejected ballots, challenge list, stubs of used ballots, spoiled ballots and unused ballots must be sealed under cover by the counting board officers and addressed to the county clerk.

      2.  The rosters and tally lists must be returned to the county clerk.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 261; A 1961, 292; 1987, 348; 1989, 1788; 1995, 2782; 1997, 3462; 2001, 2951; 2007, 1163, 2598; 2015, 3158)

      NRS 293.383  Posting of copies of result of votes cast.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, each counting board, before it adjourns, shall post a copy of the voting results in a conspicuous place on the outside of the place where the votes were counted.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, when votes are cast on ballots which are mechanically or electronically tabulated in accordance with the provisions of chapter 293B of NRS, the county clerk shall, as soon as possible, post copies of the tabulated voting results in a conspicuous place on the outside of the counting facility or courthouse.

      3.  The Secretary of State shall notify each county clerk as soon as is reasonably practicable when every polling place is closed and all votes have been cast. A county clerk shall not post copies of the tabulated voting results for a statewide or multicounty race or ballot question until the county clerk has received notification from the Secretary of State that all polling places are closed and all votes have been cast.

      4.  Each copy of the voting results posted in accordance with subsections 1, 2 and 3 must set forth the accumulative total of all the votes cast within the county or other political subdivision conducting the election and must be signed by the members of the counting board or the computer program and processing accuracy board.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 261; A 1969, 167; 1975, 1533; 1985, 1096; 1987, 348; 1997, 3463; 2011, 3282)

      NRS 293.387  Canvass of returns; abstract of votes.

      1.  As soon as the returns from all the precincts and districts in any county have been received by the board of county commissioners, the board shall meet and canvass the returns. The canvass must be completed on or before the 10th day following the election.

      2.  In making its canvass, the board shall:

      (a) Note separately any clerical errors discovered; and

      (b) Take account of the changes resulting from the discovery, so that the result declared represents the true vote cast.

      3.  The county clerk shall, as soon as the result is declared, enter upon the records of the board an abstract of the result, which must contain the number of votes cast for each candidate. The board, after making the abstract, shall cause the county clerk to certify the abstract and, by an order made and entered in the minutes of its proceedings, to make:

      (a) A copy of the certified abstract; and

      (b) A mechanized report of the abstract in compliance with regulations adopted by the Secretary of State,

Ê and transmit them to the Secretary of State on or before the 10th day following the election.

      4.  The Secretary of State shall, immediately after any primary election, compile the returns for all candidates voted for in more than one county. The Secretary of State shall make out and file in his or her office an abstract thereof, and shall certify to the county clerk of each county the name of each person nominated, and the name of the office for which the person is nominated.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 261; A 1961, 292; 1963, 1374; 1967, 861; 1969, 786; 1971, 445, 1487; 1977, 245; 1987, 349, 1370; 1989, 1665; 1991, 1106; 1997, 3464; 1999, 3553; 2007, 621; 2019, 4084; 2020, 32nd Special Session, 46; 2021, 1232)

      NRS 293.388  Abstract of votes: Transmission to public libraries or posting upon website.  The Secretary of State, a board of county commissioners, a county clerk and any other person who prepares an abstract of votes pursuant to this chapter shall:

      1.  Transmit on paper or by electronic means to each public library in the jurisdiction of that person or entity; or

      2.  Post on a website maintained by that person or entity on the Internet or its successor, if any,

Ê a copy of each abstract that the person or entity prepares within 30 days after the abstract is prepared.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2256)

      NRS 293.389  Inclusion of inactive voters in reports of votes prohibited.  The Secretary of State, a board of county commissioners, a county clerk and any other person who prepares an abstract of votes or other report of votes pursuant to this chapter shall not include in that abstract or report a person designated as an inactive voter pursuant to paragraph (g) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.530 when determining the percentage of voters who have voted or the total number of voters.

      (Added to NRS by 1999, 1389; A 2017, 3849)

      NRS 293.391  Disposition and inspection of ballots, lists, records and stubs of voted ballots after canvass by county commissioners.

      1.  The voted ballots, rejected ballots, spoiled ballots, challenge lists, records printed on paper of voted ballots collected pursuant to NRS 293B.400, reports prepared pursuant to NRS 293.269937 and stubs of the ballots used, enclosed and sealed, must, after canvass of the votes by the board of county commissioners, be deposited in the vaults of the county clerk. The records of voted ballots that are maintained in electronic form must, after canvass of the votes by the board of county commissioners, be sealed and deposited in the vaults of the county clerk. The tally lists collected pursuant to this title must, after canvass of the votes by the board of county commissioners, be deposited in the vaults of the county clerk without being sealed. All materials described by this subsection must be preserved for at least 22 months, and all such sealed materials must be destroyed immediately after the preservation period. A notice of the destruction must be published by the clerk in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county not less than 2 weeks before the destruction.

      2.  Unused ballots, enclosed and sealed, must, after canvass of the votes by the board of county commissioners, be deposited in the vaults of the county clerk and preserved for at least the period during which the election may be contested and adjudicated, after which the unused ballots may be destroyed.

      3.  The rosters containing the signatures of those persons who voted in the election and the tally lists deposited with the board of county commissioners are subject to the inspection of any elector who may wish to examine them at any time after their deposit with the county clerk.

      4.  A contestant of an election may inspect all of the material regarding that election which is preserved pursuant to subsection 1 or 2, except the voted ballots and records printed on paper of voted ballots collected pursuant to NRS 293B.400 which are deposited with the county clerk.

      5.  The voted ballots and records printed on paper of voted ballots collected pursuant to NRS 293B.400 which are deposited with the county clerk are not subject to the inspection of anyone, except in cases of a contested election, and then only by the judge, body or board before whom the election is being contested, or by the parties to the contest, jointly, pursuant to an order of such judge, body or board.

      (Added to NRS by 1961, 297; A 1963, 1375; 1975, 940; 1981, 1740; 1989, 1788; 1993, 2187; 1995, 2783; 1999, 2159; 2001, 2952; 2003, 1651; 2007, 2599; 2017, 2168; 2021, 1232)

      NRS 293.393  Preparation of abstracts of votes cast at general election or certain other elections; preparation and delivery of certificates of election for certain offices.

      1.  On or before the 10th day after any general election or any other election at which votes are cast for any United States Senator, Representative in Congress, member of the Legislature or any state officer who is elected statewide, the board of county commissioners shall open the returns of votes cast and make abstracts of the votes.

      2.  Abstracts of votes must be prepared in the manner prescribed by the Secretary of State by regulation.

      3.  The county clerk shall make out a certificate of election to each of the persons having the highest number of votes for the district, county and township offices.

      4.  Each certificate must be delivered to the person elected upon application at the office of the county clerk.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 262; A 1961, 292; 1963, 1375; 1965 Special Session, 4; 1971, 1415; 1987, 350; 1989, 1666; 1997, 3464; 2007, 621; 2019, 4084; 2020, 32nd Special Session, 47; 2021, 1233)

      NRS 293.394  Risk-limiting audits of election results; regulations; audits by county clerks required.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations for conducting a risk-limiting audit of an election, which may include, without limitation:

      (a) Procedures to conduct a risk-limiting audit;

      (b) Criteria for which elections must be audited; and

      (c) Criteria to determine the scope of the risk-limiting audit.

      2.  In accordance with the regulations adopted by the Secretary of State pursuant to this section, each county clerk shall conduct a risk-limiting audit of the results of an election.

      3.  As used in this section, “risk-limiting audit” means an audit protocol that:

      (a) Makes use of statistical principles and methods; and

      (b) Is designed to limit the risk of certifying an incorrect election outcome.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 3370; A 2019, 3371; 2021, 3847; 2023, 3305)

      NRS 293.395  Transmission of copy of certified abstract of votes and mechanized report to Secretary of State; canvass of vote by justices of Supreme Court; Governor to grant certificates of election and issue proclamations.

      1.  The board of county commissioners, after making the abstract of votes as provided in NRS 293.393, shall cause the county clerk to certify the abstract and, by an order made and entered in the minutes of its proceedings, to make:

      (a) A copy of the certified abstract; and

      (b) A mechanized report of that abstract in compliance with regulations adopted by the Secretary of State,

Ê and forthwith transmit them to the Secretary of State.

      2.  On the fourth Tuesday of November after each general election, the justices of the Supreme Court, or a majority thereof, shall meet with the Secretary of State, and shall open and canvass the vote for the number of presidential electors to which this State may be entitled, United States Senator, Representative in Congress, members of the Legislature, state officers who are elected statewide or by district, district judges, or district officers whose districts include area in more than one county and for and against any question submitted.

      3.  The Governor shall issue certificates of election to and commission the persons having the highest number of votes and shall issue proclamations declaring the election of those persons.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 262; A 1965 Special Session, 4; 1969, 65; 1971, 1415; 1987, 1371; 1989, 1666; 1991, 1106; 1997, 3465; 2003, 1706)

      NRS 293.397  Prohibitions against withholding certificate of election or commission.  A certificate of election or commission must not be withheld from the person having the highest number of votes for the office because of any contest of election filed in the election or any defect or informality in the returns of any election, if it can be ascertained with reasonable certainty from the returns what office is intended and who is entitled to the certificate or commission.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 262; A 1961, 293; 1971, 450; 1995, 1660)

TIES, RECOUNTS AND CONTESTS

      NRS 293.400  Tie vote: Determination of winner in certain elections; determination of nominees in certain primary elections; right to recount.

      1.  If, after the completion of the canvass of the returns of any election, two or more persons receive an equal number of votes, which is sufficient for the election of one or more but fewer than all of them to the office, the person or persons elected must be determined as follows:

      (a) In a general election for a United States Senator, Representative in Congress, state officer who is elected statewide or by district, district judge, or district officer whose district includes area in more than one county, the Legislature shall, by joint vote of both houses, elect one of those persons to fill the office.

      (b) In a primary election for a United States Senator, Representative in Congress, state officer who is elected statewide or by district, district judge, or district officer whose district includes area in more than one county, the Secretary of State shall summon the candidates who have received the tie votes to appear before the Secretary of State at a time and place designated by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State shall determine the tie by lot. If the tie vote is for the office of Secretary of State, the Governor shall perform these duties.

      (c) In a primary election for any partisan office of or general election for any partisan or nonpartisan office of a county, township, incorporated city, city organized under a special charter where the charter is silent as to determination of a tie vote in such an election, or district which is wholly located within one county, the county clerk shall summon the candidates who have received the tie votes to appear before the county clerk at a time and place designated by the county clerk and determine the tie by lot. If the tie vote is for the office of county clerk, the board of county commissioners shall perform these duties.

      (d) In a primary election for any nonpartisan office of a county, township, incorporated city, city organized under a special charter where the charter is silent as to determination of a tie vote in such an election, or district which is wholly located within one county:

             (1) If the candidates who received the tie votes received the highest number of votes at the primary election, all of those candidates must be declared nominees for the office and placed on the ballot for the general election.

             (2) If the candidates who received the tie votes did not receive the highest number of votes but received the next highest number of votes, the candidate who received the highest number of votes at the primary election and the candidates who received the tie votes at the primary election must be declared the nominees for the office and placed on the ballot for the general election unless:

                   (I) The candidate who received the highest number of votes at the primary election received a majority of the votes cast in the primary election; and

                   (II) The provisions of NRS 293.260 or 293C.175 or any other law or special charter require such a candidate to be declared elected to the office at the primary election.

      2.  The summons mentioned in this section must be mailed to the address of the candidate as it appears upon the candidate’s declaration of candidacy at least 5 days before the day fixed for the determination of the tie vote and must contain the time and place where the determination will take place.

      3.  The right to a recount extends to all candidates in case of a tie.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 263; A 1965, 614; 1981, 1740; 1987, 1371; 1995, 2628; 2019, 3387)

      NRS 293.403  Recount of vote: Demand; advance deposit of costs.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.424, a candidate defeated at any election may demand and receive a recount of the vote for the office for which he or she is a candidate to determine the number of votes received for the candidate and the number of votes received for the person who won the election if, within 3 working days after the canvass of the vote and the certification by the county clerk or city clerk of the abstract of votes, the candidate who demands the recount:

      (a) Files in writing a demand with the officer with whom the candidate filed his or her declaration of candidacy; and

      (b) Deposits in advance the estimated costs of the recount with that officer.

      2.  Any voter at an election may demand and receive a recount of the vote for a ballot question if, within 3 working days after the canvass of the vote and the certification by the county clerk or city clerk of the abstract of votes, the voter:

      (a) Files in writing a demand with:

             (1) The Secretary of State, if the demand is for a recount of a ballot question affecting more than one county; or

             (2) The county or city clerk who will conduct the recount, if the demand is for a recount of a ballot question affecting only one county or city; and

      (b) Deposits in advance the estimated costs of the recount with the person to whom the demand was made.

      3.  The estimated costs of the recount must be determined by the person with whom the advance is deposited based on regulations adopted by the Secretary of State defining the term “costs.”

      4.  As used in this section, “canvass” means:

      (a) In any primary election, the canvass by the board of county commissioners of the returns for a candidate or ballot question voted for in one county or the canvass by the board of county commissioners last completing its canvass of the returns for a candidate or ballot question voted for in more than one county.

      (b) In any primary city election, the canvass by the city council of the returns for a candidate or ballot question voted for in the city.

      (c) In any general election:

             (1) The canvass by the Supreme Court of the returns for a candidate for a statewide office or a statewide ballot question; or

             (2) The canvass of the board of county commissioners of the returns for any other candidate or ballot question, as provided in paragraph (a).

      (d) In any general city election, the canvass by the city council of the returns for a candidate or ballot question voted for in the city.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 263; A 1965, 1255; 1975, 940; 1977, 237; 1981, 1700; 1983, 1288; 1987, 350; 1989, 1591, 2167; 1991, 1107; 1995, 2628; 1997, 3465; 2001, 2031; 2019, 3388; 2023, 3306)

      NRS 293.404  Employment and duties of recount board; persons present; procedures for recount of ballots; regulations.

      1.  Where a recount is demanded pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.403 or 293.424, the:

      (a) County clerk of each county affected by the recount shall employ a recount board to conduct the recount in the county, and shall act as chair of the recount board unless the recount is for the office of county clerk, in which case the registrar of voters of the county, if a registrar of voters has been appointed for the county, shall act as chair of the recount board. If a registrar of voters has not been appointed for the county, the chair of the board of county commissioners, if the chair is not a candidate on the ballot, shall act as chair of the recount board. If the recount is for the office of county clerk, a registrar of voters has not been appointed for the county and the chair of the board of county commissioners is a candidate on the ballot, the chair of the board of county commissioners shall appoint another member of the board of county commissioners who is not a candidate on the ballot to act as chair of the recount board. A member of the board of county commissioners who is a candidate on the ballot may not serve as a member of the recount board.

      (b) City clerk shall employ a recount board to conduct the recount in the city, and shall act as chair of the recount board unless the recount is for the office of city clerk, in which case the mayor of the city, if the mayor is not a candidate on the ballot, shall act as chair of the recount board. If the recount is for the office of city clerk and the mayor of the city is a candidate on the ballot, the mayor of the city shall appoint another member of the city council who is not a candidate on the ballot to act as chair of the recount board. A member of the city council who is a candidate on the ballot may not serve as a member of the recount board.

      2.  Each candidate for the office affected by the recount and the voter who demanded the recount, if any, may be present in person or by an authorized representative, but may not be a member of the recount board.

      3.  The recount must include a count and inspection of all ballots, including rejected ballots, and must determine whether all ballots are marked as required by law. All ballots must be recounted in the same manner in which the ballots were originally tabulated.

      4.  The county or city clerk shall unseal and give to the recount board all ballots to be counted.

      5.  The Secretary of State may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.

      (Added to NRS by 1963, 1382; A 1975, 941; 1979, 267; 1985, 1097; 1987, 351; 1989, 1592; 1995, 2629; 1999, 2160; 2001, 2032; 2003, 1651; 2011, 3282; 2017, 2169; 2023, 3306)

      NRS 293.405  Costs of recount; commencement and completion of recount; limitation on additional recount.

      1.  If the person who demanded the recount does not prevail, and it is found that the sum deposited was less than the cost of the recount, the person shall, upon demand, pay the deficiency to the county clerk, city clerk or Secretary of State, as the case may be. If the sum deposited is in excess of the cost, the excess must be refunded to the person.

      2.  If the person who demanded the recount prevails, the sum deposited with the Secretary of State, county clerk or city clerk must be refunded to the person and the cost of the recount must be paid as follows:

      (a) If the recount concerns an office or ballot question for which voting is not statewide, the cost must be borne by the county or city which conducted the recount.

      (b) If the recount concerns an office or ballot question for which voting is statewide, the clerk of each county shall submit a statement of its costs in the recount to the Secretary of State for review and approval. The Secretary of State shall submit the statements to the State Board of Examiners, which shall repay the allowable costs from the Reserve for Statutory Contingency Account to the respective counties.

      3.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.424, each recount must be commenced within 5 days after demand, and must be completed within 5 days after it is begun.

      4.  After the recount of a precinct is completed, that precinct must not be subject to another recount for the same office or ballot question at the same election.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 263; A 1965, 1255; 1977, 237; 1981, 1700; 1987, 351; 1989, 1592; 1991, 1761; 2003, 1706; 2023, 3307)

      NRS 293.407  Filing of written statement of contest with clerk of district court; verification; notification.

      1.  A candidate at any election, or any registered voter of the appropriate political subdivision, may contest the election of any candidate, except for the office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress.

      2.  Except where the contest involves the general election for the office of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Assemblyman, Assemblywoman, State Senator, justice of the Supreme Court or judge of the Court of Appeals, a candidate or voter who wishes to contest an election, including election to the office of presidential elector, must, within the time prescribed in NRS 293.413 or 293.424, file with the clerk of the district court a written statement of contest, setting forth:

      (a) The name of the contestant and that the contestant is a registered voter of the political subdivision in which the election to be contested or part of it was held;

      (b) The name of the defendant;

      (c) The office to which the defendant was declared elected;

      (d) The particular grounds of contest and the section of Nevada Revised Statutes pursuant to which the statement is filed; and

      (e) The date of the declaration of the result of the election and the body or board which canvassed the returns thereof.

      3.  The contestant shall verify the statement of contest in the manner provided for the verification of pleadings in civil actions.

      4.  All material regarding a contest filed by a contestant with the clerk of the district court must be filed in triplicate.

      5.  The contestant must notify the defendant that a statement of contest has been filed pursuant to this section.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 263; A 1965, 1230; 1981, 1741; 2013, 1778; 2021, 566; 2023, 3308)

      NRS 293.410  Statement of contest must not be dismissed for deficiencies of form; grounds for contest.

      1.  A statement of contest shall not be dismissed by any court for want of form if the grounds of contest are alleged with sufficient certainty to inform the defendant of the charges the defendant is required to meet.

      2.  An election may be contested upon any of the following grounds:

      (a) That the election board or any member thereof was guilty of malfeasance.

      (b) That a person who has been declared elected to an office was not at the time of election eligible to that office.

      (c) That:

             (1) Illegal or improper votes were cast and counted;

             (2) Legal and proper votes were not counted; or

             (3) A combination of the circumstances described in subparagraphs (1) and (2) occurred,

Ê in an amount that is equal to or greater than the margin between the contestant and the defendant, or otherwise in an amount sufficient to raise reasonable doubt as to the outcome of the election.

      (d) That the election board, in conducting the election or in canvassing the returns, made errors sufficient to change the result of the election as to any person who has been declared elected.

      (e) That the defendant or any person acting, either directly or indirectly, on behalf of the defendant has given, or offered to give, to any person anything of value for the purpose of manipulating or altering the outcome of the election.

      (f) That there was a malfunction of any voting device or electronic tabulator, counting device or computer in a manner sufficient to raise reasonable doubt as to the outcome of the election.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 264; A 1961, 293; 1971, 446; 1977, 246; 2017, 2171)

      NRS 293.413  Time for filing statement of contest; precedence of election contest; referral to special master.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.424, the statement of contest provided for in NRS 293.407 shall be filed with the clerk of the district court no later than 5 days after a recount is completed, and no later than 14 days after the election if no recount is demanded. The parties to a contest shall be denominated contestant and defendant.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.424, the court shall set the matter for hearing not less than 5 days nor more than 10 days after the filing of the statement of contest. Election contests shall take precedence over all regular business of the court in order that results of elections shall be determined as soon as practicable.

      3.  The court may refer the contest to a special master in the manner provided by the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure, and such special master shall have all powers necessary for a proper determination of the contest.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 264; A 1967, 850; 2023, 3308)

      NRS 293.415  Depositions in election contests; trial and submission of matter.  Any party to a contest may take the deposition of any witness. The matter shall be tried and submitted so far as may be possible upon depositions and written or oral argument as the court may order.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 264)

      NRS 293.417  Judgment of court in election contest.

      1.  If, in any contest, the court finds from the evidence that a person other than the defendant received the greatest number of legal votes, the court, as a part of the judgment, shall declare that person elected or nominated.

      2.  The person declared nominated or elected by the court is entitled to a certificate of nomination or election. If a certificate has not been issued to that person, the county clerk, city clerk or Secretary of State shall execute and deliver to the person a certificate of election or a certificate of nomination.

      3.  If a certificate of election or nomination to the same office has been issued to any person other than the one declared elected by the court, that certificate must be annulled by the judgment of the court.

      4.  Whenever an election is annulled or set aside by the court, and the court does not declare some candidate elected, the certificate of election or the commission, if any has been issued, is void and the office is vacant.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 264; A 1987, 352)

      NRS 293.420  Court costs.

      1.  If a contest proceeding is dismissed for insufficiency of the statement of contest or for want of prosecution, or if the district court confirms the election, judgment shall be rendered for costs in favor of the defendant and against the contestant.

      2.  If an election is annulled or set aside for errors or malfeasance of any election official in the conduct of the election or in canvassing the returns, the costs shall be a charge against the state or political subdivision in which the election was held.

      3.  When an election is annulled or set aside on any other ground, judgment for costs shall be given in favor of the contestant and against the defendant.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 265; A 1967, 850)

      NRS 293.423  Recount of ballots at hearing of contest.  At the hearing of any contest, the ballots may be opened and a recount made, in the presence of the parties or their representatives, of the votes cast for the various candidates for the contested office.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 265)

      NRS 293.424  Requirements applicable to recount and contest of election to office of presidential elector.  For the purposes of an election to the office of presidential elector:

      1.  The following requirements apply to a demand for a recount:

      (a) A candidate for the office of presidential elector may demand and receive a recount of the vote to determine the number of votes received for the candidate and the number of votes received for the person who won the election if, on or before the 13th day following the election, the candidate who demands the recount:

             (1) Files in writing a demand with the Secretary of State; and

             (2) Deposits in advance the estimated costs of the recount with the Secretary of State, as determined by the Secretary of State, in accordance with regulations adopted by the Secretary of State defining the term “costs.”

      (b) A recount conducted pursuant to this subsection must be commenced within 1 day after the demand is filed and must be completed within 5 days after the recount is begun.

      2.  The following requirements apply to a contest of an election:

      (a) A candidate for the office of presidential elector or any registered voter of this State may contest the election of a candidate to the office of presidential elector. To contest the election, the candidate or registered voter, as applicable, must file with the clerk of the district court a written statement of contest not more than 2 working days after the canvass of the returns by the Supreme Court.

      (b) The statement of contest must be prepared in accordance with NRS 293.407.

      (c) The court shall set the matter for a hearing not more than 5 days after the filing of the statement of contest and must determine the results of the contest before the deadline to issue and submit the certificate of ascertainment pursuant to 3 U.S.C. § 5. Election contests take precedence over all regular business of the court in order that results of elections shall be determined as soon as practicable.

      (d) The court may refer the contest to a special master in the manner provided by the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure, and such special master shall have all powers necessary for a proper determination of the contest.

      (Added to NRS by 2023, 3303)

      NRS 293.425  Contest of general election for office of State Legislator: Statement of contest and other documents and materials to be filed with Secretary of State; notification of defendant; ability of contestant to amend statement of contest; list of witnesses; depositions, investigation and presentation of evidence.

      1.  If the contest is of the general election for the office of Assemblyman, Assemblywoman or Senator, a statement of contest, prepared as provided in NRS 293.407, and all depositions, ballots and other documents relating to the contest must be filed with the Secretary of State within the time provided for the filing of statements of contests with the clerk of the district court. The parties to such a contest shall be designated contestant and defendant. The contestant and the Secretary of State shall notify the defendant that a statement of contest and documents have been filed by the contestant pursuant to this section.

      2.  On or before December 15 of the year immediately preceding a regular legislative session:

      (a) The contestant in a contest of a general election for the office of Assemblyman, Assemblywoman or Senator may amend the statement of contest filed pursuant to this section by filing an amended statement of contest and any relevant depositions, ballots and other documents relating to the contest with the Secretary of State; and

      (b) Each party in a contest of a general election for the office of Assemblyman, Assemblywoman or Senator shall provide the Secretary of State with a list of the witnesses the party intends to present at the hearing of the contest.

      3.  Each party in a contest of a general election for the office of Assemblyman, Assemblywoman or Senator may:

      (a) Before the hearing of the contest:

             (1) Take the deposition of any witness in the manner prescribed by rule of court for taking depositions in civil actions in the district courts; and

             (2) Investigate issues relating to the contest; and

      (b) At the hearing of the contest, present any relevant depositions and other evidence obtained as a result of such investigation at the hearing of the contest, including, without limitation, evidence obtained after the date for filing an amended statement of contest. If a party obtains evidence after such date, the evidence may not be included in the statement of contest or amended statement of contest.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 265; A 1967, 850; 1971, 450; 1977, 246; 1981, 1742; 1995, 1660; 2003, 1699; 2021, 567)

      NRS 293.427  Contest of general election for office of State Legislator: Seating of candidate with highest number of votes; withdrawal of statement of contest; hearing and deciding of contest by appropriate house of Legislature; certificates of election; remedy.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall deliver the statement of contest filed pursuant to NRS 293.425 and all other documents, including any amendments to the statement, to the presiding officer of the appropriate house of the Legislature on the day of the organization of the Legislature.

      2.  Until the contest has been decided, the candidate who received the highest number of votes for the office in the contested election must be seated as a member of the appropriate house.

      3.  If, before the contest has been decided, a contestant gives written notice to the Secretary of State that the contestant wishes to withdraw his or her statement of contest, the Secretary of State shall dismiss the contest.

      4.  The contest, if not dismissed, must be heard and decided as prescribed by the standing or special rules of the house in which the contest is to be tried. If after hearing the contest, the house decides to declare the contestant elected, the Governor shall execute a certificate of election and deliver it to the contestant. The certificate of election issued to the other candidate is thereafter void.

      5.  In a contest of a general election for the office of Assemblyman, Assemblywoman or Senator, the house in which a contest was tried or was to be tried shall determine the remedy, if any, to be awarded to a party to such a contest. The remedy may include, without limitation, any costs incurred by a party in connection with the contest.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 265; A 1971, 450; 1981, 1742; 1995, 1661; 2003, 1700)

      NRS 293.430  Contest of general election for office of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, justice of Supreme Court or judge of Court of Appeals: Filing of documents and other evidence with Secretary of State; notification of defendant; seating of candidate; duties of Secretary of State and Legislature; withdrawal of contest.

      1.  If the contest is of the general election for the office of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, justice of the Supreme Court or judge of the Court of Appeals, the statement of contest and all depositions, ballots and other documents relating to the contest must be filed with the Secretary of State within the time provided for filing statements of contests with the clerk of the district court. The contestant and Secretary of State shall notify the defendant that the statement of contest and documents have been filed by the contestant pursuant to this section.

      2.  Until the contest is decided, the candidate who received the highest number of votes for the office in the contested election must be seated and commence the duties of the office.

      3.  The Secretary of State shall deliver the statement of contest and all other papers and documents to the speaker of the assembly on the day of the organization of the Legislature.

      4.  A joint session of both houses must be convened as soon thereafter as the business of both houses permits, but not later than 10 days after receipt of statement of contest.

      5.  If, before the contest has been decided, a contestant gives written notice to the Secretary of State that the contestant wishes to withdraw his or her statement of contest, the Secretary of State shall dismiss the contest.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 265; A 1961, 293; 1967, 850; 1977, 247; 1981, 1742; 1995, 1661; 2013, 1779; 2021, 567)

      NRS 293.433  Decision of contest for office of Governor, Lieutenant Governor or justice of Supreme Court by Senate and Assembly in joint session.

      1.  The Senate and Assembly meeting in joint session shall proceed to decide the contest.

      2.  The Speaker of the Assembly shall preside at such joint session, and the session shall be conducted under the joint standing rules or joint special rules adopted for the occasion.

      3.  The contest shall be decided by a majority vote of the elected membership of both houses not later than 30 days after the contest hearing is begun.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 266)

      NRS 293.435  Certificate of election delivered after decision.

      1.  After both houses sitting in joint session have decided an election contest, the Secretary of State shall execute and deliver a certificate of election to the person declared elected, unless such a certificate was already issued to that person.

      2.  If a certificate of election to the same office has been issued to any person other than the one declared to have been elected, that certificate is void.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 266; A 1995, 1661)

LOCATIONS USED FOR POLLING PLACES

      NRS 293.437  Designation of locations for polling places; payment of expenses for renting privately owned locations; legal rights and remedies of property owners or lessors not affected by presence of polling places at such locations.

      1.  The county or city clerk may designate any building, public or otherwise, or any portion of a building, as the site for any polling place or any number of polling places for any of the precincts or districts in the county or city.

      2.  If, in the opinion of the county or city clerk, the convenience and comfort of the voters and election officers will be best served by putting two or more polling places in any such building, or if, in the opinion of the county or city clerk, the expense to the county or city for polling places can be diminished by putting two or more polling places in any such building, the county or city clerk may so provide.

      3.  In precincts where there are no public buildings or other appropriate locations owned by the State, county, township, city, town or precinct, privately owned locations may be rented at a rate not to exceed $35 for each election if only one precinct is involved and at a rate not to exceed $50 for each election if more than one precinct is involved.

      4.  The legal rights and remedies which inure to the owner or lessor of private property are not impaired or otherwise affected by the leasing of the property for use as a polling place pursuant to subsection 3, except to the extent necessary to conduct voting at that location.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 266; A 1961, 293; 1975, 941; 1981, 908; 1987, 352; 2019, 3389, 4085)

LISTS OF REGISTERED VOTERS IN LOCAL JURISDICTIONS

      NRS 293.440  Lists of registered voters in precinct, district or county: Distribution of copies; contents; limitation on printing costs; request for and use by committees of political parties; fees.

      1.  Any person who desires a copy of any list of the persons who are registered to vote in any precinct, district or county may obtain a copy by applying at the office of the county clerk and paying therefor a sum of money equal to 1 cent per name on the list, except that one copy of each original and supplemental list for each precinct, district or county must be provided both to the state central committee of any major political party and to the county central committee of any major political party, and to the executive committee of any minor political party upon request, without charge.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.5002 and 293.558, the copy of the list provided pursuant to this section must indicate the address, date of birth, telephone number and the serial number on each application to register to vote. If the county maintains this information in a computer database, the date of the most recent addition or revision to an entry, if made on or after July 1, 1989, must be included in the database and on any resulting list of the information. The date must be expressed numerically in the order of month, day and year.

      3.  A county may not pay more than 10 cents per folio or more than $6 per thousand copies for printed lists for a precinct or district.

      4.  A county which has a system of computers capable of recording information on magnetic tape or diskette shall, upon request of the state central committee or county central committee of any major political party or the executive committee of any minor political party which has filed a certificate of existence with the Secretary of State, record for both the state central committee and the county central committee of the major political party, if requested, and for the executive committee of the minor political party, if requested, on magnetic tape or diskette supplied by it:

      (a) The list of persons who are registered to vote and the information required in subsection 2; and

      (b) Not more than four times per year, as requested by the state or county central committee or the executive committee:

             (1) A complete list of the persons who are registered to vote with a notation for the most recent entry of the date on which the entry or the latest change in the information was made; or

             (2) A list that includes additions and revisions made to the list of persons who are registered to vote after a date specified by the state or county central committee or the executive committee.

      5.  If a political party does not provide its own magnetic tape or diskette, or if a political party requests the list in any other form that does not require printing, the county clerk may charge a fee to cover the actual cost of providing the tape, diskette or list.

      6.  Any state or county central committee of a major political party, any executive committee of a minor political party or any member or representative of such a central committee or executive committee who receives without charge a list of the persons who are registered to vote in any precinct, district or county pursuant to this section shall not:

      (a) Use the list for any purpose that is not related to an election; or

      (b) Sell the list for compensation or other valuable consideration.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 266; A 1967, 844; 1973, 895; 1975, 942; 1985, 1806; 1989, 228; 1991, 1353; 1993, 2188; 1995, 2268, 2783; 2003, 1707; 2005, 2288; 2007, 2600)

ELECTION EXPENSES

      NRS 293.442  Election Account: Creation; deposit of money in Account; disposition of interest and income; authority of Secretary of State to disburse, expend and receive money; payment of claims.

      1.  As used in this section, “Act” means the Help America Vote Act of 2002, Public Law 107-252.

      2.  The Election Account is hereby created in the State General Fund, to be administered by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall deposit all money received pursuant to the Act and any state appropriation of matching money pursuant to the Act in the Election Account.

      3.  The interest and income earned on money in the Election Account must be credited to the Account. Any balance of the money that was received pursuant to the Act remaining in the Election Account at the end of a fiscal year does not revert and must be carried forward to the next fiscal year and is continuously available to the Secretary of State for expenditure consistent with this section.

      4.  The Secretary of State may:

      (a) Only expend or disburse money in the Election Account in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

      (b) Receive and disburse money in the Election Account by electronic transfer.

      5.  Claims against the Election Account must be paid as other claims against the State are paid.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 353; A 2011, 444)

      NRS 293.443  Responsibility for payment of election expenses; competitive bidding for printing of ballots; authority to charge for costs of printing certain applications to register to vote.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the expense of providing all ballots, forms and other supplies to be used at any election regulated by this chapter or chapter 293C of NRS and all expenses necessarily incurred in the preparation for, or the conduct of, any such election is a charge upon the municipality, county, district or State, as the case may be.

      2.  The county or city clerk may submit the printing of ballots for competitive bidding.

      3.  If a political party or other entity requests more than 50 applications to register to vote by mail in any 12-month period, the clerk or the Secretary of State may assess a charge, not to exceed the cost of printing the applications.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 266; A 1971, 446; 1987, 353; 1993, 2189; 1995, 1647; 1997, 3466; 2007, 2601; 2011, 2089)

      NRS 293.445  Expenses for assistants to county or city clerk.  The board of county commissioners of each county or city council of each city shall provide the appropriate county or city clerk with sufficient assistants to enable the county or city clerk to perform properly the duties imposed upon him or her by this chapter. Such expense is a charge upon the appropriate county or city.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 267; A 1987, 353)

      NRS 293.446  Compensation of officer of election board for delivery of election returns to county or city clerk.

      1.  The election board officer who delivers the package containing the election returns must be paid the amount expended by the officer in paying the postage on the package, and 15 cents per mile for going to and 15 cents per mile for returning from the post office or the office of the county or city clerk, in the same manner and out of the same fund as other election expenses are paid.

      2.  No mileage may be paid unless the total distance necessarily traveled in going and returning is greater than 2 miles.

      (Added to NRS by 1963, 1382; A 1987, 353)

      NRS 293.460  Compensation of officers of election board, deputy sheriffs and other employees.  The compensation of voting board officers, counting board officers, specially appointed deputy sheriffs, election board officers and other employees must be fixed by county or city ordinance, resolution or order.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 267; A 1961, 294; 1963, 1375; 1969, 1540; 1971, 446; 1973, 895; 1987, 353)

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

      NRS 293.462  Construction of containers used to transport official ballots.

      1.  Each container used to transport official ballots pursuant to NRS 293.304, 293B.330 and 293B.335 must:

      (a) Be constructed of metal or any other rigid material; and

      (b) Contain a seal which is placed on the container to ensure detection of any opening of the container.

      2.  The container and seal must be separately numbered for identification.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2772; A 2001, 2033; 2007, 2601; 2021, 1233)

      NRS 293.463  Employees may absent themselves from employment to vote: Procedure; penalty.

      1.  Any registered voter may be absent from his or her place of employment at a time to be designated by the employer for a sufficient time to vote, if it is impracticable for the voter to vote before or after his or her hours of employment. A sufficient time to vote shall be determined as follows:

      (a) If the distance between the place of such voter’s employment and the polling place where such person votes is 2 miles or less, 1 hour.

      (b) If the distance is more than 2 miles but not more than 10 miles, 2 hours.

      (c) If the distance is more than 10 miles, 3 hours.

      2.  Such voter may not, because of such absence, be discharged, disciplined or penalized, nor shall any deduction be made from his or her usual salary or wages by reason of such absence.

      3.  Application for leave of absence to vote shall be made to the employer or person authorized to grant such leave prior to the day of the election.

      4.  Any employer or person authorized to grant the leave of absence provided for in subsection 1, who denies any registered voter any right granted under this section, or who otherwise violates the provisions of this section, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 267)

      NRS 293.464  Court-ordered extension of deadline for voting.

      1.  If a court of competent jurisdiction orders a county to extend the deadline for voting beyond the statutory deadline in a particular election, the county clerk shall, as soon as practicable after receiving notice of the court’s decision:

      (a) Cause notice of the extended deadline to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county; and

      (b) Transmit a notice of the extended deadline to each registered voter who received a mail ballot for the election and has not returned the mail ballot before the date on which the notice will be transmitted.

      2.  The notice required pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 must be published:

      (a) In a county whose population is 52,000 or more, on at least 3 successive days.

      (b) In a county whose population is less than 52,000, at least twice in successive issues of the newspaper.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2172; A 2001, 1974; 2011, 1207; 2021, 1233; 2023, 267)

      NRS 293.465  Loss or destruction of ballots, or other cause, preventing election in precinct or district; new election.  If an election is prevented in any precinct or district by reason of the loss or destruction of the ballots intended for that precinct, or any other cause, the appropriate election officers in that precinct or district shall make an affidavit setting forth that fact and transmit it to the appropriate board of county commissioners. Upon receipt of the affidavit and upon the application of any candidate for any office to be voted for by the registered voters of that precinct or district, the board of county commissioners shall order a new election in that precinct or district.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 268; A 1987, 353; 1999, 264; 2015, 3158)

      NRS 293.468  Secretary of State to provide election materials in usable format for persons who are elderly or disabled.  Not later than 5 working days after the request of a person who is elderly or disabled, the Secretary of State shall provide to the person, in a format that can be used by the person, any requested material that is:

      1.  Related to elections; and

      2.  Made available by the Secretary of State to the public in printed form.

      (Added to NRS by 2001, 1433)

      NRS 293.4685  Certain additional duties of Secretary of State; county and city clerks to provide information requested by Secretary of State.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall:

      (a) Provide information regarding voter registration and absentee voting by Armed Forces personnel and overseas voters;

      (b) Within 90 days after the date of each general election and general city election in which electors voted for federal offices, submit to the Election Assistance Commission established pursuant to 52 U.S.C. § 20921 a report of the combined number of absentee ballots transmitted to absent Armed Forces personnel and overseas voters for the election and the combined number of such ballots that were returned by such voters and cast in the election;

      (c) Make each report submitted pursuant to paragraph (b) available to the public; and

      (d) Adopt any regulations which are necessary to comply with the provisions of the Help America Vote Act of 2002, Public Law 107-252, and which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter to the extent the provisions of this chapter are consistent with the Help America Vote Act of 2002, Public Law 107-252.

      2.  Each county and city clerk shall provide such information as is requested by the Secretary of State to comply with the provisions of this section.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2173; A 2017, 3331)

      NRS 293.4687  Website maintained by Secretary of State for public information relating to elections; requirements.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall maintain a website on the Internet for public information maintained, collected or compiled by the Secretary of State that relates to elections, which must include, without limitation:

      (a) The Voters’ Bill of Rights required to be posted on the Secretary of State’s Internet website pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.2549;

      (b) The abstract of votes required to be posted on a website pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.388;

      (c) A current list of the registered voters in this State that also indicates the petition district in which each registered voter resides;

      (d) A map or maps indicating the boundaries of each petition district; and

      (e) All reports submitted to the Secretary of State pursuant to the provisions of chapter 294A of NRS.

      2.  The abstract of votes required to be maintained on the website pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 must be maintained in such a format as to permit the searching of the abstract of votes for specific information.

      3.  If the information required to be maintained by the Secretary of State pursuant to subsection 1 may be obtained by the public from a website on the Internet maintained by a county clerk or city clerk, the Secretary of State may provide a hyperlink to that website to comply with the provisions of subsection 1 with regard to that information.

      (Added to NRS by 2005, 2283; A 2007, 2526, 3368; 2009, 2591; 2011, 2090, 3284; 2013, 1330, 2377, 3834)

      NRS 293.4688  Access by mobile device to website maintained by Secretary of State; use of mobile device to submit information or forms.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall ensure that:

      (a) All public information that is included on the Internet website required pursuant to NRS 293.4687 is accessible on a mobile device; and

      (b) A person may use a mobile device to submit any information or form related to elections that a person may otherwise submit electronically to the Secretary of State, including, without limitation, an application to preregister or register to vote and a request for a military-overseas ballot.

      2.  As used in this section:

      (a) “Military-overseas ballot” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 293D.050.

      (b) “Mobile device” includes, without limitation, a smartphone or a tablet computer.

      (Added to NRS by 2017, 3842; A 2021, 1234)

      NRS 293.4689  Website maintained by county clerk for public information relating to elections; requirements.

      1.  If a county clerk maintains a website on the Internet for information related to elections, the website must contain public information maintained, collected or compiled by the county clerk that relates to elections, which must include, without limitation:

      (a) The locations of polling places for casting a ballot on election day in such a format that a registered voter may search the list to determine the location of the polling place or places at which the registered voter is entitled to cast a ballot; and

      (b) The abstract of votes required pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.388.

      2.  The abstract of votes required to be maintained on the website pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 must be maintained in such a format as to permit the searching of the abstract of votes for specific information.

      3.  If the information required to be maintained by a county clerk pursuant to subsection 1 may be obtained by the public from a website on the Internet maintained by the Secretary of State, another county clerk or a city clerk, the county clerk may provide a hyperlink to that website to comply with the provisions of subsection 1 with regard to that information.

      (Added to NRS by 2005, 2284; A 2019, 4085)

      NRS 293.469  County clerks encouraged to provide election information and materials in usable format for persons who are elderly or disabled.  Each county clerk is encouraged to:

      1.  Not later than the earlier date of the notice provided pursuant to NRS 293.203 or the first notice provided pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 293.560, notify the public, through means designed to reach members of the public who are elderly or disabled, of the provisions of NRS 293.269911, 293.269951, 293.2955 and 293.296.

      2.  Provide in alternative audio and visual formats information concerning elections, information concerning how to preregister or register to vote and information concerning the manner of voting for use by a person who is elderly or disabled, including, without limitation, providing such information through a telecommunications device that is accessible to a person who is deaf.

      3.  Not later than 5 working days after receiving the request of a person who is elderly or disabled, provide to the person, in a format that can be used by the person, any requested material that is:

      (a) Related to elections; and

      (b) Made available by the county clerk to the public in printed form.

      (Added to NRS by 2001, 1433; A 2003, 1652; 2017, 1364; 2019, 4085; 2021, 1234, 1876)

      NRS 293.4695  County clerks required to collect and report certain information concerning election processes; Secretary of State to solicit and collect voter comments regarding election processes; report to Legislature.

      1.  Each county clerk shall collect the following information regarding each primary election, presidential preference primary election and general election, on a form provided by the Secretary of State and made available at each polling place in the county, each polling place for early voting in the county, the office of the county clerk and any other location deemed appropriate by the Secretary of State:

      (a) The number of ballots that have been discarded or for any reason not included in the final canvass of votes, along with an explanation for the exclusion of each such ballot from the final canvass of votes.

      (b) A report on each malfunction of any mechanical voting system, including, without limitation:

             (1) Any known reason for the malfunction;

             (2) The length of time during which the mechanical voting system could not be used;

             (3) Any remedy for the malfunction which was used at the time of the malfunction; and

             (4) Any effect the malfunction had on the election process.

      (c) A list of each polling place not open during the time prescribed pursuant to NRS 293.273 and an account explaining why each such polling place was not open during the time prescribed pursuant to NRS 293.273.

      (d) A description of each challenge made to the eligibility of a voter pursuant to NRS 293.303 and the result of each such challenge.

      (e) A description of each complaint regarding a ballot cast by mail or facsimile filed with the county clerk and the resolution, if any, of the complaint.

      (f) The results of any audit of election procedures and practices conducted pursuant to regulations adopted by the Secretary of State pursuant to this chapter.

      (g) The number of provisional ballots cast pursuant to NRS 293.3078 to 293.3086, inclusive, and the reason for the casting of each such provisional ballot.

      (h) The number of provisional ballots cast pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive.

      2.  Each county clerk shall submit to the Secretary of State, on a form provided by the Secretary of State, the information collected pursuant to subsection 1 not more than 60 days after each primary election, presidential preference primary election and general election.

      3.  The Secretary of State may contact any political party and request information to assist in the investigation of any allegation of voter intimidation.

      4.  The Secretary of State shall establish and maintain an Internet website pursuant to which the Secretary of State shall solicit and collect voter comments regarding election processes.

      5.  The Secretary of State shall compile the information and comments collected pursuant to this section into a report and shall submit the report to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmission to the Legislature not sooner than 30 days before and not later than 30 days after the first day of each regular session of the Legislature.

      6.  The Secretary of State may make the report required pursuant to subsection 5 available on an Internet website established and maintained by the Secretary of State.

      (Added to NRS by 2007, 1984; A 2011, 2090; 2019, 4086; 2021, 3888)

      NRS 293.471  Address of business that receives or distributes mail to be provided to county clerk.  Any person who engages in the business of receiving and distributing mail for customers shall provide the county clerk of the county in which the business is located with the street address of the business.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2173)

      NRS 293.480  Limitation on inspection of ballots after return to county or city clerk.  Until the time for contest of election has expired, the ballots returned to the county or city clerk may not be inspected by any person, except in cases of recount or election contest, and then only by the judge, special master, board or legislative body before whom the election is being contested or who is conducting the recount.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 270; A 1961, 294; 1971, 447; 1977, 247; 1987, 354)

      NRS 293.481  Governing body of political subdivision, public or quasi-public corporation, or other local agency submitting question to voters required to submit certain documents and information to county and city clerks; fee to cover cost of placing question and associated information on ballot.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, every governing body of a political subdivision, public or quasi-public corporation, or other local agency authorized by law to submit questions to the qualified electors or registered voters of a designated territory, when the governing body decides to submit a question:

      (a) At a general election, shall provide to each county clerk within the designated territory on or before the third Monday in July preceding the election:

             (1) A copy of the question, including an explanation of the question; and

             (2) A description of the anticipated financial effect on the local government which, if the question is an advisory question that proposes a bond, tax, fee or expense, must be prepared in accordance with subsection 4 of NRS 295.230.

      (b) At a primary election, shall provide to each county clerk within the designated territory on or before the second Friday after the first Monday in March preceding the election:

             (1) A copy of the question, including an explanation of the question; and

             (2) A description of the anticipated financial effect on the local government which, if the question is an advisory question that proposes a bond, tax, fee or expense, must be prepared in accordance with subsection 4 of NRS 295.230.

      (c) At any election other than a primary or general election at which the county clerk gives notice of the election or otherwise performs duties in connection therewith other than the registration of electors and the making of records of registered voters available for the election, shall provide to each county clerk at least 60 days before the election:

             (1) A copy of the question, including an explanation of the question; and

             (2) A description of the anticipated financial effect on the local government which, if the question is an advisory question that proposes a bond, tax, fee or expense, must be prepared in accordance with subsection 4 of NRS 295.230.

      (d) At any city election at which the city clerk gives notice of the election or otherwise performs duties in connection therewith, shall provide to the city clerk at least 60 days before the election:

             (1) A copy of the question, including an explanation of the question; and

             (2) A description of the anticipated financial effect on the local government which, if the question is an advisory question that proposes a bond, tax, fee or expense, must be prepared in accordance with subsection 4 of NRS 295.230.

      2.  An explanation of a question required to be provided to a county clerk pursuant to subsection 1 must be written in easily understood language and include a digest. The digest must include a concise and clear summary of any existing laws directly related to the measure proposed by the question and a summary of how the measure proposed by the question adds to, changes or repeals such existing laws. For a measure that creates, generates, increases or decreases any public revenue in any form, the first paragraph of the digest must include a statement that the measure creates, generates, increases or decreases, as applicable, public revenue.

      3.  A question may be submitted after the dates specified in subsection 1 if the question is expressly privileged or required to be submitted pursuant to the provisions of Article 19 of the Constitution of the State of Nevada, or pursuant to the provisions of chapter 295 of NRS or any other statute except NRS 295.230, 354.59817, 354.5982, 387.3285 or 387.3287 or any statute that authorizes the governing body to issue bonds upon the approval of the voters.

      4.  A question that is submitted pursuant to subsection 1 may be withdrawn if the governing body provides notification to each of the county or city clerks within the designated territory of its decision to withdraw the particular question on or before the same dates specified for submission pursuant to paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d) of subsection 1, as appropriate.

      5.  A county or city clerk:

      (a) Shall assign a unique identification number to a question submitted pursuant to this section; and

      (b) May charge any political subdivision, public or quasi-public corporation, or other local agency which submits a question a reasonable fee sufficient to pay for the increased costs incurred in including the question, explanation, arguments and description of the anticipated financial effect on the ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 1969, 895; A 1971, 91; 1983, 1119; 1987, 354, 695; 1989, 1730; 1993, 2189; 1997, 762, 2784; 1999, 2116; 2001, 603; 2003, 1653, 3193; 2007, 2527, 2601; 2009, 1269; 2013, 644)

      NRS 293.4815  Transmission of question to be presented to voters to Secretary of State.  The county clerk, city clerk or other person responsible for preparing the ballot shall transmit any question that will be presented to the voters to the Secretary of State as soon as practicable after determining that the question will be placed on the ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2665)

VOTER PREREGISTRATION AND REGISTRATION GENERALLY; REGISTRARS

Voter Registration Cards

      NRS 293.484  Contents of voter registration cards; issuance of card is not prerequisite to vote.

      1.  A voter registration card must contain:

      (a) The name, address, political affiliation and precinct number of the voter;

      (b) The date of its issuance; and

      (c) The signature of the county clerk.

      2.  If a voter is qualified to register to vote for an election and has properly completed any method authorized by the provisions of this title to register to vote for the election, the issuance of a voter registration card to the voter is not a prerequisite to vote in the election.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4050)

Qualifications; Residence

      NRS 293.485  Qualifications to vote: Citizenship; age; residence; registration.

      1.  Every citizen of the United States, 18 years of age or over, who has continuously resided in this State and in the county 30 days and in the precinct 10 days next preceding the day of the next succeeding:

      (a) Primary election;

      (b) Primary city election;

      (c) Presidential preference primary election;

      (d) General election; or

      (e) General city election,

Ê and who has registered in the manner provided in this chapter, is entitled to vote at that election.

      2.  This section does not exclude the registration of eligible persons whose 18th birthday or the date of whose completion of the required residence occurs on or before the next succeeding:

      (a) Primary election;

      (b) Primary city election;

      (c) Presidential preference primary election;

      (d) General election;

      (e) General city election; or

      (f) Any other election.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 271; A 1961, 295; 1967, 851; 1971, 1267; 1973, 27; 1987, 355; 1995, 2630; 2021, 3889)

      NRS 293.4855  Qualifications and procedures for certain minors to preregister to vote; regulations.

      1.  Every citizen of the United States who is 17 years of age or older but less than 18 years of age and has continuously resided in this State for 30 days or longer may preregister to vote by any of the methods available for a person to register to vote pursuant to this title. A person eligible to preregister to vote is deemed to be preregistered to vote upon the submission of a completed application to preregister to vote.

      2.  If a person preregisters to vote, he or she shall be deemed to be a registered voter on his or her 18th birthday unless:

      (a) The person’s preregistration has been cancelled as described in subsection 7; or

      (b) Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293D.210, on the person’s 18th birthday, he or she does not satisfy the voter eligibility requirements set forth in NRS 293.485.

      3.  The county clerk shall issue to a person who is deemed to be registered to vote pursuant to subsection 2 a voter registration card as soon as practicable after the person is deemed to be registered to vote, but the issuance of a voter registration card to the person is not a prerequisite to vote in an election.

      4.  On the date that a person who preregisters to vote is deemed to be registered to vote, his or her application to preregister to vote is deemed to be his or her application to register to vote.

      5.  If a person preregistered to vote:

      (a) By mail or computer, he or she shall be deemed to have registered to vote by mail or computer, as applicable.

      (b) In person, he or she shall be deemed to have registered to vote in person.

      6.  The preregistration information of a person may be updated by any of the methods for updating the voter registration information of a person pursuant to this chapter.

      7.  The preregistration to vote of a person may be cancelled by any of the means and for any of the reasons for cancelling voter registration pursuant to this chapter.

      8.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, all preregistration information relating to a person is confidential and is not a public record. Once a person’s application to preregister to vote is deemed to be an application to register to vote, any voter registration information related to the person must be disclosed pursuant to any law that requires voter registration information to be disclosed.

      9.  The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations providing for preregistration to vote. The regulations:

      (a) Must include, without limitation, provisions to ensure that once a person is deemed to be a registered voter pursuant to subsection 2, the person is issued a voter registration card as soon as practicable and is immediately added to the statewide voter registration list; and

      (b) Must not require a county clerk to provide to a person who preregisters to vote sample ballots or any other voter information provided to registered voters unless the person will be eligible to vote at the election for which the sample ballots or other information is provided.

      (Added to NRS by 2017, 3842; A 2019, 4087; 2021, 3822)

      NRS 293.486  Determination of actual residence.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, for the purposes of preregistering or registering to vote, the address at which the person actually resides is the street address assigned to the location at which the person actually resides.

      2.  For the purposes of preregistering or registering to vote, if the person does not reside at a location that has been assigned a street address, the address at which the person actually resides is a description of the location at which the person actually resides. The description must identify the location with sufficient specificity to allow the county clerk to assign the location to a precinct.

      3.  The provisions of this section do not authorize a person to preregister or register to vote if the person is not otherwise eligible to preregister or register to vote, as applicable.

      (Added to NRS by 2001, 2946; A 2017, 3849)

      NRS 293.487  When residence not gained or lost.  No person may gain or lose residence by reason of his or her presence or absence while:

      1.  Employed in the military, naval or civil service of the United States or of the State of Nevada, or while engaged in the navigation of the waters of the United States or of the high seas or while married to another person who is so employed or engaged;

      2.  A student at any seminary or other institution of learning; or

      3.  An inmate of any public institution.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 272; A 2011, 3285)

      NRS 293.490  Residence not lost upon removal from county or precinct.  Any registered voter removing from one county to another in the State, or from one precinct to another within the same county, after the close of registration for any election shall be deemed to retain his or her residence in the county or precinct removed from for the purposes of that election.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 272; A 1967, 851; 1977, 471)

      NRS 293.493  Loss of residence upon removal to another state, territory or foreign country.  If a person removes to another state, territory or foreign country, with the intention of establishing his or her domicile there, the person thereby loses his or her residence in this State.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 272)

      NRS 293.495  Presumption of intention to abandon residence.  If a person having a fixed and permanent home in this State breaks up such home and removes to another state, territory or foreign country, the intent to abandon his or her residence in this State shall be presumed, and the burden shall be upon the person to prove the contrary. The same rule shall apply when a person removes from one county to another within the State, or from one precinct to another within the county.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 272)

      NRS 293.497  Residence of head of family.  If a person has a family residing in one place and does business in another, the former is the person’s residence, unless his or her family is located there only temporarily, but if his or her family resides without the State and the person is permanently residing within the State, with no intention of removing therefrom, the person shall be deemed a resident for election purposes.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 272; A 1979, 338)

      NRS 293.500  Loss of residence upon removal from State with intention to remain elsewhere for indefinite time.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.487, if a person removes to another state, territory or foreign country, with the intention of residing there for an indefinite time, the person thereby loses his or her residence in this State for election purposes, notwithstanding that the person may intend to return at some uncertain future date. A person’s occasional return to the place of his or her former residence in this State, regardless of the reason, is not sufficient to preserve his or her residence.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 272; A 1973, 870; 1989, 2168)

Administration; Applications; Procedures

      NRS 293.5002  Procedures applicable to certain persons issued fictitious address.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall establish procedures to allow a person for whom a fictitious address has been issued pursuant to NRS 217.462 to 217.471, inclusive, to:

      (a) Preregister or register to vote; and

      (b) Vote by mail ballot,

Ê without revealing the confidential address of the person.

      2.  In addition to establishing appropriate procedures or developing forms pursuant to subsection 1, the Secretary of State shall develop a form to allow a person for whom a fictitious address has been issued to preregister or register to vote or to change the address of the person’s current preregistration or registration, as applicable. The form must include:

      (a) A section that contains the confidential address of the person; and

      (b) A section that contains the fictitious address of the person.

      3.  Upon receiving a completed form from a person for whom a fictitious address has been issued, the Secretary of State shall:

      (a) On the portion of the form that contains the fictitious address of the person, indicate the county and precinct in which the person will vote and forward this portion of the form to the appropriate county clerk; and

      (b) File the portion of the form that contains the confidential address.

      4.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law:

      (a) The Secretary of State and each county clerk shall keep the portion of the form developed pursuant to subsection 2 that he or she retains separate from other applications for preregistration or registration.

      (b) The Secretary of State or a county or city clerk shall not make the name, confidential address, fictitious address, telephone number or electronic mail address of the person who has been issued a fictitious address available for:

             (1) Inspection or copying; or

             (2) Inclusion in any list that is made available for public inspection,

Ê unless directed to do so by lawful order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

      (Added to NRS by 1997, 1331; A 2001, 695; 2017, 3849; 2021, 289, 1234)

      NRS 293.502  Procedures applicable to certain persons recently discharged from Armed Forces or separated from employment outside of the United States and their spouses and dependents.

      1.  An elector:

      (a) Who complies with the requirements for registration set forth in the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20301 et seq.;

      (b) Who, not more than 60 days before an election:

             (1) Is discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States or is the spouse or dependent of an elector who is discharged from the Armed Forces; or

             (2) Is separated from employment outside the territorial limits of the United States or is the spouse or dependent of an elector who is separated from employment outside the territorial limits of the United States;

      (c) Who presents evidence of the discharge from the Armed Forces or separation from employment described in paragraph (b) to the county clerk; and

      (d) Who is not registered to vote at the close of registration for that election,

Ê must be allowed to register to vote in the election.

      2.  Such an elector must:

      (a) Register in person; and

      (b) Vote in the office of the county clerk unless the elector is otherwise entitled to vote a mail ballot pursuant to federal law.

      3.  The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations to carry out a program of registration for such electors.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2168; A 2009, 359; 2017, 3332; 2021, 1235)

      NRS 293.503  County clerk is ex officio county registrar; custody of documents relating to preregistration or registration; official records of office of county clerk; maintenance of records; time limitation on program to remove names of ineligible persons; availability of records for public inspection; confidential information.

      1.  The county clerk of each county where a registrar of voters has not been appointed pursuant to NRS 244.164:

      (a) Is ex officio county registrar and registrar for all precincts within the county.

      (b) Shall have the custody of all books, documents and papers pertaining to preregistration or registration provided for in this chapter.

      2.  All books, documents and papers pertaining to preregistration or registration are official records of the office of the county clerk.

      3.  The county clerk shall maintain records of any program or activity that is conducted within the county to ensure the accuracy and currency of the statewide voter registration list for not less than 2 years after creation. The records must include the names and addresses of any person to whom a notice is mailed pursuant to NRS 293.5235, 293.530, or 293.535 and whether the person responded to the notice.

      4.  Any program or activity that is conducted within the county for the purpose of removing the name of each person who is ineligible to vote in the county from the statewide voter registration list must be complete not later than 90 days before the next primary or general election.

      5.  Except as otherwise provided by subsection 6, all records maintained by the county clerk pursuant to subsection 3 must be available for public inspection.

      6.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 239.0115, any information relating to where a person preregisters or registers to vote must remain confidential and is not available for public inspection. Such information may only be used by an election officer for purposes related to preregistration and registration.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 272; A 1971, 447; 1995, 2269; 2007, 2087; 2017, 3850; 2021, 3823)

      NRS 293.5035  Designation by county clerk of building owned or leased by county as county facility at which persons may preregister or register to vote.

      1.  The county clerk may designate any building owned or leased by the county, or any portion of such a building, as a county facility at which persons may preregister to vote and electors may register to vote.

      2.  A county facility designated pursuant to subsection 1 must be operated as an auxiliary county facility at which preregistration and registration are carried out in addition to being carried out at the office of the county clerk.

      3.  If the county clerk designates a county facility pursuant to subsection 1, the county clerk shall determine the hours of operation for the facility and shall, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, ensure that the facility is operated, staffed and equipped in compliance with all applicable provisions of this title and all other applicable provisions of state and federal law relating to the preregistration of persons and the registration of electors in this State.

      (Added to NRS by 2005, 311; A 2017, 3850)

      NRS 293.504  Voter registration agencies: Creation; duties; duty of Secretary of State to cooperate with Secretary of Defense to allow persons to preregister or register at military recruitment offices. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  The following offices shall serve as voter registration agencies:

      (a) Such offices that provide public assistance as are designated by the Secretary of State;

      (b) Each office that receives money from the State of Nevada to provide services to persons with disabilities in this State;

      (c) The offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles;

      (d) The offices of the city and county clerks;

      (e) Such other county and municipal facilities as a county clerk or city clerk may designate pursuant to NRS 293.5035 or 293C.520, as applicable;

      (f) Recruitment offices of the United States Armed Forces; and

      (g) Such other offices as the Secretary of State deems appropriate.

      2.  Each voter registration agency shall:

      (a) Post in a conspicuous place, in at least 12-point type, instructions for preregistering and registering to vote;

      (b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3 and NRS 293.5732 to 293.5757, inclusive, distribute applications to preregister or register to vote which may be returned by mail with any application for services or assistance from the agency or submitted for any other purpose and with each application for recertification, renewal or change of address submitted to the agency that relates to such services, assistance or other purpose;

      (c) Provide the same amount of assistance to an applicant in completing an application to preregister or register to vote as the agency provides to a person completing any other forms for the agency; and

      (d) Accept completed applications to preregister or register to vote.

      3.  A voter registration agency is not required to provide an application to preregister or register to vote pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 to a person who applies for or receives services or assistance from the agency or submits an application for any other purpose if the person affirmatively declines to preregister or register to vote and submits to the agency a written form that meets the requirements of 52 U.S.C. § 20506(a)(6). Information related to the declination to preregister or register to vote may not be used for any purpose other than voter registration.

      4.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and NRS 293.5727 and 293.5747, any application to preregister or register to vote accepted by a voter registration agency must be transmitted to the county clerk not later than 10 days after the application is accepted. The applications must be forwarded daily during the 2 weeks immediately preceding the last day to register to vote by mail pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, as applicable. The county clerk shall accept any application which is obtained from a voter registration agency pursuant to this section and completed by the last day to register to vote by mail pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, as applicable, if the county clerk receives the application not later than 5 days after that date.

      5.  The Secretary of State shall cooperate with the Secretary of Defense to develop and carry out procedures to enable persons in this State to apply to preregister or register to vote at recruitment offices of the United States Armed Forces.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2256; A 1999, 3592; 2001, 1435, 2595; 2003, 1718, 2177; 2005, 311; 2011, 2091; 2017, 404, 3332, 3851; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5)

      NRS 293.504  Voter registration agencies: Creation; duties; duty of Secretary of State to cooperate with Secretary of Defense to allow persons to preregister or register at military recruitment offices. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  The following offices shall serve as voter registration agencies:

      (a) Such offices that provide public assistance as are designated by the Secretary of State;

      (b) Each office that receives money from the State of Nevada to provide services to persons with disabilities in this State;

      (c) The offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles;

      (d) The offices of the city and county clerks;

      (e) Such other county and municipal facilities as a county clerk or city clerk may designate pursuant to NRS 293.5035 or 293C.520, as applicable;

      (f) Recruitment offices of the United States Armed Forces;

      (g) Each office of an automatic voter registration agency; and

      (h) Such other offices as the Secretary of State deems appropriate.

      2.  Each voter registration agency shall:

      (a) Post in a conspicuous place, in at least 12-point type, instructions for preregistering and registering to vote;

      (b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, distribute applications to preregister or register to vote which may be returned by mail with any application for services or assistance from the agency or submitted for any other purpose and with each application for recertification, renewal or change of address submitted to the agency that relates to such services, assistance or other purpose;

      (c) Provide the same amount of assistance to an applicant in completing an application to preregister or register to vote as the agency provides to a person completing any other forms for the agency; and

      (d) Accept completed applications to preregister or register to vote.

      3.  A voter registration agency is not required to provide an application to preregister or register to vote pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 to a person who applies for or receives services or assistance from the agency or submits an application for any other purpose if the person affirmatively declines to preregister or register to vote and submits to the agency a written form that meets the requirements of 52 U.S.C. § 20506(a)(6). Information related to the declination to preregister or register to vote may not be used for any purpose other than voter registration.

      4.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and NRS 293.5727 and 293.5747, any application to preregister or register to vote accepted by a voter registration agency must be transmitted to the county clerk not later than 10 days after the application is accepted. The applications must be forwarded daily during the 2 weeks immediately preceding the last day to register to vote by mail pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, as applicable. The county clerk shall accept any application which is obtained from a voter registration agency pursuant to this section and completed by the last day to register to vote by mail pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, as applicable, if the county clerk receives the application not later than 5 days after that date.

      5.  The Secretary of State shall cooperate with the Secretary of Defense to develop and carry out procedures to enable persons in this State to apply to preregister or register to vote at recruitment offices of the United States Armed Forces.

      6.  Notwithstanding the provisions of NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive, each automatic voter registration agency must comply with the provisions of the National Voter Registration Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20501 et seq.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2256; A 1999, 3592; 2001, 1435, 2595; 2003, 1718, 2177; 2005, 311; 2011, 2091; 2017, 404, 3332, 3851; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2021, 3858; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.5045  Voter registration agencies: Prohibited acts; penalties.

      1.  A person who works in a voter registration agency shall not:

      (a) Seek to influence an applicant’s political preference or party registration;

      (b) Display a political preference or party allegiance in a place where it can be seen by an applicant;

      (c) Make any statement or take any action to discourage an applicant from registering to vote; or

      (d) Make any statement or take any action which would lead the applicant to believe that a decision to register to vote has any effect on the availability of any services or benefits provided by the State or Federal Government.

      2.  A person who violates any of the provisions of subsection 1 is guilty of a category E felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.

      3.  A voter registration agency shall not knowingly employ a person whose duties will include the registration of voters if the person has been convicted of a felony involving theft or fraud. The Secretary of State may bring an action against a voter registration agency to collect a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each person who is employed by the voter registration agency in violation of this subsection. Any civil penalty collected pursuant to this subsection must be deposited with the State Treasurer for credit to the State General Fund.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2256; A 1997, 231, 608; 2011, 2092)

      NRS 293.505  Appointment, powers and duties relating to field registrars; prohibited acts relating to preregistration and registration; penalties.

      1.  All justices of the peace, except those located in county seats, are ex officio field registrars to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

      2.  The county clerk shall appoint at least one registered voter to serve as a field registrar of voters who, except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.5055, shall preregister and register voters within the county for which the field registrar is appointed. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 1, a candidate for any office may not be appointed or serve as a field registrar. A field registrar serves at the pleasure of the county clerk and shall perform such duties as the county clerk may direct. The county clerk shall not knowingly appoint any person as a field registrar who has been convicted of a felony involving theft or fraud. The Secretary of State may bring an action against a county clerk to collect a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each person who is appointed as a field registrar in violation of this subsection. Any civil penalty collected pursuant to this subsection must be deposited with the State Treasurer for credit to the State General Fund.

      3.  A field registrar shall demand of any person who applies for preregistration or registration all information required by the application to preregister or register to vote, as applicable, and shall administer all oaths required by this chapter.

      4.  When a field registrar has in his or her possession five or more completed applications to preregister or register to vote, the field registrar shall forward them to the county clerk, but in no case may the field registrar hold any number of them for more than 10 days.

      5.  Each field registrar shall forward to the county clerk all completed applications in his or her possession immediately after the last day to register to vote by mail pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, as applicable. Within 5 days after the last day to register to vote by mail pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, as applicable, a field registrar shall return all unused applications in his or her possession to the county clerk. If all of the unused applications are not returned to the county clerk, the field registrar shall account for the unreturned applications.

      6.  Each field registrar shall submit to the county clerk a list of the serial numbers of the completed applications to preregister or register to vote and the names of the electors on those applications. The serial numbers must be listed in numerical order.

      7.  Each field registrar shall post notices sent to him or her by the county clerk for posting in accordance with the election laws of this State.

      8.  A field registrar, employee of a voter registration agency or person assisting a voter pursuant to NRS 293.5235 shall not:

      (a) Delegate any of his or her duties to another person; or

      (b) Refuse to preregister or register a person on account of that person’s political party affiliation.

      9.  A person shall not hold himself or herself out to be or attempt to exercise the duties of a field registrar unless the person has been so appointed.

      10.  A county clerk, field registrar, employee of a voter registration agency or person assisting another person pursuant to NRS 293.5235 shall not:

      (a) Solicit a vote for or against a particular question or candidate;

      (b) Speak to a person on the subject of marking his or her ballot for or against a particular question or candidate; or

      (c) Distribute any petition or other material concerning a candidate or question which will be on the ballot for the ensuing election,

Ê while preregistering or registering the person.

      11.  When the county clerk receives applications to preregister or register to vote from a field registrar, the county clerk shall issue a receipt to the field registrar. The receipt must include:

      (a) The number of persons preregistered or registered; and

      (b) The political party of the persons preregistered or registered.

      12.  A county clerk, field registrar, employee of a voter registration agency or person assisting another person pursuant to NRS 293.5235 shall not:

      (a) Knowingly:

             (1) Register a person who is not a qualified elector or a person who has filed a false or misleading application to register to vote; or

             (2) Preregister a person who does not meet the qualifications set forth in NRS 293.4855; or

      (b) Preregister or register a person who fails to provide satisfactory proof of identification and the address at which the person actually resides.

      13.  A county clerk, field registrar, employee of a voter registration agency, person assisting another person pursuant to NRS 293.5235 or any other person providing a form for the application to preregister or register to vote to an elector for the purpose of preregistering or registering to vote:

      (a) If the person who assists another person with completing the form for the application to preregister or register to vote retains the form, shall enter his or her name on the duplicate copy or receipt retained by the person upon completion of the form; and

      (b) Shall not alter, deface or destroy an application to preregister or register to vote that has been signed by a person except to correct information contained in the application after receiving notice from the person that a change in or addition to the information is required.

      14.  If a field registrar violates any of the provisions of this section, the county clerk shall immediately suspend the field registrar and notify the district attorney of the county in which the violation occurred.

      15.  A person who violates any of the provisions of subsection 8, 9, 10, 12 or 13 is guilty of a category E felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 272; A 1975, 942; 1981, 1701; 1985, 561; 1987, 355, 696, 1372, 1617; 1991, 2222; 1993, 2190; 1995, 680, 1266, 2269; 1997, 232, 608, 762, 774; 2003, 1719, 2178; 2005, 1435; 2011, 2093; 2017, 405, 3333, 3851; 2019, 4088)

      NRS 293.5055  County clerk or field registrar authorized to preregister or register residents of county outside boundaries of county.  A county clerk or field registrar may preregister or register, outside the boundaries of the county, any person who is a resident of that county and meets the qualifications to preregister or register to vote, as applicable.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 1617; A 1993, 2191; 2017, 3853)

      NRS 293.5057  Nonresidents may preregister or register to vote for office of President and Vice President under certain circumstances.  A person who does not maintain a residence in this State may preregister or register to vote for the office of President and Vice President of the United States at the general election if the person files a sworn statement with the county clerk or field registrar of voters that the person is not preregistered or registered to vote in any other state and provides evidence:

      1.  Of his or her domicile in this State in accordance with the provisions of NRS 41.191;

      2.  That he or she maintains an account at a financial institution located in this State; or

      3.  That his or her motor vehicle is registered in this State.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2169; A 1995, 680; 2017, 3853; 2021, 3889)

      NRS 293.506  County clerk required to accept applications for preregistration and registration submitted by computer to Secretary of State; exceptions.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, the county clerk shall accept applications to preregister and register to vote submitted by computer to the Secretary of State through the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671.

      (Added to NRS by 1985, 558; A 2011, 2094; 2017, 3854; 2019, 4089; 2021, 3823)

      NRS 293.507  Applications: Forms; distribution; contents; requirements regarding identification and residence; use of affidavits and identification numbers under certain circumstances; regulations.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall prescribe:

      (a) Standard forms for applications to preregister or register to vote;

      (b) Special forms for preregistration and registration to be used in a county where registrations are performed and records of registration are kept by computer; and

      (c) A standard form for the affidavit described in subsection 5.

      2.  The county clerks shall provide forms for applications to preregister or register to vote to field registrars in the form and number prescribed by the Secretary of State.

      3.  Each form for an application to preregister or register to vote must include a:

      (a) Unique control number assigned by the Secretary of State; and

      (b) Receipt which:

             (1) Includes a space for a person assisting an applicant in completing the form to enter the person’s name; and

             (2) May be retained by the applicant upon completion of the form.

      4.  The form for an application to preregister or register to vote must include:

      (a) A line for use by the applicant to enter:

             (1) The number indicated on the applicant’s current and valid driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, if the applicant has such a driver’s license;

             (2) The last four digits of the applicant’s social security number, if the applicant does not have a driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles and does have a social security number; or

             (3) The number issued to the applicant pursuant to subsection 5, if the applicant does not have a current and valid driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or a social security number.

      (b) A line on which to enter the address at which the applicant actually resides, as set forth in NRS 293.486.

      (c) A notice that the applicant may not list a business as the address required pursuant to paragraph (b) unless the applicant actually resides there.

      (d) A line on which to enter an address at which the applicant may receive mail, including, without limitation, a post office box or general delivery.

      5.  If an applicant does not have the identification set forth in subparagraph (1) or (2) of paragraph (a) of subsection 4, the applicant shall sign an affidavit stating that he or she does not have a current and valid driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or a social security number. Upon receipt of the affidavit, the county clerk shall issue an identification number to the applicant which must be the same number as the unique identifier assigned to the applicant for purposes of the statewide voter registration list.

      6.  The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of subsections 3, 4 and 5.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 273; A 1975, 942; 1985, 561; 1993, 2191; 1995, 2271; 1999, 947; 2001, 2596, 2952; 2003, 2179; 2005, 1437; 2007, 2602; 2017, 3854)

      NRS 293.508  Applications: Forms must include option to receive sample ballot in larger type.  The Secretary of State shall include on all forms for an application to preregister or register to vote prescribed by the Secretary of State the following option, printed in a separate box created by bold lines, in at least 14-point bold type:

 

[ ]  CHECK THIS BOX TO RECEIVE A SAMPLE BALLOT IN LARGER TYPE

 

      (Added to NRS by 2001, 2001; A 2017, 3855)

      NRS 293.509  Applications: County clerk authorized to provide forms to persons upon request; requirements for request; records to be kept by county clerk in response to request.

      1.  A county clerk may provide the forms for applications to preregister or register to vote prescribed by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.507 to a candidate, major political party, minor political party or any other person submitting a request pursuant to subsection 2.

      2.  A candidate, major political party, minor political party or other person shall:

      (a) Submit a request for forms for applications to preregister or register to vote to the county clerk in person, by telephone, in writing or by facsimile machine; and

      (b) State the number of forms for applications to preregister or register to vote that the candidate, major political party, minor political party or other person is requesting.

      3.  The county clerk may record the control numbers assigned to the forms by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.507 of the forms he or she provided in response to the request. The county clerk shall maintain a request for multiple applications with the county clerk’s records.

      (Added to NRS by 2005, 1431; A 2017, 3855)

      NRS 293.510  Applications: County clerk required to use database created by Secretary of State to prepare rosters; applications for preregistration required to be kept separate.

      1.  Each county clerk shall use the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 to prepare a roster for each precinct or district.

      2.  Each county clerk shall keep the applications to preregister to vote separate from the applications to register to vote until such applications are deemed to be applications to register to vote pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 293.4855.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 273; A 1985, 562; 1995, 2271; 2001, 2953; 2015, 3159; 2017, 3855; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2019, 4090; 2021, 3824, 3859; 2023, 3311)

      NRS 293.511  Register or roster kept by computer to include certain information.  Repealed. (See chapter 554, Statutes of Nevada 2021, at page 3848.)

 

      NRS 293.513  Elector may register for other elections despite closing of registration for impending election.  If at any time voter registration is closed for one election, but open for some other election, any elector must be permitted to register to vote for the other election.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 273; A 1973, 350; 1995, 2272; 2021, 3824)

      NRS 293.517  Authorized methods of preregistration and registration; requirements for application; change of name; issuance of voter registration card; objection to application by county clerk under certain circumstances. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Any person who meets the qualifications set forth in NRS 293.4855 residing within the county may preregister to vote and any elector residing within the county may register to vote:

      (a) Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.560 and 293C.527, by appearing before the county clerk, a field registrar or a voter registration agency, completing the application to preregister or register to vote, giving true and satisfactory answers to all questions relevant to his or her identity and right to preregister or register to vote, and providing proof of residence and identity;

      (b) By completing and mailing or personally delivering to the county clerk an application to preregister or register to vote pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.5235;

      (c) Pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.5727 or 293.5742 or chapter 293D of NRS;

      (d) At his or her residence with the assistance of a field registrar pursuant to NRS 293.5237;

      (e) By submitting an application to preregister or register to vote by computer using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671; or

      (f) By any other method authorized by the provisions of this title.

Ê The county clerk shall require a person to submit official identification as proof of residence and identity, such as a driver’s license or other official document, before preregistering or registering the person. If the applicant preregisters or registers to vote pursuant to this subsection and fails to provide proof of residence and identity, the applicant must provide proof of residence and identity before casting a ballot in person or by mail or after casting a provisional ballot pursuant to NRS 293.3078 to 293.3086, inclusive. For the purposes of this subsection, a voter registration card does not provide proof of the residence or identity of a person.

      2.  In addition to the methods for registering to vote described in subsection 1, an elector may register to vote pursuant to:

      (a) NRS 293.269951, if applicable; or

      (b) NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive.

      3.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.5732 to 293.5757, inclusive, the application to preregister or register to vote must be signed and verified under penalty of perjury by the person preregistering or the elector registering.

      4.  Each person or elector who is or has been married must be preregistered or registered under his or her own given or first name, and not under the given or first name or initials of his or her spouse.

      5.  A person or an elector who is preregistered or registered and changes his or her name must complete a new application to preregister or register to vote, as applicable. The person or elector may obtain a new application:

      (a) At the office of the county clerk or field registrar;

      (b) By submitting an application to preregister or register to vote pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.5235;

      (c) By submitting a written statement to the county clerk requesting the county clerk to mail an application to preregister or register to vote;

      (d) At any voter registration agency; or

      (e) By submitting an application to preregister or register to vote by computer using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671.

Ê If the elector fails to register under his or her new name, the elector may be challenged pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.303 or 293C.292 and may be required to furnish proof of identity and subsequent change of name.

      6.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 8 and NRS 293.5742 to 293.5757, inclusive, 293.5767 and 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, an elector who registers to vote pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 shall be deemed to be registered upon the completion of an application to register to vote.

      7.  After the county clerk determines that the application to register to vote of a person is complete and that, except as otherwise provided in NRS 293D.210, the person is eligible to vote pursuant to NRS 293.485, the county clerk shall issue a voter registration card to the voter.

      8.  If a person or an elector submits an application to preregister or register to vote or an affidavit described in paragraph (c) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.507 that contains any handwritten additions, erasures or interlineations, the county clerk may object to the application if the county clerk believes that because of such handwritten additions, erasures or interlineations, the application is incomplete or that, except as otherwise provided in NRS 293D.210, the person is not eligible to preregister pursuant to NRS 293.4855 or the elector is not eligible to vote pursuant to NRS 293.485, as applicable. If the county clerk objects pursuant to this subsection, he or she shall immediately notify the person or elector, as applicable, and the district attorney of the county. Not later than 5 business days after the district attorney receives such notification, the district attorney shall advise the county clerk as to whether:

      (a) The application is complete and, except as otherwise provided in NRS 293D.210, the person is eligible to preregister pursuant to NRS 293.4855 or the elector is eligible to vote pursuant to NRS 293.485; and

      (b) The county clerk should proceed to process the application.

      9.  If the district attorney advises the county clerk to process the application pursuant to subsection 8, the county clerk shall immediately issue a voter registration card to the applicant, unless the applicant is preregistered to vote and does not currently meet the requirements to be issued a voter registration card pursuant to NRS 293.4855.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 274; A 1983, 1289; 1985, 562; 1989, 2168; 1991, 1684; 1993, 2192; 1995, 2272; 1997, 764, 3466; 2003, 1720, 2180; 2007, 1163, 2603; 2011, 1925, 2094; 2017, 3856; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2019, 4090; 2021, 1877, 3824)

      NRS 293.517  Authorized methods of preregistration and registration; requirements for application; change of name; issuance of voter registration card; objection to application by county clerk under certain circumstances. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Any person who meets the qualifications set forth in NRS 293.4855 residing within the county may preregister to vote and any elector residing within the county may register to vote:

      (a) Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.560 and 293C.527, by appearing before the county clerk, a field registrar or a voter registration agency, completing the application to preregister or register to vote, giving true and satisfactory answers to all questions relevant to his or her identity and right to preregister or register to vote, and providing proof of residence and identity;

      (b) By completing and mailing or personally delivering to the county clerk an application to preregister or register to vote pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.5235;

      (c) Pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.5727 or chapter 293D of NRS;

      (d) At his or her residence with the assistance of a field registrar pursuant to NRS 293.5237;

      (e) By submitting an application to preregister or register to vote by computer using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671; or

      (f) By any other method authorized by the provisions of this title.

Ê The county clerk shall require a person to submit official identification as proof of residence and identity, such as a driver’s license or other official document, before preregistering or registering the person. If the applicant preregisters or registers to vote pursuant to this subsection and fails to provide proof of residence and identity, the applicant must provide proof of residence and identity before casting a ballot in person or by mail or after casting a provisional ballot pursuant to NRS 293.3078 to 293.3086, inclusive. For the purposes of this subsection, a voter registration card does not provide proof of the residence or identity of a person.

      2.  In addition to the methods for registering to vote described in subsection 1, an elector may register to vote pursuant to:

      (a) NRS 293.269951, if applicable;

      (b) NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive; or

      (c) NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive.

      3.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive, the application to preregister or register to vote must be signed and verified under penalty of perjury by the person preregistering or the elector registering.

      4.  Each person or elector who is or has been married must be preregistered or registered under his or her own given or first name, and not under the given or first name or initials of his or her spouse.

      5.  A person or an elector who is preregistered or registered and changes his or her name must complete a new application to preregister or register to vote, as applicable. The person or elector may obtain a new application:

      (a) At the office of the county clerk or field registrar;

      (b) By submitting an application to preregister or register to vote pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.5235;

      (c) By submitting a written statement to the county clerk requesting the county clerk to mail an application to preregister or register to vote;

      (d) At any voter registration agency; or

      (e) By submitting an application to preregister or register to vote by computer using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671.

Ê If the elector fails to register under his or her new name, the elector may be challenged pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.303 or 293C.292 and may be required to furnish proof of identity and subsequent change of name.

      6.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 8 and NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive, and 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, an elector who registers to vote pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 shall be deemed to be registered upon the completion of an application to register to vote.

      7.  After the county clerk determines that the application to register to vote of a person is complete and that, except as otherwise provided in NRS 293D.210, the person is eligible to vote pursuant to NRS 293.485, the county clerk shall issue a voter registration card to the voter.

      8.  If a person or an elector submits an application to preregister or register to vote or an affidavit described in paragraph (c) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.507 that contains any handwritten additions, erasures or interlineations, the county clerk may object to the application if the county clerk believes that because of such handwritten additions, erasures or interlineations, the application is incomplete or that, except as otherwise provided in NRS 293D.210, the person is not eligible to preregister pursuant to NRS 293.4855 or the elector is not eligible to vote pursuant to NRS 293.485, as applicable. If the county clerk objects pursuant to this subsection, he or she shall immediately notify the person or elector, as applicable, and the district attorney of the county. Not later than 5 business days after the district attorney receives such notification, the district attorney shall advise the county clerk as to whether:

      (a) The application is complete and, except as otherwise provided in NRS 293D.210, the person is eligible to preregister pursuant to NRS 293.4855 or the elector is eligible to vote pursuant to NRS 293.485; and

      (b) The county clerk should proceed to process the application.

      9.  If the district attorney advises the county clerk to process the application pursuant to subsection 8, the county clerk shall immediately issue a voter registration card to the applicant, unless the applicant is preregistered to vote and does not currently meet the requirements to be issued a voter registration card pursuant to NRS 293.4855.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 274; A 1983, 1289; 1985, 562; 1989, 2168; 1991, 1684; 1993, 2192; 1995, 2272; 1997, 764, 3466; 2003, 1720, 2180; 2007, 1163, 2603; 2011, 1925, 2094; 2017, 3856; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2019, 4090; 2021, 1877, 3824, 3860; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.518  Persons must indicate affiliation or nonaffiliation with political party at time of preregistration or registration; circumstances when party listed as “nonpartisan”; duties of county clerk or field registrar of voters. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.5737 and 293.5742, at the time a person preregisters or an elector registers to vote, the person or elector must indicate:

      (a) A political party affiliation; or

      (b) That he or she is not affiliated with a political party.

Ê A person or an elector who indicates that he or she is “independent” shall be deemed not affiliated with a political party.

      2.  If a person or an elector indicates that he or she is not affiliated with a political party, or is independent, the county clerk or field registrar of voters shall list the person’s or elector’s political party as nonpartisan.

      3.  If a person or an elector indicates an affiliation with a major political party or a minor political party that has filed a certificate of existence with the Secretary of State, the county clerk or field registrar of voters shall list the person’s or elector’s political party as indicated by the person or elector.

      4.  If a person or an elector indicates an affiliation with a minor political party that has not filed a certificate of existence with the Secretary of State, the county clerk or field registrar of voters shall:

      (a) List the person’s or elector’s political party as the party indicated in the application to preregister or register to vote, as applicable.

      (b) When compiling data related to preregistration and voter registration for the county, report the person’s or elector’s political party as “other party.”

      5.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, if a person or an elector does not make any of the indications described in subsection 1, the county clerk or field registrar of voters shall:

      (a) List the person’s or elector’s political party as nonpartisan; and

      (b) Mail to the person or elector a notice setting forth that the person has been preregistered or the elector has been registered to vote, as applicable, as a nonpartisan because he or she did not make any of the indications described in subsection 1.

      6.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 7, if a person who is preregistered or registered to vote:

      (a) Submits a new paper application to preregister or register to vote; and

      (b) Does not make any of the indications described in subsection 1 on the new paper application,

Ê the county clerk or field registrar of voters shall not change the person’s existing political party affiliation that was established by his or her prior application pursuant to this section and is listed in the statewide voter registration list.

      7.  The provisions of subsection 6 do not apply to a voter who registers to vote using the National Mail Voter Registration Application promulgated by the United States Election Assistance Commission pursuant to the National Voter Registration Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20501 et seq., as amended.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2167; A 1995, 680, 2273, 2784; 2003, 1654; 2017, 3857; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2019, 3389; 2021, 3826)

      NRS 293.518  Persons must indicate affiliation or nonaffiliation with political party at time of preregistration or registration; circumstances when party listed as “nonpartisan”; duties of county clerk or field registrar of voters. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive, at the time a person preregisters or an elector registers to vote, the person or elector must indicate:

      (a) A political party affiliation; or

      (b) That he or she is not affiliated with a political party.

Ê A person or an elector who indicates that he or she is “independent” shall be deemed not affiliated with a political party.

      2.  If a person or an elector indicates that he or she is not affiliated with a political party, or is independent, the county clerk or field registrar of voters shall list the person’s or elector’s political party as nonpartisan.

      3.  If a person or an elector indicates an affiliation with a major political party or a minor political party that has filed a certificate of existence with the Secretary of State, the county clerk or field registrar of voters shall list the person’s or elector’s political party as indicated by the person or elector.

      4.  If a person or an elector indicates an affiliation with a minor political party that has not filed a certificate of existence with the Secretary of State, the county clerk or field registrar of voters shall:

      (a) List the person’s or elector’s political party as the party indicated in the application to preregister or register to vote, as applicable.

      (b) When compiling data related to preregistration and voter registration for the county, report the person’s or elector’s political party as “other party.”

      5.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, if a person or an elector does not make any of the indications described in subsection 1, the county clerk or field registrar of voters shall:

      (a) List the person’s or elector’s political party as nonpartisan; and

      (b) Mail to the person or elector a notice setting forth that the person has been preregistered or the elector has been registered to vote, as applicable, as a nonpartisan because he or she did not make any of the indications described in subsection 1.

      6.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 7, if a person who is preregistered or registered to vote:

      (a) Submits a new paper application to preregister or register to vote; and

      (b) Does not make any of the indications described in subsection 1 on the new paper application,

Ê the county clerk or field registrar of voters shall not change the person’s existing political party affiliation that was established by his or her prior application pursuant to this section and is listed in the statewide voter registration list.

      7.  The provisions of subsection 6 do not apply to a voter who registers to vote using the National Mail Voter Registration Application promulgated by the United States Election Assistance Commission pursuant to the National Voter Registration Act, 52 U.S.C. §§ 20501 et seq., as amended.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2167; A 1995, 680, 2273, 2784; 2003, 1654; 2017, 3857; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2019, 3389; 2021, 3826, 3862; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.520  Preregistration, registration and reregistration of persons who are unable to sign name.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, the preregistration of persons or the registration or reregistration of electors who are unable to sign their names must be made upon personal application of those persons or electors at the office of the county clerk where they may be identified or in the presence of a field registrar. If such a person or an elector is unable to appear in person at the office of the county clerk, the county clerk shall send a field registrar or an employee of the office of the county clerk to the elector to identify the person or elector and preregister the person or register or reregister the elector, as appropriate. The persons or electors described in this section may use a mark or cross in place of a signature.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 274; A 1991, 2223; 1993, 2193; 2001, 1435; 2017, 3858)

      NRS 293.523  Preregistration and registration of naturalized citizens.  A naturalized citizen need not produce his or her certificate of naturalization in order to qualify to be preregistered or registered.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 274; A 1973, 896; 1975, 943; 2017, 3858)

      NRS 293.5235  Requirements relating to preregistration and registration by mail or computer; exceptions; correction of information in applications; procedure for incomplete applications; required notices; prohibited acts; penalties; regulations. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.502 and chapter 293D of NRS, a person may preregister or register to vote by:

      (a) Mailing an application to preregister or register to vote to the county clerk of the county in which the person resides.

      (b) A computer using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671.

      (c) Any other method authorized by the provisions of this title.

      2.  The county clerk shall, upon request, mail an application to preregister or register to vote to an applicant. The county clerk shall make the applications available at various public places in the county.

      3.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive:

      (a) An application to preregister to vote may be used to correct information in a previous application.

      (b) An application to register to vote may be used to correct information in the statewide voter registration list.

      4.  An application to preregister or register to vote which is mailed to an applicant by the county clerk or made available to the public at various locations or voter registration agencies in the county may be returned to the county clerk by mail or in person. For the purposes of this section, an application which is personally delivered to the county clerk shall be deemed to have been returned by mail.

      5.  The applicant must complete the application, including, without limitation, checking the boxes described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection 12 and signing the application.

      6.  The county clerk shall, upon receipt of an application, determine whether the application is complete.

      7.  If the county clerk determines that the application is complete, he or she shall, within 10 days after receiving the application, mail to the applicant:

      (a) A notice that the applicant is preregistered or registered to vote, as applicable. If the applicant is registered to vote, the county clerk must also mail to the applicant a voter registration card; or

      (b) A notice that the person’s application to preregister to vote or the statewide voter registration list has been corrected to reflect any changes indicated on the application.

      8.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections 5 and 6 of NRS 293.518 and NRS 293.5767, if the county clerk determines that the application is not complete, the county clerk shall, as soon as possible, mail a notice to the applicant that additional information is required to complete the application. If the applicant provides the information requested by the county clerk within 15 days after the county clerk mails the notice, the county clerk shall, within 10 days after receiving the information, mail to the applicant:

      (a) A notice that the applicant is:

             (1) Preregistered to vote; or

             (2) Registered to vote and a voter registration card; or

      (b) A notice that the person’s application to preregister to vote or the statewide voter registration list has been corrected to reflect any changes indicated on the application.

Ê If the applicant does not provide the additional information within the prescribed period, the application is void.

      9.  The applicant shall be deemed to be preregistered or registered or to have corrected the information in the application to preregister to vote or the statewide voter registration list on the date the application is postmarked or received by the county clerk, whichever is earlier.

      10.  If the applicant fails to check the box described in paragraph (b) of subsection 12, the application shall not be considered invalid, and the county clerk shall provide a means for the applicant to correct the omission at the time the applicant appears to vote in person at the assigned polling place.

      11.  The Secretary of State shall prescribe the form for applications to preregister or register to vote by:

      (a) Mail, which must be used to preregister or register to vote by mail in this State.

      (b) Computer, which must be used to preregister or register to vote by computer using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671.

      12.  The application to preregister or register to vote by mail must include:

      (a) A notice in at least 10-point type which states:

 

       NOTICE: You are urged to return your application to the County Clerk in person or by mail. If you choose to give your completed application to another person to return to the County Clerk on your behalf, and the person fails to deliver the application to the County Clerk, you will not be preregistered or registered to vote, as applicable. Please retain the duplicate copy or receipt from your application to preregister or register to vote.

 

      (b) The question, “Are you a citizen of the United States?” and boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether or not the applicant is a citizen of the United States.

      (c) If the application is to:

             (1) Preregister to vote, the question, “Are you at least 17 years of age and not more than 18 years of age?” and boxes to indicate whether or not the applicant is at least 17 years of age and not more than 18 years of age.

             (2) Register to vote, the question, “Will you be at least 18 years of age on or before election day?” and boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether or not the applicant will be at least 18 years of age or older on election day.

      (d) A statement instructing the applicant not to complete the application if the applicant checked “no” in response to the question set forth in:

             (1) If the application is to preregister to vote, paragraph (b) or subparagraph (1) of paragraph (c).

             (2) If the application is to register to vote, paragraph (b) or subparagraph (2) of paragraph (c).

      (e) A statement informing the applicant that if the application is submitted by mail and the applicant is preregistering or registering to vote for the first time, the applicant must submit the information set forth in paragraph (a) of subsection 2 of NRS 293.2725 to avoid the requirements of subsection 1 of NRS 293.2725 upon voting for the first time.

      13.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections 5 and 6 of NRS 293.518, the county clerk shall not preregister or register a person to vote pursuant to this section unless that person has provided all of the information required by the application.

      14.  The county clerk shall mail, by postcard, the notices required pursuant to subsections 7 and 8. If the postcard is returned to the county clerk by the United States Postal Service because the address is fictitious or the person does not live at that address, the county clerk shall attempt to determine whether the person’s current residence is other than that indicated on the application to preregister or register to vote in the manner set forth in NRS 293.530.

      15.  A person who, by mail, preregisters or registers to vote pursuant to this section may be assisted in completing the application to preregister or register to vote by any other person. The application must include the mailing address and signature of the person who assisted the applicant. The failure to provide the information required by this subsection will not result in the application being deemed incomplete.

      16.  An application to preregister or register to vote must be made available to all persons, regardless of political party affiliation.

      17.  An application must not be altered or otherwise defaced after the applicant has completed and signed it. An application must be mailed or delivered in person to the office of the county clerk within 10 days after it is completed.

      18.  A person who willfully violates any of the provisions of subsection 15, 16 or 17 is guilty of a category E felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.

      19.  The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.

      (Added to NRS by 1991, 1680; A 1993, 2193; 1995, 1267, 2273, 2763; 1997, 233, 664, 666, 2784, 2793; 2001, 2953; 2003, 1654, 2181; 2005, 2829; 2009, 1270; 2011, 1926, 2096; 2017, 3858; 2019, 3390, 4092; 2021, 3827)

      NRS 293.5235  Requirements relating to preregistration and registration by mail or computer; exceptions; correction of information in applications; procedure for incomplete applications; required notices; prohibited acts; penalties; regulations. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.502 and chapter 293D of NRS, a person may preregister or register to vote by:

      (a) Mailing an application to preregister or register to vote to the county clerk of the county in which the person resides.

      (b) A computer using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671.

      (c) Any other method authorized by the provisions of this title.

      2.  The county clerk shall, upon request, mail an application to preregister or register to vote to an applicant. The county clerk shall make the applications available at various public places in the county.

      3.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive:

      (a) An application to preregister to vote may be used to correct information in a previous application.

      (b) An application to register to vote may be used to correct information in the statewide voter registration list.

      4.  An application to preregister or register to vote which is mailed to an applicant by the county clerk or made available to the public at various locations or voter registration agencies in the county may be returned to the county clerk by mail or in person. For the purposes of this section, an application which is personally delivered to the county clerk shall be deemed to have been returned by mail.

      5.  The applicant must complete the application, including, without limitation, checking the boxes described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection 12 and signing the application.

      6.  The county clerk shall, upon receipt of an application, determine whether the application is complete.

      7.  If the county clerk determines that the application is complete, he or she shall, within 10 days after receiving the application, mail to the applicant:

      (a) A notice that the applicant is preregistered or registered to vote, as applicable. If the applicant is registered to vote, the county clerk must also mail to the applicant a voter registration card; or

      (b) A notice that the person’s application to preregister to vote or the statewide voter registration list has been corrected to reflect any changes indicated on the application.

      8.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections 5 and 6 of NRS 293.518 and NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive, if the county clerk determines that the application is not complete, the county clerk shall, as soon as possible, mail a notice to the applicant that additional information is required to complete the application. If the applicant provides the information requested by the county clerk within 15 days after the county clerk mails the notice, the county clerk shall, within 10 days after receiving the information, mail to the applicant:

      (a) A notice that the applicant is:

             (1) Preregistered to vote; or

             (2) Registered to vote and a voter registration card; or

      (b) A notice that the person’s application to preregister to vote or the statewide voter registration list has been corrected to reflect any changes indicated on the application.

Ê If the applicant does not provide the additional information within the prescribed period, the application is void.

      9.  The applicant shall be deemed to be preregistered or registered or to have corrected the information in the application to preregister to vote or the statewide voter registration list on the date the application is postmarked or received by the county clerk, whichever is earlier.

      10.  If the applicant fails to check the box described in paragraph (b) of subsection 12, the application shall not be considered invalid, and the county clerk shall provide a means for the applicant to correct the omission at the time the applicant appears to vote in person at the assigned polling place.

      11.  The Secretary of State shall prescribe the form for applications to preregister or register to vote by:

      (a) Mail, which must be used to preregister or register to vote by mail in this State.

      (b) Computer, which must be used to preregister or register to vote by computer using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671.

      12.  The application to preregister or register to vote by mail must include:

      (a) A notice in at least 10-point type which states:

 

       NOTICE: You are urged to return your application to the County Clerk in person or by mail. If you choose to give your completed application to another person to return to the County Clerk on your behalf, and the person fails to deliver the application to the County Clerk, you will not be preregistered or registered to vote, as applicable. Please retain the duplicate copy or receipt from your application to preregister or register to vote.

 

      (b) The question, “Are you a citizen of the United States?” and boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether or not the applicant is a citizen of the United States.

      (c) If the application is to:

             (1) Preregister to vote, the question, “Are you at least 17 years of age and not more than 18 years of age?” and boxes to indicate whether or not the applicant is at least 17 years of age and not more than 18 years of age.

             (2) Register to vote, the question, “Will you be at least 18 years of age on or before election day?” and boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether or not the applicant will be at least 18 years of age or older on election day.

      (d) A statement instructing the applicant not to complete the application if the applicant checked “no” in response to the question set forth in:

             (1) If the application is to preregister to vote, paragraph (b) or subparagraph (1) of paragraph (c).

             (2) If the application is to register to vote, paragraph (b) or subparagraph (2) of paragraph (c).

      (e) A statement informing the applicant that if the application is submitted by mail and the applicant is preregistering or registering to vote for the first time, the applicant must submit the information set forth in paragraph (a) of subsection 2 of NRS 293.2725 to avoid the requirements of subsection 1 of NRS 293.2725 upon voting for the first time.

      13.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections 5 and 6 of NRS 293.518, the county clerk shall not preregister or register a person to vote pursuant to this section unless that person has provided all of the information required by the application.

      14.  The county clerk shall mail, by postcard, the notices required pursuant to subsections 7 and 8. If the postcard is returned to the county clerk by the United States Postal Service because the address is fictitious or the person does not live at that address, the county clerk shall attempt to determine whether the person’s current residence is other than that indicated on the application to preregister or register to vote in the manner set forth in NRS 293.530.

      15.  A person who, by mail, preregisters or registers to vote pursuant to this section may be assisted in completing the application to preregister or register to vote by any other person. The application must include the mailing address and signature of the person who assisted the applicant. The failure to provide the information required by this subsection will not result in the application being deemed incomplete.

      16.  An application to preregister or register to vote must be made available to all persons, regardless of political party affiliation.

      17.  An application must not be altered or otherwise defaced after the applicant has completed and signed it. An application must be mailed or delivered in person to the office of the county clerk within 10 days after it is completed.

      18.  A person who willfully violates any of the provisions of subsection 15, 16 or 17 is guilty of a category E felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.

      19.  The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.

      (Added to NRS by 1991, 1680; A 1993, 2193; 1995, 1267, 2273, 2763; 1997, 233, 664, 666, 2784, 2793; 2001, 2953; 2003, 1654, 2181; 2005, 2829; 2009, 1270; 2011, 1926, 2096; 2017, 3858; 2019, 3390, 4092; 2021, 3827, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.5237  Preregistration and registration at home by field registrar.  Any time:

      1.  A person who, because of illness, disability or for other good cause shown, requires assistance to complete an application to preregister to vote may request the county clerk in writing or by telephone to preregister the person at the person’s residence. Upon request, the county clerk shall direct the appropriate field registrar to go to the home of such a person to preregister the person to vote.

      2.  Before the last day to register to vote by mail pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, as applicable, a person who because of illness, disability or for other good cause shown requires assistance to complete an application to register to vote may request the county clerk in writing or by telephone to register the person at the person’s residence. Upon request, the county clerk shall direct the appropriate field registrar to go to the home of such a person to register the person to vote.

      (Added to NRS by 1993, 2173; A 2003, 1721, 2183; 2017, 407, 3335, 3861)

Change in Residence; Challenges; Cancellation; Ineligibility to Vote

      NRS 293.525  Vote after residence changed but registration not transferred; affirmation by elector; use of information regarding current address to correct statewide voter registration list and roster.

      1.  Any elector who is presently registered and has changed residence after the last preceding general election and who fails to return or never receives a postcard mailed pursuant to NRS 293.5235, 293.530 or 293.535 who moved:

      (a) From one precinct to another or from one congressional district to another within the same county must be allowed to vote in the precinct where the elector previously resided after providing an oral or written affirmation before an election board officer attesting to his or her new address.

      (b) Within the same precinct must be allowed to vote after providing an oral or written affirmation before an election board officer attesting to his or her new address.

      2.  If an elector alleges that the statewide voter registration list or the roster incorrectly indicates that the elector has changed residence, the elector must be permitted to vote after providing an oral or written affirmation before an election board officer attesting that he or she continues to reside at the same address.

      3.  If an elector refuses to provide an oral or written affirmation attesting to his or her address as required by this section, the elector may only vote at the special polling place in the county in the manner set forth in NRS 293.304.

      4.  The county clerk shall use any information regarding the current address of an elector obtained pursuant to this section to correct information in the statewide voter registration list and the roster.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 274; A 1961, 295; 1967, 851; 1979, 177; 1989, 2168; 1991, 1686, 2224; 1995, 2277; 1999, 2160; 2015, 3160; 2021, 3830)

      NRS 293.527  County clerk required to update preregistration or registration when person moves to another county.  When a person moves to another county and preregisters to vote therein, or an elector moves to another county and registers to vote therein, the county clerk of the county where the person or elector has moved shall update the person’s preregistration or elector’s registration, as applicable, in the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 274; A 1995, 2277; 2017, 3862; 2021, 3830)

      NRS 293.530  Authority of county clerk to correct statewide voter registration list, determine whether residence is accurate and make investigations of registration; duty of county clerk to cancel registration under certain circumstances, maintain records regarding notices of cancellation and designate voter as inactive; regulations; required notices after certain changes to statewide voter registration list. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.541:

      (a) County clerks may use any reliable and reasonable means available to correct the portions of the statewide voter registration list which are relevant to the county clerks and to determine whether a registered voter’s current residence is other than that indicated on the voter’s application to register to vote.

      (b) A county clerk may, with the consent of the board of county commissioners, make investigations of registration in the county by census, by house-to-house canvass or by any other method.

      (c) A county clerk shall cancel the registration of a voter pursuant to this subsection if:

             (1) The county clerk mails a written notice to the voter which the United States Postal Service is required to forward;

             (2) The county clerk mails a return postcard with the notice which has a place for the voter to write his or her new address, is addressed to the county clerk and has postage guaranteed;

             (3) The voter does not respond; and

             (4) The voter does not appear to vote in an election before the polls have closed in the second general election following the date of the notice.

      (d) For the purposes of this subsection, the date of the notice is deemed to be 3 days after it is mailed.

      (e) The county clerk shall maintain records of:

             (1) Any notice mailed pursuant to paragraph (c);

             (2) Any response to such notice; and

             (3) Whether a person to whom a notice is mailed appears to vote in an election,

Ê for not less than 2 years after creation.

      (f) The county clerk shall use any postcards which are returned to correct the portions of the statewide voter registration list which are relevant to the county clerk.

      (g) If a voter fails to return the postcard mailed pursuant to paragraph (c) within 30 days, the county clerk shall designate the voter as inactive on the voter’s application to register to vote.

      (h) The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations to prescribe the method for maintaining a list of voters who have been designated as inactive pursuant to paragraph (g).

      (i) If:

             (1) The name of a voter is added to the statewide voter registration list pursuant to NRS 293.5752; or

             (2) The voter registration information of a voter whose name is on the statewide voter registration list is updated pursuant to NRS 293.5752,

Ê the county clerk shall provide written notice of the addition or change to the voter not later than 5 working days after the addition or change is made. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the notice must be mailed to the current residence of the voter. The county clerk may send the notice by electronic mail if the voter confirms the validity of the electronic mail address to which the notice will be sent by responding to a confirmation inquiry sent to that electronic mail address. Such a confirmation inquiry must be sent for each notice sent pursuant to this paragraph.

      2.  A county clerk is not required to take any action pursuant to this section in relation to a person who preregisters to vote until the person is deemed to be registered to vote pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 293.4855.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 274; A 1979, 1394; 1987, 1590; 1989, 2169; 1995, 2277; 2003, 2184; 2017, 3862; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2019, 4095)

      NRS 293.530  Authority of county clerk to correct statewide voter registration list, determine whether residence is accurate and make investigations of registration; duty of county clerk to cancel registration under certain circumstances, maintain records regarding notices of cancellation and designate voter as inactive; regulations; required notices after certain changes to statewide voter registration list. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.541:

      (a) County clerks may use any reliable and reasonable means available to correct the portions of the statewide voter registration list which are relevant to the county clerks and to determine whether a registered voter’s current residence is other than that indicated on the voter’s application to register to vote.

      (b) A county clerk may, with the consent of the board of county commissioners, make investigations of registration in the county by census, by house-to-house canvass or by any other method.

      (c) A county clerk shall cancel the registration of a voter pursuant to this subsection if:

             (1) The county clerk mails a written notice to the voter which the United States Postal Service is required to forward;

             (2) The county clerk mails a return postcard with the notice which has a place for the voter to write his or her new address, is addressed to the county clerk and has postage guaranteed;

             (3) The voter does not respond;

             (4) The voter’s registration information has not been updated by an automatic voter registration agency pursuant to NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive; and

             (5) The voter does not appear to vote in an election before the polls have closed in the second general election following the date of the notice.

      (d) For the purposes of this subsection, the date of the notice is deemed to be 3 days after it is mailed.

      (e) The county clerk shall maintain records of:

             (1) Any notice mailed pursuant to paragraph (c);

             (2) Any response to such notice; and

             (3) Whether a person to whom a notice is mailed appears to vote in an election,

Ê for not less than 2 years after creation.

      (f) The county clerk shall use any postcards which are returned to correct the portions of the statewide voter registration list which are relevant to the county clerk.

      (g) If a voter fails to return the postcard mailed pursuant to paragraph (c) within 30 days, the county clerk shall designate the voter as inactive on the voter’s application to register to vote.

      (h) The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations to prescribe the method for maintaining a list of voters who have been designated as inactive pursuant to paragraph (g).

      (i) If:

             (1) The name of a voter is added to the statewide voter registration list pursuant to NRS 293.57693; or

             (2) The voter registration information of a voter whose name is on the statewide voter registration list is updated pursuant to NRS 293.5752,

Ê the county clerk shall provide written notice of the addition or change to the voter not later than 5 working days after the addition or change is made. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the notice must be mailed to the current residence of the voter. The county clerk may send the notice by electronic mail if the voter confirms the validity of the electronic mail address to which the notice will be sent by responding to a confirmation inquiry sent to that electronic mail address. Such a confirmation inquiry must be sent for each notice sent pursuant to this paragraph. The notice required pursuant to this paragraph may be provided as part of the notice mailed pursuant to NRS 293.57693.

      2.  A county clerk is not required to take any action pursuant to this section in relation to a person who preregisters to vote until the person is deemed to be registered to vote pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 293.4855.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 274; A 1979, 1394; 1987, 1590; 1989, 2169; 1995, 2277; 2003, 2184; 2017, 3862; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2019, 4095; 2021, 3863; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.5303  Data concerning change of address of registered voter: Agreement with United States Postal Service or other authorized person for use of data by county clerk.  In addition to the methods described in NRS 293.530, the county clerk in each county may enter into an agreement with the United States Postal Service or any person authorized by it to obtain the data compiled by the United States Postal Service concerning changes of addresses of its postal patrons for use by the county clerk to correct the portions of the statewide voter registration list relevant to the county clerk.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2257; A 2003, 2185)

      NRS 293.5307  Data concerning change of address of registered voter: Identification of registered voter who has moved; notices to registered voter.  If a county clerk enters into an agreement pursuant to NRS 293.5303, the county clerk shall review each notice of a change of address filed with the United States Postal Service by a resident of the county and identify each resident who is a registered voter and has moved to a new address. Before removing or correcting information in the statewide voter registration list, the county clerk shall mail a notice to each such registered voter and follow the procedures set forth in NRS 293.530.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2257; A 2003, 2185)

      NRS 293.533  Action to compel registration.  Any elector may bring and any number of electors may join in an action or proceeding in a district court to compel the county clerk to enter the name of such elector or electors in the statewide voter registration list and the roster.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 275; A 1973, 350; 2015, 3161; 2021, 3830)

      NRS 293.535  Challenges alleging that registered voter is not citizen of United States or has abandoned residence in county; notice to registrant; procedure; cancellation; other challenges not precluded.

      1.  The county clerk shall notify a registrant if any elector or other reliable person files an affidavit with the county clerk stating that:

      (a) The registrant is not a citizen of the United States; or

      (b) The registrant has:

             (1) Moved outside the boundaries of the county where he or she is registered to another county, state, territory or foreign country, with the intention of remaining there for an indefinite time and with the intention of abandoning his or her residence in the county where registered; and

             (2) Established residence in some other state, territory or foreign country, or in some other county of this state, naming the place.

Ê The affiant must state that he or she has personal knowledge of the facts set forth in the affidavit.

      2.  Upon the filing of an affidavit pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1, the county clerk shall notify the registrant in the manner set forth in NRS 293.530 and shall enclose a copy of the affidavit. If the registrant fails to respond or appear to vote within the required time, the county clerk shall cancel the registration.

      3.  An affidavit filed pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 must be filed not later than 30 days before an election. Upon the filing of such an affidavit, the county clerk shall notify the registrant by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, of the filing of the affidavit, and shall enclose a copy of the affidavit. Unless the registrant, within 15 days after the return receipt has been filed in the office of the county clerk, presents satisfactory proof of citizenship, the county clerk shall cancel the registration.

      4.  The provisions of this section do not prevent the challenge provided for in NRS 293.303 or 293C.292.

      5.  A county clerk is not required to take any action pursuant to this section in relation to a person who is preregistered to vote until the person is deemed to be registered to vote pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 293.4855.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 275; A 1969, 95; 1995, 2278; 1997, 3467; 2017, 3863; 2019, 4096)

      NRS 293.537  Handling of applications of persons who have cancelled their preregistration or registration; reinstatement of such applications cancelled erroneously; preservation and destruction of such applications.

      1.  The county clerk of each county shall maintain:

      (a) A file of the applications to preregister to vote of persons who have cancelled their preregistration; and

      (b) A file of the applications to register to vote of electors who have cancelled their registration,

Ê in the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675. The files must be kept in alphabetical order. The county clerk shall mark the applications “Cancelled,” and indicate thereon the reason for cancellation.

      2.  If the county clerk finds that the preregistration of a person was cancelled erroneously, the county clerk shall reinstate the person’s application to preregister to vote.

      3.  If the county clerk finds that the registration of an elector was cancelled erroneously, the county clerk shall reregister the elector or on election day allow the elector whose registration was erroneously cancelled to vote pursuant to NRS 293.304, 293.525, 293C.295 or 293C.525.

      4.  The county clerk shall record cancelled applications to preregister or register to vote in the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 and may destroy the originals at any time.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 275; A 1967, 862; 1993, 2196; 1995, 2279; 1997, 3468; 2017, 3864; 2021, 3831)

      NRS 293.540  Circumstances in which county clerk is required to cancel preregistration or registration.

      1.  The county clerk shall cancel the preregistration of a person:

      (a) If the county clerk has personal knowledge of the death of the person or if an authenticated certificate of the death of the person is filed in the county clerk’s office.

      (b) At the request of the person.

      (c) If the county clerk has discovered an incorrect preregistration pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.5235 and the person has failed to respond within the required time.

      (d) As required by NRS 293.541.

      (e) Upon verification that the application to preregister to vote is a duplicate if the county clerk has the original or another duplicate of the application on file in the county clerk’s office.

      2.  The county clerk shall cancel the registration of a person:

      (a) If the county clerk has personal knowledge of the death of the person or if an authenticated certificate of the death of the person is filed in the county clerk’s office.

      (b) If the county clerk is provided a certified copy of a court order stating that the court specifically finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person lacks the mental capacity to vote because he or she cannot communicate, with or without accommodations, a specific desire to participate in the voting process.

      (c) Upon the determination that the person has been convicted of a felony and is currently incarcerated.

      (d) Upon the production of a certified copy of the judgment of any court directing the cancellation to be made.

      (e) At the request of the person.

      (f) If the county clerk has discovered an incorrect registration pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.5235, 293.530 or 293.535 and the elector has failed to respond or appear to vote within the required time.

      (g) As required by NRS 293.541.

      (h) Upon verification that the application to register to vote is a duplicate if the county clerk has the original or another duplicate of the application on file in the county clerk’s office.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 275; A 1961, 295; 1967, 862; 1991, 1686, 2224; 1993, 2196; 1995, 2279; 2003, 2185; 2005, 2289; 2013, 59; 2017, 3864; 2019, 1457; 2020, 32nd Special Session, 3; 2021, 1878)

      NRS 293.541  Additional circumstances in which county clerk is required to cancel preregistration or registration; notice; exception to notice requirement if insufficient time exists before election; voting after execution of affidavit of cancellation; separation of ballots.

      1.  The county clerk shall cancel the preregistration of a person or the registration of a voter if:

      (a) After consultation with the district attorney, the district attorney determines that there is probable cause to believe that information in the application to preregister or register to vote concerning the identity or residence of the person or voter is fraudulent;

      (b) The county clerk provides a notice as required pursuant to subsection 2 or executes an affidavit of cancellation pursuant to subsection 3; and

      (c) The person or voter fails to present satisfactory proof of identity and residence pursuant to subsection 2, 4 or 5.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the county clerk shall notify the person or voter by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, of a determination made pursuant to subsection 1. The notice must set forth the grounds for cancellation. Unless the person or voter, within 15 days after the return receipt has been filed in the office of the county clerk, presents satisfactory proof of identity and residence to the county clerk, the county clerk shall cancel the person’s preregistration or the voter’s registration, as applicable.

      3.  If insufficient time exists before a pending election to provide the notice required by subsection 2 to a registered voter, the county clerk shall execute an affidavit of cancellation and attach a copy of the affidavit of cancellation in the roster.

      4.  If a voter appears to vote at the election next following the date that an affidavit of cancellation was executed for the voter pursuant to this section, the voter must be allowed to vote only if the voter furnishes:

      (a) Official identification which contains a photograph of the voter, including, without limitation, a driver’s license or other official document; and

      (b) Satisfactory identification that contains proof of the address at which the voter actually resides and that address is consistent with the address listed on the roster.

      5.  If a determination is made pursuant to subsection 1 concerning information in the registration to vote of a voter and a mail ballot is received from the voter, the mail ballot must be kept separate from other ballots and must not be counted unless the voter presents satisfactory proof to the county clerk of identity and residence before such ballots are counted on election day.

      6.  For the purposes of this section, a voter registration card does not provide proof of the:

      (a) Address at which a person actually resides; or

      (b) Residence or identity of a person.

      (Added to NRS by 2003, 2173; A 2007, 1164; 2015, 3161; 2017, 3865; 2019, 4097; 2021, 1235, 3831)

      NRS 293.5415  Circumstances in which certain persons adjudicated mentally incompetent declared ineligible to vote; certain judicial findings required.  A person is not ineligible to vote on the ground that the person has been adjudicated mentally incompetent unless a court of competent jurisdiction specifically finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person lacks the mental capacity to vote because he or she cannot communicate, with or without accommodations, a specific desire to participate in the voting process and includes the finding in a court order.

      (Added to NRS by 2013, 59)

      NRS 293.542  Duty of court to provide notification of judicial findings that certain persons lack mental capacity to vote.  Within 30 days after a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order stating that the court specifically finds by clear and convincing evidence that a person lacks the mental capacity to vote because he or she cannot communicate, with or without accommodations, a specific desire to participate in the voting process, the court shall provide a certified copy of the order to:

      1.  The county clerk of the county in which the person is a resident; and

      2.  The Office of the Secretary of State.

      (Added to NRS by 1997, 2776; A 2013, 59)

      NRS 293.543  Reregistration of certain persons after cancellation of registration.

      1.  If the registration of an elector is cancelled pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 of NRS 293.540, the county clerk shall reregister the elector upon notice from the clerk of the district court that the elector has been found by the district court to have the mental capacity to vote. The court must include the finding in a court order and, not later than 30 days after issuing the order, provide a certified copy of the order to the county clerk of the county in which the person is a resident and to the Office of the Secretary of State.

      2.  If the registration of an elector is cancelled pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 2 of NRS 293.540, the elector may reregister upon release from prison.

      3.  If the registration of an elector is cancelled pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (e) of subsection 2 of NRS 293.540, after the close of registration for a primary election, the elector may not reregister until after the primary election.

      4.  A county clerk shall not require an elector to present evidence, including without limitation, a court order or any other document, to prove that the elector satisfies the requirements of subsection 2.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 276; A 1993, 2196; 1995, 2280; 1997, 2786; 2005, 2289; 2013, 60; 2017, 3866; 2019, 1458; 2021, 1879)

      NRS 293.547  Written challenges.

      1.  After the 30th day but not later than the 25th day before any election, a written challenge may be filed with the county clerk.

      2.  A registered voter may file a written challenge if:

      (a) He or she is registered to vote in the same precinct as the person whose right to vote is challenged; and

      (b) The challenge is based on the personal knowledge of the registered voter.

      3.  The challenge must be signed and verified by the registered voter and name the person whose right to vote is challenged and the ground of the challenge.

      4.  A challenge filed pursuant to this section must not contain the name of more than one person whose right to vote is challenged. The county clerk shall not accept for filing any challenge which contains more than one such name.

      5.  The county clerk shall:

      (a) Attach a copy of the challenge to the challenged registration in the roster.

      (b) Within 5 days after a challenge is filed, mail a notice in the manner set forth in NRS 293.530 to the person whose right to vote has been challenged pursuant to this section informing the person of the challenge. If the person fails to respond or appear to vote within the required time, the county clerk shall cancel the person’s registration. A copy of the challenge and information describing how to reregister properly must accompany the notice.

      (c) Immediately notify the district attorney. A copy of the challenge must accompany the notice.

      6.  Upon receipt of a notice pursuant to this section, the district attorney shall investigate the challenge within 14 days and, if appropriate, cause proceedings to be instituted and prosecuted in a court of competent jurisdiction without delay. The court shall give such proceedings priority over other civil matters that are not expressly given priority by law. Upon court order, the county clerk shall cancel the registration of the person whose right to vote has been challenged pursuant to this section.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 276; A 1973, 350; 1975, 943; 1985, 563; 1991, 2225; 1999, 1395, 2161; 2001, 90, 91; 2007, 2604; 2015, 3162; 2021, 3832)

      NRS 293.548  Withdrawal of written challenge or affidavit.

      1.  A person who files a written challenge pursuant to NRS 293.547 or an affidavit pursuant to NRS 293.535 may withdraw the challenge or affidavit not later than the 25th day before the date of the election, by submitting a written request to the county clerk. Upon receipt of the request, the county clerk shall:

      (a) Remove the challenge or affidavit from any roster and any other record in which the challenge or affidavit has been filed or entered;

      (b) If a notice of the challenge or affidavit has been mailed to the person who is the subject of the challenge or affidavit, mail a notice and a copy of the request to withdraw to that person; and

      (c) If a notice of the challenge has been mailed to the district attorney, mail a notice and a copy of the request to withdraw to the district attorney.

      2.  If the county clerk receives a request to withdraw pursuant to subsection 1, the county clerk shall withdraw the person’s challenge or affidavit.

      (Added to NRS by 1999, 1389; A 2015, 3163; 2021, 3833)

Registration Relating to Certain Persons in Armed Forces or Service of United States or Attending School

      NRS 293.550  Registration of certain persons enlisted or inducted into Armed Forces of the United States: Appearance before county clerk or field registrar.  Any elector of this State who has not registered to vote in this State, or who has registered but whose registration has been cancelled, and who contemplates enlisting in, or has been inducted into, the Armed Forces of the United States may, at any time, appear before the county clerk of the county of his or her residence or the field registrar thereof and register as a voter in the manner provided by law.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 276; A 1993, 2197)

      NRS 293.553  Registration of certain persons in service of United States or attending school.  Any elector of this State who is in the service of the United States or attending an institution of learning, and by reason thereof is beyond the boundaries of this State, and who has not registered before or whose registration has been cancelled may, at any time, request from the county clerk of the county of the elector’s residence an application to register to vote. The county clerk, if satisfied that the elector is eligible for registration, shall forward the application immediately. The county clerk shall, upon receipt of the completed application, file it in the manner provided by law.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 277; A 1961, 298; 1989, 2170; 1995, 2280; 2009, 360)

      NRS 293.555  Registration of spouse or dependent of certain persons in service of United States.  If the spouse or a dependent of an elector referred to in NRS 293.553 is an elector of this State but has not been registered, or his or her registration has been cancelled, and such spouse or dependent of the elector is required, by reason of the elector’s being in the service of the United States, to reside beyond the boundaries of this State, such spouse or dependent may register in the manner provided by NRS 293.553.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 277; A 1961, 298)

Disclosure of Information Relating to Registered Voters

      NRS 293.557  Publication of list of registered voters.

      1.  The county clerk may cause to be published once in each of the newspapers circulated in different parts of the county or cause to be published once in a newspaper circulated in the county:

      (a) An alphabetical listing of all registered voters, including the precinct of each voter:

             (1) Within the circulation area of each newspaper if the listing is published in each newspaper circulated in different parts of the county; or

             (2) Within the entire county if the listing is published in only one newspaper in the county; or

      (b) A statement notifying the public that the county clerk will provide an alphabetical listing of the names of all registered voters in the entire county and the precinct of each voter free of charge to any person upon request.

      2.  If the county clerk publishes the list of registered voters, the county clerk must do so:

      (a) Not less than 2 weeks before the close of registration for any primary election.

      (b) After each primary election and not less than 2 weeks before the close of registration for the ensuing general election.

      3.  The county may not pay more than 10 cents per name for six-point or seven-point type or 15 cents per name for eight-point type or larger to each newspaper publishing the list.

      4.  The list of registered voters, if published, must not be printed in type smaller than six-point.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 277; A 1967, 851; 1971, 448; 1973, 351, 896; 1975, 943; 1979, 534; 1993, 2197; 1995, 2224, 2630, 2784; 1997, 652, 655)

      NRS 293.558  Disclosure of identification numbers to public; county or city clerk prohibited from disclosing certain information; registered voter may request that address and telephone number be withheld from public.

      1.  The county or city clerk shall disclose the identification number of a registered voter to the public, including, without limitation:

      (a) In response to an inquiry received by the county or city clerk; or

      (b) By inclusion of the identification number of the registered voter on any list of registered voters made available for public inspection pursuant to NRS 293.301, 293.440, 293.557, 293C.290 or 293C.542.

      2.  The county or city clerk shall not disclose:

      (a) The social security number or the driver’s license or identification card number of a registered voter, and such a number is confidential and is not a public book or record within the meaning of NRS 239.010.

      (b) An electronic mail address provided by a registered voter to carry out any state or federal law relating to the voting process, and such an electronic mail address is confidential and is not a public book or record within the meaning of NRS 239.010. The county or city clerk may not release a registered voter’s electronic mail address to a third party and may use such an electronic mail address only to:

             (1) Communicate with the registered voter about the voting process, including, without limitation, as necessary to carry out the provisions of chapter 293D of NRS; and

             (2) Distribute a sample ballot to the registered voter by electronic means if the county or city clerk has established a system for distributing sample ballots by electronic means pursuant to NRS 293.565 or 293C.530 and the registered voter elects to receive a sample ballot by electronic means.

      3.  A registered voter may submit a written request to the county or city clerk to have his or her address and telephone number withheld from the public. Upon receipt of such a request, the county or city clerk shall not disclose the address or telephone number of the registered voter to the public, including, without limitation:

      (a) In response to an inquiry received by the county or city clerk; or

      (b) By inclusion on any list of registered voters made available for public inspection pursuant to NRS 293.301, 293.440, 293.557, 293C.290 or 293C.542.

      4.  No information relating to a registered voter may be withheld from the public other than:

      (a) The address and telephone number of the registered voter if requested by the registered voter pursuant to this section;

      (b) An electronic mail address provided by the registered voter to carry out any state or federal law relating to the voting process;

      (c) The social security number and driver’s license or identification card number of the registered voter; and

      (d) Any other information relating to the registered voter that any state or federal law declares to be confidential or otherwise requires to be withheld from the public.

      (Added to NRS by 1995, 2773; A 1997, 3468; 2001, 2956; 2005, 2290; 2015, 2641, 3163)

Close of Registration

      NRS 293.560  Close of registration; publication of day and time that each method of registration closes; offices of county clerk, certain county facilities and ex officio registrars allowed to be open on last Friday of October in even-numbered years; hours of operation for county facility for voter registration.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.269951, 293.502, 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, 293D.230 and 293D.300:

      (a) For a primary election, presidential preference primary election or general election, or a recall or special election that is held on the same day as a primary election, presidential preference primary election or general election, the last day to register to vote:

             (1) By mail is the fourth Tuesday preceding the primary election, presidential preference primary election or general election.

             (2) By appearing in person at the office of the county clerk or, if open, a county facility designated pursuant to NRS 293.5035, is the fourth Tuesday preceding the primary election, presidential preference primary election or general election.

             (3) By computer using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671, is the day of the primary election, presidential preference primary election or general election.

      (b) If a recall or special election is not held on the same day as a primary election, presidential preference primary election or general election, the last day to register to vote for the recall or special election by any method of registration is the third Saturday preceding the recall or special election.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, after the deadlines for the close of registration for a primary election, presidential preference primary election or general election set forth in subsection 1, no person may register to vote for the election.

      3.  Except for a recall or special election held pursuant to chapter 306 or 350 of NRS:

      (a) The county clerk of each county shall cause a notice signed by him or her to be published in a newspaper having a general circulation in the county indicating:

             (1) The day and time that each method of registration for the election, as set forth in subsection 1, will be closed; and

             (2) If the county clerk has designated a county facility pursuant to NRS 293.5035, the location of that facility.

Ê If no such newspaper is published in the county, the publication may be made in a newspaper of general circulation published in the nearest county in this State.

      (b) The notice must be published once each week for 4 consecutive weeks next preceding the day that the last method of registration for the election, as set forth in subsection 1, will be closed.

      4.  The offices of the county clerk, a county facility designated pursuant to NRS 293.5035 and other ex officio registrars may remain open on the last Friday in October in each even-numbered year.

      5.  A county facility designated pursuant to NRS 293.5035 may be open during the periods described in this section for such hours of operation as the county clerk may determine, as set forth in subsection 3 of NRS 293.5035.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 277; A 1963, 1376; 1964, 3; 1967, 862; 1971, 448; 1973, 351, 896; 1975, 943; 1977, 914; 1979, 268, 534; 1981, 959; 1985, 1098, 1902; 1987, 22; 1993, 2197, 2406; 1995, 699, 2631; 1997, 60, 3468; 1999, 2411; 2003, 1722, 2186; 2005, 312; 2011, 1928, 3071; 2013, 2377, 3828; 2017, 408, 3336; 2019, 3393, 4098; 2021, 1236, 1879, 3833, 3889)

Notices from Nongovernmental Entities Relating to Registration

      NRS 293.562  Notices from nongovernmental entities must indicate that such notices are not official elections mail.  Any nongovernmental entity that sends a notice to a person:

      1.  Indicating that the person is not or may not be registered to vote in this State; or

      2.  Requesting that the person register to vote in this State,

Ê must indicate clearly on the notice that it is not official elections mail from the Secretary of State or a county or city clerk.

      (Added to NRS by 2017, 3329)

DELIVERY OF ROSTERS, SAMPLE BALLOTS AND OTHER INFORMATION BEFORE ELECTIONS

      NRS 293.563  Preparation and delivery of rosters to polling place.

      1.  During the interval between the closing of registration and the election, the county clerk shall prepare for:

      (a) Each polling place:

             (1) A roster containing the registered voters eligible to vote at the polling place; and

             (2) A roster designated for electors who apply to register to vote or apply to vote at the polling place pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive; and

      (b) Each polling place established pursuant to NRS 293.3072 or 293C.3032 a roster containing the registered voters eligible to vote in the county or city, respectively.

      2.  The rosters must be delivered or caused to be delivered by the county or city clerk to an election board officer of the proper polling place before the opening of the polls.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 277; A 1985, 563; 1987, 356; 1995, 2280; 2003, 1656; 2015, 3164; 2019, 4099)

      NRS 293.565  Sample ballots: Inclusion and exclusion of certain matters; distribution; exceptions; required notices; form and type size; cost of distributing responsibility of political subdivision for certain elections.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, sample ballots must include:

      (a) If applicable, the statement required by NRS 293.267;

      (b) The fiscal note or description of anticipated financial effect, as provided pursuant to NRS 218D.810, 293.250, 293.481, 295.015, 295.095 or 295.230 for each proposed constitutional amendment, statewide measure, measure to be voted upon only by a special district or political subdivision and advisory question;

      (c) An explanation, as provided pursuant to NRS 218D.810, 293.250, 293.481, 295.121 or 295.230, of each proposed constitutional amendment, statewide measure, measure to be voted upon only by a special district or political subdivision and advisory question;

      (d) Arguments for and against each proposed constitutional amendment, statewide measure, measure to be voted upon only by a special district or political subdivision and advisory question, and rebuttals to each argument, as provided pursuant to NRS 218D.810, 293.250, 293.252 or 295.121; and

      (e) The full text of each proposed constitutional amendment.

      2.  If, pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.2565, the word “Incumbent” must appear on the ballot next to the name of the candidate who is the incumbent, the word “Incumbent” must appear on the sample ballot next to the name of the candidate who is the incumbent.

      3.  Sample ballots that are mailed to registered voters may be printed without the full text of each proposed constitutional amendment if:

      (a) The cost of printing the sample ballots would be significantly reduced if the full text of each proposed constitutional amendment were not included;

      (b) The county clerk ensures that a sample ballot that includes the full text of each proposed constitutional amendment is provided at no charge to each registered voter who requests such a sample ballot; and

      (c) The sample ballots provided to each polling place include the full text of each proposed constitutional amendment.

      4.  A county clerk may establish a system for distributing sample ballots by electronic means to each registered voter who elects to receive a sample ballot by electronic means. Such a system may include, without limitation, electronic mail or electronic access through an Internet website. If a county clerk establishes such a system and a registered voter elects to receive a sample ballot by electronic means, the county clerk shall distribute the sample ballot to the registered voter by electronic means pursuant to the procedures and requirements set forth by regulations adopted by the Secretary of State.

      5.  If a registered voter does not elect to receive a sample ballot by electronic means pursuant to subsection 4, the county clerk shall distribute the sample ballot to the registered voter by mail.

      6.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 7, before the period for early voting for any election begins, the county clerk shall distribute to each registered voter in the county by mail or electronic means, as applicable, the sample ballot for his or her precinct, with a notice informing the voter of the location of his or her polling place or places. If the location of the polling place or places has changed since the last election:

      (a) The county clerk shall mail a notice of the change to each registered voter in the county not sooner than 10 days before distributing the sample ballots; or

      (b) The sample ballot must also include a notice in bold type immediately above the location which states:

 

NOTICE: THE LOCATION OF YOUR POLLING PLACE OR

PLACES HAS CHANGED SINCE THE LAST ELECTION

 

      7.  If a person registers to vote less than 20 days before the date of an election, the county clerk is not required to distribute to the person the sample ballot for that election by mail or electronic means.

      8.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 9, a sample ballot required to be distributed pursuant to this section must:

      (a) Be prepared in at least 12-point type; and

      (b) Include on the front page, in a separate box created by bold lines, a notice prepared in at least 20-point bold type that states:

 

NOTICE: TO RECEIVE A SAMPLE BALLOT IN

LARGE TYPE, CALL (Insert appropriate telephone number)

 

      9.  A portion of a sample ballot that contains a facsimile of the display area of a voting device may include material in less than 12-point type to the extent necessary to make the facsimile fit on the pages of the sample ballot.

      10.  The sample ballot distributed to a person who requests a sample ballot in large type by exercising the option provided pursuant to NRS 293.508, or in any other manner, must be prepared in at least 14-point type, or larger when practicable.

      11.  If a person requests a sample ballot in large type, the county clerk shall ensure that all future sample ballots distributed to that person from the county are in large type.

      12.  The county clerk shall include in each sample ballot a statement indicating that the county clerk will, upon request of a voter who is elderly or disabled, make reasonable accommodations to allow the voter to vote at his or her polling place or places and provide reasonable assistance to the voter in casting his or her vote, including, without limitation, providing appropriate materials to assist the voter. In addition, if the county clerk has provided pursuant to subsection 4 of NRS 293.2955 for the placement at centralized voting locations of specially equipped voting devices for use by voters who are elderly or disabled, the county clerk shall include in the sample ballot a statement indicating:

      (a) The addresses of such centralized voting locations;

      (b) The types of specially equipped voting devices available at such centralized voting locations; and

      (c) That a voter who is elderly or disabled may cast his or her ballot at such a centralized voting location rather than at his or her regularly designated polling place or places.

      13.  The cost of distributing sample ballots for any election other than a primary election, presidential preference primary election or general election must be borne by the political subdivision holding the election.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 278; A 1961, 298; 1967, 852; 1971, 449; 1973, 897; 1979, 268; 1987, 356; 1989, 205; 1995, 2631; 1997, 78, 765, 769, 3065, 3469; 1999, 679; 2001, 1435, 2001, 2957; 2003, 200, 208, 210, 1656, 1692, 1708, 1723, 3196; 2007, 1165, 2529; 2011, 2098; 2013, 647; 2015, 2642, 3164; 2017, 409, 3337; 2019, 4099; 2021, 3890)

      NRS 293.567  Number of registered voters in county to be transmitted by county clerk to Secretary of State before certain elections.  After the close of registration for each primary election but not later than the Friday preceding the primary election, after the close of registration for each presidential preference primary election but not later than the Friday preceding the presidential preference primary election and after the close of registration for each general election but not later than the Friday preceding the general election, the county clerk shall ascertain by precinct and district the number of registered voters in the county and their political affiliation, if any, and shall transmit that information to the Secretary of State.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 278; A 1981, 349; 2011, 2100; 2021, 3892)

VOTER PREREGISTRATION AND REGISTRATION THROUGH DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Paper Applications

      NRS 293.5727  Preregistration and registration by paper application as part of certain transactions with Department; procedure for incomplete application; use of forms submitted to Department to correct previous preregistration or registration; regulations. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall provide a paper application to preregister or register to vote to each person who:

      (a) Applies for the issuance or renewal of any type of driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department; and

      (b) Does not apply to register to vote pursuant to NRS 293.5742.

      2.  The county clerk shall use the paper applications to preregister or register to vote which are signed and completed pursuant to subsection 1 to preregister or register an applicant to vote or to correct the preregistration or registration of the applicant, as applicable. A paper application that is not signed must not be used to preregister or register or correct the preregistration or registration of the applicant.

      3.  For the purposes of this section, each employee specifically authorized to do so by the Director of the Department may oversee the completion of a paper application. The authorized employee shall check the paper application for completeness and verify the information required by the paper application. Each paper application must include a duplicate copy or receipt to be retained by the applicant upon completion of the form. The Department shall, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, forward each paper application on a weekly basis to the county clerk or, if applicable, to the registrar of voters of the county in which the applicant resides. The paper applications must be forwarded daily during the 2 weeks immediately preceding the last day to register to vote by mail pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, as applicable.

      4.  The Department is not required to provide a paper application to register to vote pursuant to subsection 1 to a person who declines to apply to register to vote pursuant to this section and submits to the Department a written form that meets the requirements of 52 U.S.C. § 20506(a)(6). Information related to the declination to apply to register to vote must not be used for any purpose other than voter registration.

      5.  The county clerk shall accept any paper application to:

      (a) Preregister to vote at any time.

      (b) Register to vote which is obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to this section and completed by the last day to register to vote by mail pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, as applicable, if the county clerk receives the paper application not later than 5 days after that date.

      6.  Upon receipt of a paper application, the county clerk or field registrar of voters shall determine whether the paper application is complete. If the county clerk or field registrar of voters determines that the paper application is complete, he or she shall notify the applicant and the applicant shall be deemed to be preregistered or registered as of the date of the submission of the paper application. If the county clerk or field registrar of voters determines that the paper application is not complete, he or she shall notify the applicant of the additional information required. The applicant shall be deemed to be preregistered or registered as of the date of the initial submission of the paper application if the additional information is provided within 15 days after the notice for the additional information is mailed. If the applicant has not provided the additional information within 15 days after the notice for the additional information is mailed, the incomplete paper application is void. Any notification required by this subsection must be given by mail at the mailing address on the paper application not more than 7 working days after the determination is made concerning whether the paper application is complete.

      7.  The county clerk shall use any form submitted to the Department to correct information on a driver’s license or identification card to correct information on a previous application to preregister or register unless the person indicates on the form that the correction is not to be used for the purposes of preregistration or voter registration. The Department shall forward each such form to the county clerk or, if applicable, to the registrar of voters of the county in which the person resides in the same manner provided by subsection 3 for paper applications to preregister or register to vote.

      8.  Upon receipt of a form to correct information, the county clerk shall compare the information to that contained in the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675. The county clerk shall correct the information to reflect any changes indicated on the form. After making any changes, the county clerk shall notify the person by mail that the records have been corrected.

      9.  The Secretary of State shall, with the approval of the Director, adopt regulations to:

      (a) Establish any procedure necessary to provide a person who applies to preregister to vote or an elector who applies to register to vote pursuant to this section the opportunity to do so;

      (b) Prescribe the contents of any forms or paper applications which the Department is required to distribute pursuant to this section; and

      (c) Provide for the transfer of the completed paper applications of preregistration or registration from the Department to the appropriate county clerk.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 2143; A 1989, 1874; 1991, 1684, 2223; 1993, 2194; 1995, 680, 2275; 2001, 2597, 2955; 2003, 1245, 1721, 2183; 2015, 3159; 2017, 407, 3335, 3861; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2021, 3834)

      NRS 293.5727  Preregistration and registration by application as part of certain transactions with Department; procedure for incomplete application; use of forms submitted to Department to correct information on previous application; regulations. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall provide an application to preregister or register to vote to each person who applies for the issuance or renewal of any type of driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department.

      2.  The county clerk shall use the applications to preregister or register to vote which are signed and completed pursuant to subsection 1 to preregister or register an applicant to vote or to correct the preregistration or registration of the applicant, as applicable. An application that is not signed must not be used to preregister or register or correct the preregistration or registration of the applicant.

      3.  For the purposes of this section, each employee specifically authorized to do so by the Director of the Department may oversee the completion of an application. The authorized employee shall check the application for completeness and verify the information required by the application. Each application must include a duplicate copy or receipt to be retained by the applicant upon completion of the form. The Department shall, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, forward each application on a weekly basis to the county clerk or, if applicable, to the registrar of voters of the county in which the applicant resides. The applications must be forwarded daily during the 2 weeks immediately preceding the last day to register to vote by mail pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, as applicable.

      4.  The Department is not required to provide an application to register to vote pursuant to subsection 1 to a person who declines to apply to register to vote pursuant to this section and submits to the Department a written form that meets the requirements of 52 U.S.C. § 20506(a)(6). Information related to the declination to apply to register to vote must not be used for any purpose other than voter registration.

      5.  The county clerk shall accept any application to:

      (a) Preregister to vote at any time.

      (b) Register to vote which is obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to this section and completed by the last day to register to vote by mail pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, as applicable, if the county clerk receives the application not later than 5 days after that date.

      6.  Upon receipt of an application, the county clerk or field registrar of voters shall determine whether the application is complete. If the county clerk or field registrar of voters determines that the application is complete, he or she shall notify the applicant and the applicant shall be deemed to be preregistered or registered as of the date of the submission of the application. If the county clerk or field registrar of voters determines that the application is not complete, he or she shall notify the applicant of the additional information required. The applicant shall be deemed to be preregistered or registered as of the date of the initial submission of the application if the additional information is provided within 15 days after the notice for the additional information is mailed. If the applicant has not provided the additional information within 15 days after the notice for the additional information is mailed, the incomplete application is void. Any notification required by this subsection must be given by mail at the mailing address on the application not more than 7 working days after the determination is made concerning whether the application is complete.

      7.  The county clerk shall use any form submitted to the Department to correct information on a driver’s license or identification card to correct information on a previous application to preregister or register unless the person indicates on the form that the correction is not to be used for the purposes of preregistration or voter registration. The Department shall forward each such form to the county clerk or, if applicable, to the registrar of voters of the county in which the person resides in the same manner provided by subsection 3 for applications to preregister or register to vote.

      8.  Upon receipt of a form to correct information, the county clerk shall compare the information to that contained in the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675. The county clerk shall correct the information to reflect any changes indicated on the form. After making any changes, the county clerk shall notify the person by mail that the records have been corrected.

      9.  The Secretary of State shall, with the approval of the Director, adopt regulations to:

      (a) Establish any procedure necessary to provide a person who applies to preregister to vote or an elector who applies to register to vote pursuant to this section the opportunity to do so;

      (b) Prescribe the contents of any forms or applications which the Department is required to distribute pursuant to this section; and

      (c) Provide for the transfer of the completed applications of preregistration or registration from the Department to the appropriate county clerk.

      (Added to NRS by 1987, 2143; A 1989, 1874; 1991, 1684, 2223; 1993, 2194; 1995, 680, 2275; 2001, 2597, 2955; 2003, 1245, 1721, 2183; 2015, 3159; 2017, 407, 3335, 3861; 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; 2021, 3834, 3864; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 293.524)

Electronic Transmission of Voter Registration Information

      NRS 293.5732  Establishment of system for electronic transmission of voter registration information as part of certain transactions with Department; requirements for system. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  The Secretary of State and the Department of Motor Vehicles shall cooperatively establish a system by which voter registration information that is collected pursuant to NRS 293.5742 by the Department from a person who submits an application for the issuance or renewal of or change of address for any type of driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department must be transmitted electronically to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 for the purpose of registering the person to vote or updating the voter registration information of the person for the purpose of correcting the statewide voter registration list pursuant to NRS 293.530.

      2.  The system established pursuant to subsection 1 must:

      (a) Ensure the secure electronic storage of information collected pursuant to NRS 293.5742, the secure transmission of such information to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 and the secure electronic storage of such information in the database;

      (b) Provide for the destruction of records by the Department as required by subsection 2 of NRS 293.5747; and

      (c) Enable the county clerks to receive, view and collate the information into individual electronic documents pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.5742.

      (Added to NRS by 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; A 2021, 3835)

      NRS 293.5737  Procedures for notifying persons regarding transmission of information; required disclosures; regulations. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  The Department of Motor Vehicles shall follow the procedures described in this section and NRS 293.5742 and 293.5747 if a person applies to the Department for the issuance or renewal of or change of address for any type of driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department.

      2.  Before concluding the person’s transaction with the Department, the Department shall notify each person described in subsection 1:

      (a) Of the qualifications to vote in this State, as provided by NRS 293.485;

      (b) That, unless the person affirmatively declines in writing to apply to register to vote or have his or her voter registration information updated, as applicable:

             (1) The person is deemed to have consented to the transmission of information to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 for the purpose of registering the person to vote or updating the voter registration information of the person for the purpose of correcting the statewide voter registration list pursuant to NRS 293.530; and

             (2) The Department will transmit to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 all information required to register the person to vote pursuant to this chapter or to update the voter registration information of the person for the purpose of correcting the statewide voter registration list pursuant to NRS 293.530;

      (c) That:

             (1) Indicating a political party affiliation or indicating that the person is not affiliated with a political party is voluntary;

             (2) The person may indicate a political party affiliation on a paper or electronic form provided by the Department; and

             (3) The person will not be able to vote at a primary election, presidential preference primary election or primary city election for candidates for partisan offices of a major political party unless the person updates his or her voter registration information to indicate a major political party affiliation; and

      (d) Of the provisions of subsections 2 and 3 of NRS 293.5757.

      3.  The failure or refusal of the person to acknowledge that he or she has received the notice required by subsection 2:

      (a) Is not a declination by the person to apply to register to vote or have his or her voter registration information updated; and

      (b) Shall not be deemed to affect any duty of the Department, the Secretary of State or any county clerk:

             (1) Relating to the application of the person to register to vote; or

             (2) To update the voter registration information of the person.

      4.  The Department:

      (a) Shall prescribe by regulation the form of the notice required by subsection 2 and the procedure for providing it; and

      (b) Shall not require the person to acknowledge that he or she has received the notice required by subsection 2.

      (Added to NRS by 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; A 2021, 3836, 3893; R 2021, 3876; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.5742  Procedures for collecting information; use of certain affidavits; issuance of certain identification numbers. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Unless the person affirmatively declines in writing to apply to register to vote or have his or her voter registration information updated, as applicable, if a person applies to the Department of Motor Vehicles for the issuance or renewal of or change of address for a driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department, the Department shall collect from the person:

      (a) A paper or electronic affirmation signed under penalty of perjury that the person is eligible to vote;

      (b) An electronic facsimile of the signature of the person, if the Department is capable of recording, storing and transmitting to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 an electronic facsimile of the signature of the person;

      (c) Any personal information which the person has not already provided to the Department and which is required for the person to register to vote or to update the voter registration information of the person, including:

             (1) The first or given name and the surname of the person;

             (2) The address at which the voter actually resides as set forth in NRS 293.486 and, if different, the address at which the person may receive mail, including, without limitation, a post office box or general delivery;

             (3) The date of birth of the person;

             (4) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, one of the following:

                   (I) The number indicated on the person’s current and valid driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department, if the person has such a driver’s license or identification card; or

                   (II) The last four digits of the person’s social security number, if the person does not have a driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department and has a social security number; and

             (5) The political party affiliation, if any, indicated by the person; and

      (d) The paper or electronic form, if any, completed by the person and indicating his or her political party affiliation.

      2.  If the person does not have the identification described in subparagraph (4) of paragraph (c) of subsection 1, the person must sign an affidavit stating that he or she does not have a current and valid driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department or a social security number. Upon receipt of the affidavit, the county clerk shall issue an identification number to the person which must be the same number as the unique identifier assigned to the person for the purpose of the statewide voter registration list.

      (Added to NRS by 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; A 2021, 3837; R 2021, 3876; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.5747  Timeline for transmission of information to database created by Secretary of State; destruction of certain records after transmission; timeline for forwarding certain paper documents to database. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall electronically transmit to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 the information and any electronic documents collected from a person pursuant to NRS 293.5742:

      (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), not later than 5 working days after collecting the information; and

      (b) During the 2 weeks immediately preceding the fifth Sunday preceding an election, not later than 1 working day after collecting the information.

      2.  The Department shall destroy any record containing information collected pursuant to NRS 293.5742 that is not otherwise collected by the Department in the normal course of business immediately after transmitting the information to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to subsection 1.

      3.  The Department shall forward the following paper documents on a weekly basis to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 or daily during the 2 weeks immediately preceding the fifth Sunday preceding an election:

      (a) Each signed affirmation collected pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.5742;

      (b) Any completed form indicating a political party affiliation collected pursuant to paragraph (d) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.5742; and

      (c) Any affidavit signed pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 293.5742.

      (Added to NRS by 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; A 2021, 3838)

      NRS 293.5752  Persons deemed applicants to register to vote unless they affirmatively decline in writing; duties of county clerks upon receipt of information; use of certain signatures. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Unless the person affirmatively declines in writing to apply to register to vote or have his or her voter registration information updated, as applicable, if a person applies to the Department of Motor Vehicles for the issuance or renewal of or change of address for any type of driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department:

      (a) The person shall be deemed an applicant to register to vote.

      (b) Any action taken by the person pursuant to NRS 293.5742 shall be deemed an act of applying to register to vote.

      (c) Upon receipt of the information collected from the person and transmitted to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 by the Department of Motor Vehicles, the appropriate county clerk shall collate the information into an individual electronic document in the database, which shall be deemed an application to register to vote.

      (d) Unless the applicant is already registered to vote, the date on which the person applies to register to vote pursuant to NRS 293.5742 shall be deemed the date on which the applicant registered to vote.

      2.  If the county clerk determines that the application is complete and that the applicant is eligible to vote pursuant to NRS 293.485, the county clerk shall ensure that the name of the applicant appears on the statewide voter registration list and the appropriate roster, and the person must be provided all sample ballots and any other voter information provided to registered voters. If the county clerk determines that the application is not complete, he or she shall notify the applicant that additional information is required in accordance with the provisions of NRS 293.5727.

      3.  For each applicant who applies to register to vote pursuant to NRS 293.5742:

      (a) The electronic facsimile of the signature of the applicant shall be deemed to be the facsimile of the signature on the person’s application to register to vote to be used for the comparison purposes of NRS 293.277 if an electronic facsimile of the signature has been collected and transmitted pursuant to NRS 293.5742 and 293.5747, respectively; or

      (b) If the conditions described in paragraph (a) are not met, the signature of the applicant on the affirmation signed pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of NRS 293.5742 shall be deemed to be the signature on the person’s application to register to vote for the purpose of making a facsimile thereof to be used for the comparison purposes of NRS 293.277.

      4.  If an applicant is already registered to vote, the county clerk shall use the voter registration information of the applicant transmitted by the Department of Motor Vehicles to correct the statewide voter registration list pursuant to NRS 293.530, if necessary.

      (Added to NRS by 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; A 2021, 3838)

      NRS 293.5757  Persons may use paper applications; actions of persons regarding voter registration must not affect services or assistance provided by Department; confidentiality and limitations on use of certain information; prohibition against requiring certain documentation; regulations. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  A person who affirmatively declines in writing to apply to register to vote or have his or her voter registration information updated, as applicable, pursuant to NRS 293.5742 may apply to register to vote at the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to NRS 293.5727.

      2.  Whether a person applies to register to vote or have his or her voter registration information updated, as applicable, pursuant to NRS 293.5742 must not affect the provision of services or assistance to the person by the Department, and the fact of a person applying to register to vote or have his or her voter registration information updated, as applicable, pursuant to NRS 293.5742 or declining to do so must not be disclosed to the public.

      3.  Any information collected pursuant to NRS 293.5732 to 293.5757, inclusive, must not be used for any purpose other than voter registration.

      4.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the Secretary of State shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of NRS 293.5732 to 293.5757, inclusive. The Secretary of State shall not require a person to provide any documentation in order to apply to register to vote or have his or her voter registration information updated, as applicable, pursuant to NRS 293.5742 that is not required by NRS 293.5742 or federal law, including, without limitation, documentation to prove the person’s identity, citizenship or residence.

      (Added to NRS by 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5)

Administration

      NRS 293.5762  Duties of Department in administering electronic transmission of voter registration information; use of paper forms and secured containers; collection and transmission of information to database created by Secretary of State; regulations. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  At the time the Department of Motor Vehicles notifies a person of the qualifications to vote in this State pursuant to NRS 293.5737, the Department shall provide the person with a paper form on which the person may:

      (a) Affirmatively decline to be registered to vote or have his or her voter registration updated; and

      (b) Elect to indicate a political party affiliation.

      2.  The form provided by the Department pursuant to subsection 1:

      (a) Must include a notice informing the person of the information required pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection 2 of NRS 293.5737, and that the person may:

             (1) Return the completed form at the end of his or her transaction with the Department by depositing the form in the secured container provided by the Department pursuant to subsection 3; or

             (2) Use the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671 to update his or her voter registration information, including, without limitation, the person’s name, address and party affiliation.

      (b) May include any other information that the Department determines is necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

      3.  The Department shall provide a secured container within the Department designated for the return of any form provided to a person pursuant to this section.

      4.  For the purposes of NRS 293.5742 and 293.5747:

      (a) If a person deposits the completed form in the secured container at the end of his or her transaction with the Department and has not affirmatively declined in the form to be registered to vote or have his or her voter registration updated:

             (1) The Department shall be deemed to have collected the information contained in the form from the person during his or her transaction with the Department; and

             (2) The person shall be deemed to have consented to the transmission of that information and the other information and documents collected during his or her transaction with the Department to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 for the purpose of registering the person to vote or updating the person’s existing voter registration information in order to correct the statewide voter registration list pursuant to NRS 293.530, if necessary.

      (b) If a person does not deposit the form in the secured container at the end of his or her transaction with the Department:

             (1) The person shall be deemed to have consented to the transmission of the information and documents collected during his or her transaction with the Department to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 for the purpose of registering the person to vote or updating the person’s existing voter registration information in order to correct the statewide voter registration list pursuant to NRS 293.530, if necessary.

             (2) The appropriate county clerk shall list the person’s political party as nonpartisan, unless the person is already a registered voter listed as affiliated with a political party in the person’s existing voter registration information.

      5.  The Department may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4058; A 2021, 3839; R 2021, 3876; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.5767  Review of information by county clerks to determine eligibility to register to vote; effect of determination of ineligibility. [Effective through December 31, 2024.]

      1.  Each county clerk shall review the voter registration information transmitted by the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to NRS 293.5747 and 293.5762 to determine whether the person is eligible to register to vote in this State.

      2.  If the county clerk determines that a person is not eligible to register to vote pursuant to subsection 1:

      (a) It shall be deemed that the transmittal is not a completed voter registration application;

      (b) It shall be deemed that the person did not apply to register to vote;

      (c) The county clerk must reject the application and remove the information transmitted by the Department of Motor Vehicles from the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675; and

      (d) May not register that person to vote.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4059; A 2021, 3840)

AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION

      NRS 293.5768  Automatic voter registration agencies; transactions which qualify for automatic voter registration; limitations on request and transmission of certain information. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  The following agencies are automatic voter registration agencies:

      (a) The Department of Motor Vehicles;

      (b) The Department of Health and Human Services;

      (c) Any agency designated by the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services to receive applications for Medicaid;

      (d) The Silver State Health Insurance Exchange created by NRS 695I.200;

      (e) Any agency that has been designated by the Governor as an automatic voter registration agency pursuant to NRS 293.57682; and

      (f) Any agency of an Indian tribe that has been designated by the Governor to be an automatic voter registration agency pursuant to NRS 293.57684.

      2.  If, in the normal course of business, an automatic voter registration agency collects sufficient information that demonstrates a person is qualified to vote pursuant to NRS 293.485, including, without limitation, proof of identity, citizenship, residence and date of birth, the provisions of NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive, apply to the automatic voter registration agency when a person submits any of the following:

      (a) An application for the issuance or renewal of or change of address for any type of driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles;

      (b) An application for Medicaid through the system established by the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to NRS 422.2703;

      (c) An application for health insurance through the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange; and

      (d) An application for any service or assistance from an automatic voter registration agency described in paragraph (e) or (f) of subsection 1.

      3.  An automatic voter registration agency shall not:

      (a) Request any additional information for purposes of voter registration that is not required in the normal course of business; and

      (b) Transmit any information about a person using the system established pursuant to NRS 293.57686 if the person did not provide the agency in the normal course of business sufficient information that demonstrates the person is qualified to vote pursuant to NRS 293.485, including, without limitation, proof of identity, citizenship, residence and date of birth.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 3850; A 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.57682  Designation of other agencies in Executive Department of State Government as automatic voter registration agencies by Governor; notification. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  The Governor may designate any agency in the Executive Department of the State Government not described in paragraphs (a) to (d), inclusive, of subsection 1 of NRS 293.5768 as an automatic voter registration agency if the agency collects in the regular course of business from a person applying to the agency to receive any service or assistance sufficient information that demonstrates a person is qualified to vote pursuant to NRS 293.485, including, without limitation, proof of identity, citizenship, residence and date of birth.

      2.  Upon the designation of an agency as an automatic voter registration agency pursuant to subsection 1:

      (a) The Governor shall notify the Secretary of State; and

      (b) The Secretary of State and the automatic voter registration agency shall comply with the provisions of NRS 293.57686.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 3851; A 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.57684  Designation of agency of Indian tribe as automatic voter registration agency under certain circumstances. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  If an Indian reservation or Indian colony is located in whole or in part within a county, the Indian tribe may submit a request to the Governor for approval to allow an agency of the tribe to become an automatic voter registration agency in order to submit voter registration information of tribal members to the Secretary of State and the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 for the purpose of registering tribal members to vote or updating the voter registration information of tribal members for the purpose of correcting the statewide voter registration list pursuant to NRS 293.530.

      2.  If the Governor finds that the tribal agency collects in the regular course of business from a person applying to the agency to receive any service or assistance sufficient information that demonstrates the person is qualified to vote pursuant to NRS 293.485, including, without limitation, proof of identity, citizenship, residence and date of birth:

      (a) The Governor shall designate the tribal agency as an automatic voter registration agency; and

      (b) The Secretary of State and the Indian tribe shall comply with the provisions of NRS 293.57686.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 3851; A 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.57686  Establishment of system for electronic transmission of voter registration information; requirements for system. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  The Secretary of State and each automatic voter registration agency shall cooperatively establish a system by which voter registration information that is collected by the automatic voter registration agency must be transmitted electronically to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 for the purpose of registering a person to vote or updating the voter registration information of a person for the purpose of correcting the statewide voter registration list pursuant to NRS 293.530.

      2.  A system established pursuant to subsection 1 must:

      (a) Ensure the secure electronic storage of voter registration information collected by the automatic voter registration agency, the secure transmission of such information to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 and the secure electronic storage of such information in the database; and

      (b) Enable the county clerk to receive, view and collate the information into individual electronic documents pursuant to NRS 293.57693.

      (Added to NRS by 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; A 2021, 3836, 3865; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 293.5732)

      NRS 293.57688  Requirement for automatic voter registration agency to transmit certain information to database created by Secretary of State; timeline for transmission. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  An automatic voter registration agency is required to electronically transmit the following information of a person to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 using the system established pursuant to NRS 293.57686:

      (a) An electronic facsimile of the signature of the person, if the automatic voter registration agency is capable of recording, storing and transmitting to the county clerk an electronic facsimile of the signature of the person;

      (b) The first or given name and the surname of the person;

      (c) The address at which the person actually resides as set forth in NRS 293.486 and, if different, the address at which the person may receive mail, including, without limitation, a post office box or general delivery;

      (d) The date of birth of the person;

      (e) At least one of the following:

             (1) The number indicated on the person’s current and valid driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles; or

             (2) The last four digits of the person’s social security number; and

      (f) A description of the documentation presented to the automatic voter registration agency that indicates the person is a citizen of the United States.

      2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 293.5768, the automatic voter registration agency shall electronically transmit to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 the information described in subsection 1:

      (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), not later than 5 working days after collecting the information; and

      (b) During the 2 weeks immediately preceding the fifth Sunday preceding an election, not later than 1 working day after collecting the information.

      (Added to NRS by 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; A 2021, 3838, 3866; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 293.5747)

      NRS 293.57691  Procedure upon receipt of voter registration information from automatic voter registration agency without electronic facsimile of voter signature; affirmation required for certain persons. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  A county clerk shall not reject as an application to register to vote the information received from an automatic voter registration agency solely on the basis that the information does not contain an electronic facsimile of the signature of the person who is applying to vote or update his or her voter registration information on the statewide voter registration list.

      2.  If the county clerk does not receive an electronic facsimile of the signature of the person from the automatic voter registration agency, the county clerk must obtain the person’s signature or an electronic facsimile of the person’s signature through one of the following methods:

      (a) Through the notice provided by the county clerk to the person pursuant to NRS 293.57693, if the notice is returned to the county clerk by the person and the returned notice includes the person’s signature;

      (b) Requesting an electronic facsimile of the person’s signature from the Department of Motor Vehicles or another state agency;

      (c) Requesting the person to submit an electronic facsimile of the person’s signature through a method approved by the Secretary of State; or

      (d) Requesting the person to sign a paper or electronic form the first time the person applies to vote in person at a polling place, including, without limitation, a polling place for early voting by personal appearance. A signature provided by a person pursuant to this paragraph must be compared to one of the forms of identification which may be used individually to identify a voter at the polling place set forth in NRS 293.277 before the person is allowed to vote in person.

      3.  In addition to the requirements of this section and NRS 293.2725, a person who is registered to vote pursuant to NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive, must provide an affirmation signed under penalty of perjury that the person is eligible to vote the first time a person votes in person or by mail ballot if the person has not already provided such an affirmation to the county clerk.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 3852; A 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

      NRS 293.57693  Procedure upon transmission of information by automatic voter registration agency; review of information by county clerks to determine eligibility to register to vote; notification; effect of determination of ineligibility. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Upon transmission of the information to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 by an automatic voter registration agency, the county clerk shall collate the information into an individual electronic document, which shall be deemed an application to register to vote. The county clerk shall review the voter registration information transmitted by the automatic voter registration agency to determine whether the person is eligible to register to vote in this State.

      2.  If the county clerk determines that a person is eligible to vote, the person shall be deemed a registered voter. The person’s name must appear on the statewide voter registration list and the appropriate roster and the person must be provided all sample ballots and other voter information provided to registered voters.

      3.  In addition to the requirements of subsection 2, the county clerk shall immediately mail a notice to the current residence of the person. The notice must be in the form prescribed by the Secretary of State and include, without limitation:

      (a) A space for the person to indicate a political party affiliation;

      (b) A space for the person to affirmatively decline to apply to register to vote or have his or her voter registration updated, as applicable;

      (c) A preaddressed return envelope with postage prepaid;

      (d) A statement setting forth the qualifications to vote in this State as provided by NRS 293.485 and that if the person does not meet the qualifications to vote in this State, the person should return the notice and affirmatively decline in writing to register to vote;

      (e) A statement explaining that unless the person affirmatively declines in writing to apply to register to vote or have his or her voter registration information updated, as applicable, the person is deemed to have consented to the transmission of information to the database created by the the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 by the automatic voter registration agency for the purpose of registering the person to vote or updating the voter registration information on the statewide voter registration list;

      (f) A statement explaining that if the person affirmatively declines in writing to apply to register to vote or to have his or her voter registration information updated, as applicable, the county clerk will remove the person from the statewide voter registration list or revert the person’s information on the statewide voter registration list to the information that was on the statewide voter registration list before the automatic voter registration agency transmitted the information, and the person shall be deemed to not have registered to vote or updated his or her voter registration information, as applicable;

      (g) A statement setting forth the penalties for submitting a false application to register to vote; and

      (h) A statement that:

             (1) Indicates a political party affiliation or indicates that the person is not affiliated with a political party is voluntary;

             (2) The person may indicate a political party affiliation on the form provided by the county clerk in the notice; and

             (3) The person will not be able to vote at a primary election, presidential preference primary election or primary city election for candidates for partisan offices of a major political party unless the person updates his or her voter registration information to indicate a major political party affiliation.

      4.  The county clerk may send the notice required pursuant to subsection 3 by electronic mail if the person confirms the validity of the electronic mail address to which the notice will be sent by responding a confirmation inquiry sent to that electronic mail address.

      5.  The failure or refusal of the person to acknowledge that he or she has received the notice required by subsection 3 is not a declination by the person to apply to register to vote or have his or her voter registration information updated.

      6.  If the county clerk determines that a person is not eligible to register to vote or if the voter affirmatively declines in writing to be registered to vote or have his or her automatic voter registration updated:

      (a) It shall be deemed that the transmittal from the automatic voter registration agency is not a completed voter registration application;

      (b) It shall be deemed that the person did not apply to register to vote;

      (c) It shall be deemed that the transmission of the person’s information by the automatic voter registration system was an official authorized act;

      (d) It shall be deemed that the person did not falsely claim citizenship in order to register to vote unless the person affirmatively claimed to be a citizen to the automatic voter registration agency; and

      (e) The county clerk must remove the person’s registration from the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 or revert the person’s information on the database to the information that was on the database before the automatic voter registration agency transmitted the information to the county clerk, as applicable.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4059; A 2021, 3840, 3868; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 293.5767)

      NRS 293.57695  Date person is deemed registered to vote; county clerk to correct statewide voter registration list if necessary. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  Unless the person is already registered to vote, the date on which the person applies to an automatic voter registration agency for service or assistance shall be deemed the date on which the person registered to vote.

      2.  If an applicant is already registered to vote, the county clerk shall use the voter registration information of the applicant transmitted by the automatic voter registration agency to correct the statewide voter registration list pursuant to NRS 293.530, if necessary.

      (Added to NRS by 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; A 2021, 3838, 3867; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 293.5752)

      NRS 293.57697  Procedure for persons ineligible for automatic voter registration; eligibility of persons regarding voter registration must not affect services or assistance provided by automatic voter registration agency; confidentiality and limitations on use of certain information. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

      1.  A person who is not eligible to have his or her voter registration information transmitted by an automatic voter registration agency to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 may still apply to register to vote at the automatic voter registration agency.

      2.  Whether a person is eligible to have his or her voter registration information transmitted by the automatic voter registration agency to the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.675 or otherwise registers to vote must not affect the provision of services or assistance to the person by the automatic voter registration agency, and whether voter registration information is transferred by the automatic voter registration agency must not be disclosed to the public.

      3.  Any information transferred pursuant to NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive, must not be used for any purpose other than voter registration.

      (Added to NRS by 2018 initiative petition, Ballot Question No. 5; A 2021, 3868; 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 293.5757)

      NRS 293.57699  Regulations. [Effective January 1, 2025.]  The Secretary of State shall adopt any regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of NRS 293.5768 to 293.57699, inclusive.

      (Added to NRS by 2021, 3852; A 2023, 3311, effective January 1, 2025)

VOTER REGISTRATION DURING CERTAIN PERIODS PRECEDING AND ON ELECTION DAY

General Provisions

      NRS 293.5772  Definitions.  As used in NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 293.5777 to 293.5792, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4051)

      NRS 293.5777  “Election” defined.  “Election” means:

      1.  A primary election;

      2.  A presidential preference primary election;

      3.  A general election;

      4.  A primary city election; or

      5.  A general city election.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4052; A 2021, 3894)

      NRS 293.5782  “Final verification” defined.  “Final verification” means the procedures established pursuant to NRS 293.5872 to verify and determine whether a person who cast a provisional ballot was qualified to register to vote and to cast the ballot in the election.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4052)

      NRS 293.5787  “Polling place for early voting” defined.  “Polling place for early voting” means any permanent or temporary polling place for early voting.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4052)

      NRS 293.5792  “Provisional ballot” defined.

      1.  “Provisional ballot” means a provisional ballot cast by a person pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive.

      2.  The term does not include a provisional ballot cast by a person pursuant to:

      (a) NRS 293.3078 to 293.3086, inclusive; or

      (b) Section 302 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002, 52 U.S.C. § 21082, as amended.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4052)

Applicability and Interpretation

      NRS 293.5812  Applicability of other election laws; resolution of conflicts; rules of interpretation; intended public purpose.

      1.  The procedures authorized pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, are subject to all other provisions of this title relating to the registration of electors and the voting of registered voters, but only to the extent that the other provisions of this title do not conflict with the provisions of NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive.

      2.  If there is any conflict between the provisions of NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, and the other provisions of this title, the provisions of NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, control.

      3.  The provisions of NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, must be liberally construed and broadly interpreted to achieve their intended public purpose of encouraging and facilitating a greater number of electors to participate in the electoral process by voting, and if there is any uncertainty or doubt regarding the construction, interpretation or application of the provisions of NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, that uncertainty or doubt must be resolved in favor of this public purpose.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4052)

      NRS 293.5817  Applicability to city elections; preemption of conflicting city charters; exceptions.

      1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections 2 and 3, the provisions of NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, apply to city elections and supersede and preempt any conflicting provisions of a city charter, regardless of the date of the enactment or amendment of the conflicting provisions of the city charter.

      2.  The provisions of NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, relating to early voting do not apply to a city election if the governing body of the city has not provided for the conduct of early voting by personal appearance in the city election pursuant to NRS 293C.110.

      3.  The provisions of NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, do not apply to a city election in which all ballots must be cast by mail pursuant to NRS 293C.112.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4052)

Registration and Voting

      NRS 293.5832  Methods and procedures for updating voter registration information during certain periods; casting of provisional ballot under certain circumstances.

      1.  After the close of registration for an election pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, a registered voter may update his or her voter registration information, including, without limitation, his or her name, address and party affiliation.

      2.  The county or city clerk shall authorize at least one of the following methods for a registered voter to update his or her voter registration information pursuant to this section:

      (a) A paper application; or

      (b) The system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671.

Ê If the county or city clerk authorizes the use of both methods, the county or city clerk may limit the use of one method to circumstances when the other method is not reasonably available.

      3.  If a registered voter updates his or her voter registration information pursuant to this section and applies to vote in the election, the county or city clerk may require the voter to cast a provisional ballot in the election if any circumstances exist that give the county or city clerk reasonable cause to believe that the use of a provisional ballot is necessary to provide sufficient time to verify and determine whether the voter is eligible to cast the ballot in the election based on his or her updated voter registration information.

      4.  If a registered voter casts a provisional ballot in the election pursuant to this section, the provisional ballot is subject to final verification in accordance with the procedures that apply to other provisional ballots cast in the election pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4053; A 2021, 3841)

      NRS 293.5837  Methods and procedures for registering by computer during certain periods and appearing in person to vote at polling place for early voting or on election day; casting of provisional ballot under certain circumstances.

      1.  An elector may register to vote in the county or city, as applicable, in which the elector is eligible to vote by submitting an application to register to vote by computer using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671 before the elector appears at a polling place described in subsection 2 to vote in person.

      2.  If an elector submits an application to register to vote pursuant to this section less than 14 days before the election, the elector may vote only in person:

      (a) During the period for early voting, at any polling place for early voting by personal appearance in the county or city, as applicable, in which the elector is eligible to vote; or

      (b) On the day of the election, at:

             (1) A polling place established pursuant to NRS 293.3072 or 293C.3032 in the county or city, as applicable, in which the elector is eligible to vote; or

             (2) The polling place for his or her election precinct.

      3.  To vote in person, an elector who submits an application to register to vote pursuant to this section must:

      (a) Appear before the close of polls at a polling place described in subsection 2;

      (b) Inform an election board officer that, before appearing at the polling place, the elector submitted an application to register to vote by computer using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671; and

      (c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, provide his or her current and valid driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles which shows his or her physical address as proof of the elector’s identity and residency.

      4.  If the driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles to the elector does not have the elector’s current residential address, the following documents may be used to establish the residency of the elector if the current residential address of the elector, as indicated on his or her application to register to vote, is displayed on the document:

      (a) A military identification card;

      (b) A utility bill, including, without limitation, a bill for electric, gas, oil, water, sewer, septic, telephone, cellular telephone or cable television service;

      (c) A bank or credit union statement;

      (d) A paycheck;

      (e) An income tax return;

      (f) A statement concerning the mortgage, rental or lease of a residence;

      (g) A motor vehicle registration;

      (h) A property tax statement; or

      (i) Any other document issued by a governmental agency.

      5.  Subject to final verification, if an elector submits an application to register to vote and appears at a polling place to vote in person pursuant to this section:

      (a) The elector shall be deemed to be conditionally registered to vote at the polling place upon:

             (1) The determination that the elector submitted the application to register to vote by computer using the system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671 and that the application to register to vote is complete; and

             (2) The verification of the elector’s identity and residency pursuant to this section.

      (b) After the elector is deemed to be conditionally registered to vote at the polling place pursuant to paragraph (a), the elector:

             (1) May vote in the election only at that polling place;

             (2) Must vote as soon as practicable and before leaving that polling place; and

             (3) Must vote by casting a provisional ballot, unless it is verified, at that time, that the elector is qualified to register to vote and to cast a regular ballot in the election at that polling place.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4053; A 2020, 32nd Special Session, 47; 2021, 1237)

      NRS 293.5842  Methods and procedures for registering and voting in person at polling place for early voting; casting of provisional ballot under certain circumstances.

      1.  Notwithstanding the close of any method of registration for an election pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, an elector may register to vote in person at any polling place for early voting by personal appearance in the county or city, as applicable, in which the elector is eligible to vote.

      2.  To register to vote in person during the period for early voting, an elector must:

      (a) Appear before the close of polls at a polling place for early voting by personal appearance in the county or city, as applicable, in which the elector is eligible to vote.

      (b) Complete the application to register to vote by a method authorized by the county or city clerk pursuant to this paragraph. The county or city clerk shall authorize at least one of the following methods for a person to register to vote pursuant to this paragraph:

             (1) A paper application; or

             (2) The system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671.

Ê If the county or city clerk authorizes the use of both methods, the county or city clerk may limit the use of one method to circumstances when the other method is not reasonably available.

      (c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, provide his or her current and valid driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles which shows his or her physical address as proof of the elector’s identity and residency.

      3.  If the driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles to the elector does not have the elector’s current residential address, the following documents may be used to establish the residency of the elector if the current residential address of the elector, as indicated on his or her application to register to vote, is displayed on the document:

      (a) A military identification card;

      (b) A utility bill, including, without limitation, a bill for electric, gas, oil, water, sewer, septic, telephone, cellular telephone or cable television service;

      (c) A bank or credit union statement;

      (d) A paycheck;

      (e) An income tax return;

      (f) A statement concerning the mortgage, rental or lease of a residence;

      (g) A motor vehicle registration;

      (h) A property tax statement; or

      (i) Any other document issued by a governmental agency.

      4.  Subject to final verification, if an elector registers to vote in person at a polling place pursuant to this section:

      (a) The elector shall be deemed to be conditionally registered to vote at the polling place upon:

             (1) The determination that the application to register to vote is complete; and

             (2) The verification of the elector’s identity and residency pursuant to this section.

      (b) After the elector is deemed to be conditionally registered to vote at the polling place pursuant to paragraph (a), the elector:

             (1) May vote in the election only at that polling place;

             (2) Must vote as soon as practicable and before leaving that polling place; and

             (3) Must vote by casting a provisional ballot, unless it is verified, at that time, that the elector is qualified to register to vote and to cast a regular ballot in the election at that polling place.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4054; A 2021, 3841)

      NRS 293.5847  Methods and procedures for registering and voting in person at polling place on election day; casting of provisional ballot.

      1.  Notwithstanding the close of any method of registration for an election pursuant to NRS 293.560 or 293C.527, an elector may register to vote in person on the day of the election at any polling place in the county or city, as applicable, in which the elector is eligible to vote.

      2.  To register to vote on the day of the election, an elector must:

      (a) Appear before the close of polls at a polling place in the county or city, as applicable, in which the elector is eligible to vote.

      (b) Complete the application to register to vote by a method authorized by the county or city clerk pursuant to this paragraph. The county or city clerk shall authorize at least one of the following methods for a person to register to vote pursuant to this paragraph:

             (1) A paper application; or

             (2) The system established by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.671.

Ê If the county or city clerk authorizes the use of both methods, the county or city clerk may limit the use of one method to circumstances when the other method is not reasonably available.

      (c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, provide his or her current and valid driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles which shows his or her physical address as proof of the elector’s identity and residency.

      3.  If the driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles to the elector does not have the elector’s current residential address, the following documents may be used to establish the residency of the elector if the current residential address of the elector, as indicated on his or her application to register to vote, is displayed on the document:

      (a) A military identification card;

      (b) A utility bill, including, without limitation, a bill for electric, gas, oil, water, sewer, septic, telephone, cellular telephone or cable television service;

      (c) A bank or credit union statement;

      (d) A paycheck;

      (e) An income tax return;

      (f) A statement concerning the mortgage, rental or lease of a residence;

      (g) A motor vehicle registration;

      (h) A property tax statement; or

      (i) Any other document issued by a governmental agency.

      4.  Subject to final verification, if an elector registers to vote in person at a polling place pursuant to this section:

      (a) The elector shall be deemed to be conditionally registered to vote at the polling place upon:

             (1) The determination that the application to register to vote is complete; and

             (2) The verification of the elector’s identity and residency pursuant to this section.

      (b) After the elector is deemed to be conditionally registered to vote at the polling place pursuant to paragraph (a), the elector:

             (1) May vote in the election only at that polling place;

             (2) Must vote as soon as practicable and before leaving that polling place; and

             (3) Must vote by casting a provisional ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4055; A 2021, 3842)

      NRS 293.5852  Provisional ballot must include all offices, candidates and measures.  If a person casts a provisional ballot pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, the provisional ballot must include all offices, candidates and measures upon which the person would have been entitled to vote if the person had cast a regular ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4052)

Final Verification and Counting of Provisional Ballots

      NRS 293.5872  Procedures for final verification of qualifications to register and vote in election; procedures for handling provisional ballots until final verification.

      1.  Each county and city clerk shall establish procedures, approved by the Secretary of State, for:

      (a) Carrying out final verification to verify and determine whether a person who cast a provisional ballot was qualified to register to vote and to cast the ballot in the election; and

      (b) Keeping each provisional ballot separate from other ballots until such final verification.

      2.  For the purposes of final verification:

      (a) The Secretary of State shall verify that an elector has voted in the election in only one county or city, as applicable, and provide each county and city clerk with a copy of the verification report; and

      (b) Each county and city clerk shall verify that an elector has voted in the election at only one polling place in the county or city, as applicable.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4057)

      NRS 293.5877  Canvass and counting of provisional ballots; requirements and restrictions on reporting results involving provisional ballots.

      1.  Following each election, a canvass of the provisional ballots cast in the election must be conducted pursuant to NRS 293.387 and 293C.387.

      2.  The county or city clerk shall not include any provisional ballot in the unofficial results reported on election night.

      3.  Beginning on the day following the election, the county or city clerk shall regularly report the results of the counting of the provisional ballots until such counting is completed.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4057)

      NRS 293.5882  Free access system to provide information to certain voters regarding counting of provisional ballots.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall establish a free access system, such as a toll-free telephone number or an Internet website, to inform a person who cast a provisional ballot whether the person’s ballot was counted and, if the ballot was not counted, the reason why the ballot was not counted.

      2.  The free access system must ensure secrecy of the ballot while protecting the confidentiality and integrity of personal information contained therein.

      3.  Access to information concerning a provisional ballot must be restricted to the person who cast the provisional ballot.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4057)

      NRS 293.5887  Issuance of voter registration card after final verification.  If an elector is deemed to be conditionally registered to vote at a polling place pursuant to NRS 293.5772 to 293.5887, inclusive, the county clerk shall issue to the elector a voter registration card as soon as practicable after final verification.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4057)

STATEWIDE VOTER PREREGISTRATION AND REGISTRATION SYSTEMS AND DATABASES

      NRS 293.671  Establishment of statewide voter preregistration and registration system; duties of Secretary of State; requirements for system; disclosures.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall establish a system on the Internet website of the Office of the Secretary of State to allow persons by computer to:

      (a) Preregister and register to vote;

      (b) Cancel his or her preregistration or voter registration;

      (c) Update his or her preregistration or voter registration information, including, without limitation, the person’s name, address and party affiliation; and

      (d) Determine at what polling place or places he or she is entitled to vote.

      2.  The system established pursuant to subsection 1 must:

      (a) Be user friendly;

      (b) Comply with any procedures and requirements prescribed by the Secretary of State pursuant to NRS 293.250 and 293.4855; and

      (c) Inform any person who uses the system to register to vote for an election pursuant to NRS 293.5837, 293.5842 and 293.5847 that the person may vote in the election only if the person complies with the applicable requirements established by those sections.

      3.  The Secretary of State shall include on the system, in black lettering and not more than 14-point type, the following information:

      (a) The qualifications to register or preregister to vote;

      (b) That if the applicant does not meet the qualifications, he or she is prohibited from registering or preregistering to vote; and

      (c) The penalties for submitting a false application.

      4.  The Secretary of State shall not include on the system:

      (a) Any additional warnings regarding the penalties for submitting a false application; or

      (b) The notice set forth in NRS 225.083.

      (Added to NRS by 2019, 4058)

      NRS 293.675  Establishment and maintenance of centralized database of voter registration information; creation of statewide voter registration list; duties of Secretary of State; requirements for list; duties of county and city clerks and Department of Motor Vehicles; verification of information with Social Security Administration; agreements with state agencies to provide information necessary for list; exchange of information with chief election officers of other states.

      1.  The Secretary of State shall establish and maintain a centralized, top-down database that collects and stores information related to the preregistration of persons and the registration of electors from all the counties in this State. The Secretary of State shall ensure that the database is capable of storing preregistration information separately until a person is qualified to register to vote. Each county clerk shall use the database created by the Secretary of State pursuant to this subsection to collect and maintain all records of preregistration and registration to vote.

      2.  The Secretary of State shall use the voter registrati