Washoe County voters are going to have lots of candidate decisions to make this election cycle, starting with the president on down to the city council and school board members. We also have numerous ballot questions to decide, including those that would amend the Nevada Constitution and tax codes.
What Is Early Voting?
Early voting is a process whereby we can cast our ballots, in person, during a specified period before Election Day. Ballots so cast are counted with those tallied on Election Day. Since moving to Nevada, I have early voted for almost every election and can attest to the ease and convenience of the process. Imagine a government service actually designed to accommodate the citizenry and you've got early voting.Nevada is one of 34 states offering early, in person voting, and one of 31 permitting early voting without an excuse. Just show up at one of the polling places and cast your ballot. According to an article in the Reno Gazette-Journal, as many as half of Nevada's voters will be early voters.
When Is Early Voting?
Early voting in Washoe County starts on October 18 and ends on October 31. Early voting is available throughout Reno and Sparks. Before heading out to early vote, be sure to check the early voting locations and times; some voting locations are not open every day during the early voting period, and open hours vary at some locations.Early Voting is Not Absent Voting
Early voting must be done in person. It is not the same as casting an absent, or absentee, ballot. Written absent ballot requests must be received by the Tuesday prior to Election Day at 5 p.m. To be counted, the completed absent ballot must be in the Registrar of Voters office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Go to the Washoe County Registrar of Voters website learn about obtaining and casting an absent ballot.Register To Vote By October 14
If you aren't registered, you can't vote. You have until October 4 to register by mail and October 14 to register in person. Nevada does not provide for online voter registration. You can register in person at Nevada DMV offices, any state welfare agency, and county clerk / registrar of voters offices. In Washoe County, mail your application to Registrar of Voters, 1001 E. Ninth St., P.O. Box 11130, Reno, NV 89520-0027, or present it in person up to October 14.If you have any concerns about whether or not you are registered to vote, check the Washoe County Voter Registration Status website. By simply entering your last name and birth date, you can make sure you are actually registered and that your information is correct. This is vital should your right to vote be challenged.
