Election Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Information
When is election day?
The Primary Election is August 12, 2008. The General Election is November 4, 2008. (Contact the City Clerk for the dates of the City's primary and general elections.)
How can I get a copy of the election laws in Nevada?
This office publishes the Nevada election laws every two years. You may access the full text from our Statutes & Regulations page.
Where can I find a list of all of the pertinent election dates?
This office publishes an Election Calendar each even-numbered year listing the pertinent dates for the election cycle and citations to the relevant Nevada statutes and administrative regulations. You may also obtain an Election Calendar free of charge by contacting this office at: nvelect@sos.nv.gov or 775-684-5705 and providing us with your name and address. The full election calendar will be available at the end of the 2007 Legislative Session.
Voter Registration Information
Who can register to vote?
Nevada law provides that you must be 18 years of age or over, a U.S. Citizen, and a resident of Nevada for 30 days preceding any election. If you will be 18 years old or will have met the residency requirement at the time of the election, you are also eligible to register to vote. Any person who has been declared by a court to be mentally incompetent is not eligible to register and vote. Felons who have not been restored to their civil rights are not eligible to register and vote; however, recent legislation has provided for automatic restoration of the right to vote for those who have been honorably discharged from prison, probation or parole, with certain exceptions related to the seriousness of the crime committed. For more information, see the restoration of voting rights page.
Can I register to vote online?
Currently, Nevada law does not provide for online voter registration. However, you may obtain a copy of the federal voter registration application online at: www.fec.gov/votregis/pdf/nvra.pdf.
What is the deadline for registering if I want to vote in a particular election?
Close of registration for the Primary Election: July 12, 2008, if you register to vote by mail. July 22, 2008, if you register to vote in person. Close of registration for the General Election: October 4, 2008, if you register to vote by mail. October 14, 2008, if you register to vote in person. For more information, see the 2008 Election Dates page.
When would I need to update my registration?
You will need to submit another voter registration indicating your current information if you have changed your physical address, your name, or your party affiliation.
Where can I find the number of registered voters in Nevada?
This office compiles the number of registered voters in Nevada monthly and for the close of registration for every State election. These reports can be obtained from the Voter Registration Statistics section on our website or by contacting this office by phone or email.
Voting Information
I am unable to go to the polls on election day, how can I vote?
You may request an absent ballot or vote during early voting.
How do I get an absent ballot for the upcoming elections?
An absent ballot may be obtained from the County Clerk/Registrar of Voters in the county in which you reside. Please contact their office for details.
When is early voting?
Early voting for the Primary Election is July 26 through August 8, 2008. Early voting for the General Election is October 18 through October 31, 2008.
How can I get election results on election night?
This office will be providing election night returns on our website.
Where can I find the election returns from prior years?
Our website lists the results for State and City elections from the 1998 Primary and General Elections to the present. Hardcopies of election returns from any election may by obtained by contacting this office by phone or email.
Can I vote via the internet?
Currently, Nevada law does not provide for online voting.
Does Nevada have a "None of These Candidates" or "None of the Above" option on the ballot?
Yes, NRS 293.269 requires that ballots for statewide offices, President, and Vice President permit a vote to express a choice of "None of These Candidates." However, only votes cast for named candidates are counted in determining the nomination or election to these offices.
Can I write my name on the ballot or write someone else's name on the ballot as a candidate?
No. Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 293.270 prohibits write-in candidacy.
Candidate Information
Can I get a list of candidates for all offices in Nevada?
A list of candidates filed with the Secretary of State (statewide and multi-county offices) can be obtained from our office after the filing period (May 5 - May 16). The candidates who filed with the counties can be obtained from the County Clerk/Registrar of Voters of the county.
Where can I get information on the placement, size, content and time-frames for campaign signs?
The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) can provide information regarding the placement of campaign signs. You can reach NDOT at 702-888-7480 or check their website at: www.nevadadot.com. NRS 294A.330 and 294A.340 address content of campaign signs. You should also contact your County Clerk/Registrar of Voters and City Clerk for local ordinances relating to campaign signs.