Nevada Secretary of State : College Voter Information

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Have more questions on how to register to vote? A: Visit our FAQS
Where do I vote? A: Once you are registered, your County Clerk/Registrar of Voters will send you information on your precinct and the address of your polling place – the location of where you will vote on the day of the Primary Election or General Election. You may also find this information online at My Voter File. Your voting location depends on the address you used when completing your voter registration application. If you registered to vote using your hometown address, you will have to vote at either your designated voting precinct location in your hometown or by absentee ballot. If you chose to use your college residence address, you will vote at your designated voting precinct location in the district of that you currently reside. Precinct locations will be printed on your sample ballot or you may locate your voting location on “My Voter File” on the Secretary of State’s website: http://www.nvsos.gov. To confirm your registration, you will receive a voter registration card by mail. If you do not receive this, please contact your local City Clerk or County Clerk/Registrar of Voters to verify your application was received and processed.
May a college student register and vote from his or her school address in Nevada? A: You may choose to register using your current campus home address. Keep in mind that you may register and vote in only one county/state per election. Once you are registered, you will receive a voter registration card by mail from your County Clerk/Registrar of Voters office, as well as a sample ballot prior to the Primary or General Elections. Sample ballots contain information on the offices up for election in your precinct and questions appearing on the actual ballot. It also contains information about your precinct, your party affiliation, the name and address of your polling place, and early voting schedule and locations. If you do not receive your voter registration card or sample ballot, please contact your local City Clerk or County Clerk/Registrar of Voters to verify that your application was received and processed.
How do I vote by mail or absentee? A: If you are a student living out of state or outside your voting precinct, it may not be possible for you to get to the polls on Election Day. Your best option is to request to vote by mail or absentee ballot. Any registered voter may request to vote by mail. To request an absentee ballot, you must complete and submit an Absentee Ballot Request Form, which may be obtained from your local County Clerk/Registrar of Voters office. Additional information on absentee voting is also available online. • Clark County residents: Absentee Voter Information • Washoe County residents: Absentee Voter Information The Absentee Ballot Request Form must be received by your local county election official by the appropriate deadline. • Primary Election Absent Ballot Request Deadline (NRS 293.315) • General Election Absent Ballot Request Deadline (NRS 293.315) If you are a first time voter, you must provide an acceptable form of identification with your completed Absentee Ballot Request Form. Acceptable forms of identification may include: • Current Nevada Drivers’ License; • Current Nevada State Identification Card; • Rent receipt with pre-printed address; • Bank statement or pre-printed check; • Credit card statement; • Vehicle registration or proof of insurance; • Government document (tax bill, income information); or • Current utility bill.
Can I check my voter information online? A: To confirm your voter registration information, you can check online at My Voter File.
What happens after I submit my voter registration application? A: Once you are registered to vote in Nevada, you will receive a voter registration card by mail from your County Clerk/Registrar of Voters office, as well as a sample ballot prior to the Primary or General Elections. Sample ballots contain information on the offices up for election in your precinct and questions appearing on the actual ballot. They also contain information about your precinct, your party affiliation, the name and address of your polling place and early voting schedule and locations. If you do not receive your voter registration card or sample ballot, please contact your local City Clerk or County Clerk/Registrar of Voters to verify that your application was received and processed.
Do I have to vote on Election Day? A: Registered voters of Nevada have three options for voting: • Early Voting • Election Day Voting • Mail or Absentee Voting
What are the qualifications to register to vote in Nevada? A: Nevada law provides certain guidelines you must follow before you can vote. Specifically, Nevada law states that you must: • Be at least 18 years of age on or before Election Day; • Be a U.S. citizen; • Be a resident of Nevada for 30 days preceding any election; • Have your rights restored if you were convicted of a felony; and • Not have been declared by a court to be mentally incompetent.
I just moved away to go to college, how do I vote in Nevada? A: If you are a student living out of state or outside your voting precinct, it may not be possible for you to get to the polls on Election Day. Your best option is to request to vote by mail or absentee ballot. Any registered voter may request to vote by mail. To request an absentee ballot, you must complete and submit an Absentee Ballot Request Form, which may be obtained from your local County Clerk/Registrar of Voters office. Additional information on absentee voting is also available online. Clark County residents: Absentee Voter Information Washoe County residents: Absentee Voter Information The Absentee Ballot Request Form must be received by your local county election official by the appropriate deadline. • Primary Election Absent Ballot Request Deadline (NRS 293.315) • General Election Absent Ballot Request Deadline (NRS 293.315) \| If you are a first time voter, you must provide an acceptable form of identification with your completed Absentee Ballot Request Form. Acceptable forms of identification may include: • Current Nevada Drivers’ License; • Current Nevada State Identification Card; • Rent receipt with pre-printed address; • Bank statement or pre-printed check; • Credit card statement; • Vehicle registration or proof of insurance; • Government document (tax bill, income information); or • Current utility bill.
Where do I send my voter registration form once I’ve filled it out? A: If you are registering to vote in Nevada, return your completed application via mail or in person at: • Your County Clerk/Registrar of Voters office; • Your City Clerk Office; or • Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
I registered to vote at the DMV and the county says I’m not registered, what should I do? A: If you completed a voter registration application at the Department of Vehicles, and the county says you are not registered to vote, you must contact the County Clerk/Registrar of Voters in your county of residence.
What type of voting system does Nevada use? A: Nevada uses Sequoia Edge electronic touch-screen voting machines throughout the state at all polling locations. Click here to learn how to use the voting machine.
Can I register to vote on Election Day? A: Nevada does not allow persons to register to vote on Election Day. The deadlines to register to vote are as follows: Primary Election: May 8, 2010, by mail; May 18, 2010, in person. General Elecction: Oct. 2, 2010, by mail; Oct. 12, 2010 in person.
What is Early Voting? A: Early voting allows registered voters to vote at various locations throughout the state for 14-day period prior to the Primary Election and General Election. To learn more about Early Voting in Nevada, click here.
I didn’t vote in the last election, do I need to re-register? A: If you did not vote in the last election, your voter registration will be put into inactive status. "Inactive Voter" status includes any voter for whom a county has received: 1) a returned residency confirmation mailing without a forwarding address within the same county, or 2) information obtained through the United States Postal Service National Change of Address (NCOA) database indicating that a voter has moved outside the county. An inactive voter is eligible to vote so long as they have met all other legal requirements to vote. If you do not vote in two consecutive federal elections, your local County Clerk/Registrar of Voters office must CANCEL your registration, pursuant to the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). If your voter registration is cancelled, you must re-register to vote. You can check your voter information anytime online at My Voter File.
May I vote if I’ve been convicted of a crime? A: If you were convicted of a felony, you may register and vote only if you have had your rights restored.
Do I declare my political party affiliation when I register to vote? A: On your voter registration application, you will be asked to check your party affiliation. In Nevada, your party registration options are: • Democratic Party • Green Party • Independent American Party • Libertarian Party • Republican Party You also have the option to be registered as a Nonpartisan voter, meaning you have no political party affiliation.
I am a Nevada resident attending college in Nevada, where can I register to vote? A: If you are a college student attending school in a different county than your permanent residence, you may choose to register using your hometown address or your current campus home address. Keep in mind that you may register and vote in only one county per election. If you register using your hometown address, you will have to vote at either your designated voting precinct location or by absentee ballot. Where can I register to vote? In order to register to vote, simply fill out a voter registration application form, which may be found at: Your university Student Affairs office Your County Clerk/Registrar of Voters' office Online at the Election Assistance Commission Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Your City Clerk’s office United States Post Office Utility companies Political party offices Local Chambers of Commerce Return your completed application via mail or in person at: • Your County Clerk/Registrar of Voters office; • Your City Clerk Office; or • Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles *What address do I use? My college residence address or my hometown address?* As a Nevada resident attending college in Nevada, you may choose to register using your hometown address or your current campus home address. Keep in mind that you may register and vote in only one county/state per election. If you register using your hometown address, you will have to vote at either your designated voting precinct location in your hometown or by absentee ballot. Are there any requirements to register to vote in Nevada? Nevada law provides certain guidelines you must follow before you can vote. Specifically, Nevada law states you must: • Be at least 18 years of age on or before Election Day; • Be a U.S. citizen; • Be a resident of Nevada for 30 days preceding any election; • Have your rights restored if you were convicted of a felony; and • Not have been declared by a court to be mentally incompetent *Do I need to update my voter registration?* The only time you will need to submit another voter registration form is if you have changed your physical address, your name, or your party affiliation. *Where do I vote?* Your voting location depends on the address you used when completing your voter registration application. If you registered to vote using your hometown address, you will have to vote at either your designated voting precinct location in your hometown or by absentee ballot. If you chose to use your college residence address, you will vote at your designated voting precinct location in the district of that you currently reside. You may find your designated polling location on your sample ballot or by viewing “My Voter File” on the Nevada Secretary State’s website: www.nvsos.gov. To confirm your registration, you will receive a voter registration card by mail. If you do not receive this, please contact your local City Clerk or County Clerk/Registrar of Voters to verify your application was received and processed. *How do I request to vote by mail or absentee?* If you are a student living outside of your voting precinct, it may not be possible for you to get to the polls on Election Day. Your best option is to request to vote by mail or absentee ballot. Any registered voter may request to vote by mail. To request an absentee ballot, you must complete and submit an Absentee Ballot Request Form, which may be obtained from your local County Clerk/Registrar of Voters office. Additional information on absentee voting is also available online. Clark County residents: Absentee Voter Information Washoe County residents: Absentee Voter Information The Absentee Ballot Request Form must be received by your local county election official by the appropriate deadline. • Primary Election Absent Ballot Request Deadline (NRS 293.315) • General Election Absent Ballot Request Deadline (NRS 293.315) If you are a first time voter, you must provide an acceptable form of identification with your completed Absentee Ballot Request Form. Acceptable forms of identification may include: • Current Nevada Drivers’ License; • Current Nevada State Identification Card; • Rent receipt with pre-printed address; • Bank statement or pre-printed check; • Credit card statement; • Vehicle registration or proof of insurance; • Government document (tax bill, income information); or • Current utility bill. Contact your County Clerk/Registrar of Voters or the Elections Division of the Secretary of State’s Office if you have any questions regarding absentee voting. It’s best to submit your request form early in order to allow enough time for your request to be processed, and for you to receive your ballot in a timely manner. All voted absentee ballots MUST be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted. How do I use the voting machine? Using the voting machine is simple, click here to learn how
I am a Nevada resident attending college outside of Nevada, where can I register to vote? A: *I am a Nevada resident attending college outside of Nevada, where can I register to vote?* As a Nevada resident attending college out of state, your best option to register to vote is to obtain a copy of the Federal Voter Registration Application online at the Election Assistance Commission. Locate the instructions for the state of Nevada and follow the guidelines for completing the application. Once you have the application completed, mail it back to your local County Clerk/Registrar of Voters' office. You may also contact your local County Clerk/Registrar of Voters' office and ask to have a voter registration application mailed to your college residence. Once you receive the application, fill it out completely and mail it back to your local County Clerk/Registrar of Voters' office. *What address do I use? My college residence address or my hometown address?* Under Nevada law, in order to vote in the state’s elections you must be a resident of Nevada for 30 days preceding any election. Therefore, if you wish to vote in Nevada, you must provide a Nevada residence address in your voter registration application. Are there any requirements to register to vote in Nevada? Nevada law provides certain guidelines you must follow before you can vote. Specifically, Nevada law states that you must: • Be at least 18 years of age on or before Election Day; • Be a U.S. citizen; • Be a resident of Nevada for 30 days preceding any election; • Have your rights restored if you were convicted of a felony; and • Not have been declared by a court to be mentally incompetent *Do I need to update my voter registration?* The only time you will need to submit another voter registration form is if you have changed your physical address, your name or your party affiliation. Where do I vote? If you are a student living out of state, it may not be possible for you to get to the polls in your home town on Election Day. Your best option is to request to vote by mail or absentee ballot. Any registered voter may request to vote by mail. To request an absentee ballot, you must complete and submit an Absentee Ballot Request Form, which may be obtained from your local County Clerk/Registrar of Voters office. Additional information on absentee voting is also available online. Clark County residents: Absentee Voter Information Washoe County residents: Absentee Voter Information The Absentee Ballot Request Form must be received by your local county election official by the appropriate deadline. • Primary Election Absent Ballot Request Deadline (NRS 293.315) • General Election Absent Ballot Request Deadline (NRS 293.315) If you are a first time voter, you must provide an acceptable form of identification with your completed Absentee Ballot Request Form. Acceptable forms of identification may include: • Current Nevada Drivers’ License; • Current Nevada State Identification Card; • Rent receipt with pre-printed address; • Bank statement or pre-printed check; • Credit card statement; • Vehicle registration or proof of insurance; • Government document (tax bill, income information); or • Current utility bill. Contact your County Clerk/Registrar of Voters or the Elections Division of the Secretary of State’s Office if you have any questions regarding absentee voting. It’s best to submit your request form early in order to allow enough time for your request to be processed, and for you to receive your ballot in a timely manner. All voted absentee ballots MUST be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted. *How do I use the voting machine?* Using the voting machine is simple, click here to learn how.
I am not a Nevada resident, but am attending college in Nevada, where can I register to vote? A: I am not a Nevada resident but am attending college in Nevada, where can I register to vote? As a non-Nevada resident attending college in Nevada, your best option to register to vote is to obtain a copy of the Federal Voter Registration Application online at the Election Assistance Commission. Located the instructions for your home state and follow the guidelines for filling out and mailing back the application. What address do I use? My college residence address or my hometown address? If you wish to vote in your home state, you must provide your hometown residence address in your home state. You may also wish to contact the appropriate election official to obtain information on absentee voting procedures in your home state. Under Nevada law, in order to vote in the state’s elections you must be a resident of Nevada for 30 days preceding any election. Therefore, if you wish to vote in Nevada, you must provide a Nevada residence address in your voter registration application. Are there any requirements to register to vote in my state? Voter registration requirements vary from state to state. To determine the requirements of your state, locate the instructions for your home state on the Federal Voter Registration Application found online at the Election Assistance Commission. You may also contact your County Clerk/Registrar of Voters to find out your state’s requirements. Do I need to update my voter registration? It is best to contact the local election official in your home state, as requirements may be different among states. In most states, the only time you will need to submit another voter registration form is if you have changed your physical address, your name or your party affiliation. Where do I vote? If you are a student living out of state, it may not be possible for you to get to the polls on Election Day. Your best option is to request to vote by mail or absentee ballot. To vote by mail or absentee you must contact the local election official in your home state and request an absentee ballot. Be sure to find out your home state’s requirements to vote absentee and deadlines for turning in your ballot.
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