This year’s general election ballot includes the most races in Clark County history, with at least 70 to vote on, depending on your precinct. These are among the most consequential elections of our lifetime, staged in the wake of a summer marked by a global pandemic and an eruption of social justice protests. Every vote matters and local election officials anticipate a historic turnout.
Register to vote — it’s your civic duty!
The last day to register to vote in the general election is Oct. 29. It takes only a minute or two and is as simple as going online. You can also register in person at polling places on Election Day or during early voting by bringing your Nevada driver’s license with you.
How can I confirm I am registered?
Either by calling 702-455-VOTE, or using the county online tool
Who is eligible to register to vote:
Those wishing to vote in the general election must:
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be at least age 18 by Election Day, Nov. 3
• Have lived in Nevada for at least 30 days and in your precinct at least 10 days. Also, you can’t claim any other state as your legal residence.
• Not imprisoned for a felony conviction
How can I change my voter registration?
You can switch party affiliations or change your address online.
Mail-in ballot delivery
Because of the pandemic, all registered voters in Nevada will receive ballots. They will be delivered in three phases, beginning last weekend to international voters. Local ballots will be mailed Oct. 7. Important point for new voters: If you are not registered to vote by Oct. 15, you will not receive a mail-in ballot and will have to vote in person.
What if I don’t receive a ballot?
If you want a mail-in ballot and have not received one by Oct. 17, immediately call the county’s election department at 702-455-VOTE. Election officials encourage residents to avoid using third-party groups to assist with problems — many have good intentions, but aren’t official representatives.
How do I know if my ballot was delivered?
The United States Postal Service has a tool to track mail. The “Informed Delivery” feature lets you view the contents of your mailbox through a smart device. Election officials encourage residents to use the tool.
What does the ballot look like?
The ballot is massive, with four sheets over two sides, and at least 70 races to vote in. All mail ballots are marked with a seal.
Ballots for the 2020 general election will have this seal from the Clark County Election Department.
How do I complete the ballot?
Completely fill in the oval to the right of your choice in blue or black pen. No pencils.
Important dates
• Sept. 19: International ballots mailed
• Sept. 26: Out-of-state ballots mailed
• Oct. 7: Local mail ballots sent
• Oct. 17: Early voting begins
• Oct. 29: Early voting ends
• Oct. 29: Last day to register to vote in general election
Who do I vote for?
Here are the Sun’s endorsements for the 2020 general election.
I’m finished. What’s next? How do I submit?
All ballots come with a secure pre-addressed, postage-paid ballot return envelope that must be used for returning the ballot. Once you sign the outside of the envelope on the signature line, you can simply drop that in the mail. You can also return it to one of the early-voting locations starting Oct. 17. There’s no need to wait in line, simply go to the representatives marked for receiving paper ballots. The representatives will verify the ballot is signed and sealed, and then will place it in a secure ballot box. Also, from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Monday-Thursday through Oct. 30, ballots can be dropped off at the Clark County Elections Department at 965 Trade Drive in North Las Vegas. City Hall in Boulder City, Las Vegas, Henderson, Mesquite and North Vegas will serve as drop-off locations through Oct. 30. Those are open Monday-Thursday until 5:30 p.m.
Important tips before you close the envelope!
• Voters must sign the outside of the envelope on the signature line before returning it, as signatures are matched to the voter registration rolls to verify the vote. BUT don’t not sign or leave identifying marks like your initials next to someone you voted for. That voids the ballot, Clark County Registrar Joe Gloria said.
• During the primary in June, hundreds of residents put two ballots in one envelope to return to the county, Gloria said. They were attempting to save officials postage money. That voids the ballots.
• Use blue or black ink pens on the ballots and avoid pencils, permanent markers or felt-tip pens.
What if there’s an error?
If voters mark the wrong candidate, they “can cross our the candidate they mistakenly selected and mark the oval next to the correct candidate,” Gloria said. But don’t make an identifying mark next to the change, such as your initials, because that voids the ballot. In that instance, contact the election department at 702-455-VOTE to have a new ballot mailed.
What if my signature doesn’t match?
If the signature on the ballot-return envelope is missing, or doesn’t match what’s currently on file, officials will contact the voter with a letter sent in the mail. They will also try to reach the voter through automated communication to the email or phone number on file. “We don’t want voters to think it is a scam or mislead them,” Gloria said. “Voters may very well get an email from our department or a robo call trying to help them cure their ballot. This is brand new. We want them to expect that.” The recorded phone message says, “This is the Clark County Election Department; this is not a solicitation. We have received your voted mail ballot for the November 3, 2020 General Election. Unfortunately, either you did not sign the return envelope, or we were unable to verify your signature with what’s on file. Please follow the instructions provided in the mail to cure your ballot so we can process it to be counted. If you have any questions, call (702) 455-6551, Monday-Thursday, 7:30am-5:30pm.”
What’s the deadline to submit?
As long as mail-in ballots are postmarked by Nov. 3 and received no later than seven days after the election, they will be counted. Nevada counties can start tallying votes cast through mail-in ballots 14 days before the general election, with the first results released after polls close on Election Day. In Clark County, the initial results will include ballots received by mail through Nov. 2 and cast in person during early voting, which runs Oct. 17-30. Voters can verify their ballot was received by using the online tool or by calling 702-455-VOTE.
What about voting in person?
Early voting for all Clark County elections begins on the Saturday 17 days before Election Day, and continues every day for 14 days, ending the Friday before Election Day. For this cycle, that’s Oct. 17-30. To vote in person, voters must bring their mail-in ballot to the polling place and turn it in to election officials. Those who can’t produce their ballot will be asked to sign a document stating that they aren’t voting twice. It’s illegal to vote by both mail and in-person and punishable by to up to four years in prison. Vote early at these locations.