Voter Information

October 12, 2010 is the last day to register to vote for the November 2 General Election.

Early Voting will begin October 16, 2010.

 If you are not yet registered to vote, contact the Washoe County Voter Registrar at http://www.co.washoe.nv.us/voters/ or go to your nearest Post Office for the forms. 

Voter’s Bill of Rights

1.    Each voter has the right to receive and cast a ballot that is written in a format that allows the clear identification of candidates, and accurately records the voter’s preference in the selection of candidates.
2.    Each voter has the right to have his or her 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.    Each voter has the right to vote without being intimidated, threatened or coerced.
4.    Each voter has the right to vote on Election Day if the voter is waiting in line at his or her polling place to vote before 7:00 p.m.
5.    Each voter has the right to return a spoiled ballot and is entitled to receive another ballot in its place.
6.    Each voter has the right to request assistance in voting, if necessary.
7.    Each voter has the right to a sample ballot which is accurate, informative and delivered in a timely manner.
8.    Each voter has the right to receive instruction in the use of the equipment for voting during early voting or on Election Day.
9.    Each voter has the right to have non-discriminatory 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.    Each voter has the right to have a uniform, statewide standard for counting and recounting all votes accurately.
11.    Each voter has the right to have complaints about election contests resolved fairly, accurately and efficiently.

from NRS 293.2546

Restoration of Voting Rights in Nevada

In General

In 2003, the Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 55, which restored, among other things, the right to vote for persons convicted of certain felonies. Pursuant to NRS 213.155, persons convicted of certain felonies who have been discharged honorably are immediately restored to the right to vote. NRS 213.157 provides that persons convicted of certain felonies who have served out their sentence are immediately restored to the right to vote.

Documentation Requirements

Persons who may have had their civil rights restored pursuant to NRS 213.155 may present either: (1) an official document of the honorable discharge; or (2) a court order restoring the right to vote. Persons who may have had their civil rights restored pursuant to NRS 213.157 may present either: (1) an official document of release from prison; or (2) a court order restoring the right to vote.

The documentation may be provided at the time of registration to ensure that the registration is not subsequently cancelled pursuant to NRS 293.540. NRS 293.540(3) requires the county clerk or registrar to cancel a person’s registration:

Upon the determination that the person registered has been convicted of a felony unless:
(a) If the person registered was convicted of a felony in this State, the right to vote of the person has been restored pursuant to the provisions of NRS 213.090, 213.155 or 213.157.
(b) If the person registered was convicted of a felony in another state, the right to vote of the person has been restored pursuant to the laws of the state in which the person was convicted.

The documentation must be provided if the registration is canceled pursuant to NRS 293.540(3). NRS 293.543(2) allows the county clerk or registrar to accept the following documentation for re-registration after cancellation:

The elector may re-register after he presents satisfactory evidence which demonstrates that:
(a) His conviction has been overturned; or
(b) His civil rights have been restored:
(1) If he was convicted in this State, pursuant to the provisions of NRS 213.090, 213.155 or 213.157.
(2) If he was convicted in another state, pursuant to the laws of the state in which he was  convicted.

Please contact your county clerk or registrar for additional clarification.

(Information from Nevada Secretary of State website: http://nvsos.gov)

Nevada Victims’ Bill of Rights

The 1983 Nevada Legislature mandated certain rights and guarantees to crime victims and witnesses. Chapter 178 of the Nevada Revised Statutes recognizes the following needs and rights of crime victims.

You have the right:
• To know the status of the case in which you are involved
• To be free from intimidation or dissuasion
• To know when your impounded property may be released.
• To receive a witness fee for lawful obedience to a subpoena.
• To understand the existing victim compensation laws and receive compensation if applicable.
• To a secure waiting area, which is not available to the defendant or his family, when you are at court.
• To know when the defendant is released from custody before or during trial (upon written request).
• To know when the offender is released from prison (upon written request).

(From the website of the Nevada Attorney General:   http://ag.state.nv.us/dv/victims/rights.htm)