Mail ballots are being sent out to Nevada voters — and you may have received one already. So let’s separate fact from fiction when it comes to voting by mail in Las Vegas.
Myth: Mail ballots lead to widespread fraud
The same protections against fraud that apply to in-person voting apply to mail ballots too. If someone votes by mail and then attempts to vote in person, the second known vote will get flagged, leading to an investigation to see if it was done on purpose. An attempt to vote more than once can lead to a felony charge.
Myth: Community mailboxes are something to worry about
Sometimes things can get messy at communal mailboxes used in apartment and condo buildings. Postal workers aren’t allowed to leave mail ballots out in the open. They’re not junk mail. So if you see an issue, contact the Clark County Election Department, who will coordinate any necessary steps with law enforcement or the post office.
Myth: Your identity will get stolen tracking your ballot
Nevada uses BallotTrax, a third-party service, to track the progress of your mail ballot. Any information submitted won’t be used for outside purposes or mailing lists.
Myth: I can vote by mail after the polls close
No dice. Your mail ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by Clark County by the fourth day after the election. If you’re worried about a ballot getting lost or delayed in the mail, find your nearest dropbox.
Myth: Early mail ballot results can influence in-person voting
False. By law, tabulation of mail ballots doesn’t begin until 8 a.m. on Election Day and isn’t publicly reported until after the last person in line when polls close has voted.
Myth: Mail ballots will be immediately tossed if the signature is off
Nevada participates in ballot curing, which means an election official will reach out if there’s an issue with the ballot — like if a signature is missing or doesn’t match what’s on file. This is permitted up to six days after the election. This is why it’s always a good idea to make sure your contact information is up to date.
Myth: Each person must personally submit or mail their own ballot
The practice of a non-family member turning in another voter's ballot has been legally allowed in Nevada since 2020. Opponents often dismiss this as "ballot harvesting," while supporters argue it helps those without family or reliable transportation in remote areas and retirement homes.
Myth: Receiving a mail ballot that I didn’t request is a sign of fraud
All registered voters are mailed a ballot automatically. You can always opt out with enough advance notice.
Myth: Ballots won’t count if there’s a typo in the printing process
It’s rare, but sometimes an error appears on the printed ballot. It happened most recently in Carson City where a candidate was identified with the wrong party. In this case, replacement ballots were sent out and voters were encouraged to use them. But if the initial ballot is used instead, it will still count.
- Nevada’s Secretary of State spoke to City Cast Las Vegas about election integrity and voting security. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
