We have three weeks until the presidential election. And with Washoe County voters starting to receive their ballots we want to refresh some basic information people might need to know in case of any confusion.
Sometimes people might receive multiple ballots. In that case you should only use the most recent one with all your updated information and throw out the other ones.
There's also a possibility that you could receive a ballot that is not yours.
"If you receive a ballot that is not yours you should mark 'return to sender', and it will come back to our office," said Bethany Drysdale, Commnications Manager for Washoe County. "That will actually trigger an investigation on our part so we can either update that voter or remove them from the rolls."
Drysdale says you should also do this if you receive a ballot for someone who has died.
When filling out your ballot be sure to use only blue or black ink and only mark within the ovals of the choice you are making. She says it's okay to cross out a mistake you made and fill out the right option you want.
"That will trigger something on our end where we'll have to look and make sure we understand the intent, but your ballot will still be counted," Drysdale explained.
Once completed you can either mail back your ballot, drop it off in the office, or in their drop-off boxes which will be available during early voting.
You can also just show up and vote in-person when early voting officially opens this Saturday, with most locations opening at 10 a.m.
Early voting will continue for two weeks until November 1st and Election Day is November 5th.
"When you show up to vote in-person it helps to bring your sample ballot to use as a guide. You can bring your mail ballot to turn in if you like, not voted, but to bring it in to surrender and vote in person."
Drysdale says all ballots have been sent out so if you have not received yours yet then just stay patient. But if you would like to know when to expect it then you can call their office at (775) 328-3670.
The same thing goes for sample ballots.
"It's very likely that people will receive their sample ballots after their mail in ballots which is totally fine. If you need your sample ballot to help you fill out your ballot just wait a couple of days, and you'll get it," says Drysdale.
Viewers have been reaching out to us saying they are not getting their ballots due to broken printers in the Registrar of Voters Office. We reached out to Drysdale who says that it is not true, and everyone should be receiving their ballots soon.
You can also view your sample ballot online by clicking here.
