Washoe County Faces Challenges and Delays in 2024 Election Results

As the 2024 general election unfolds, Washoe County in Nevada is experiencing several challenges that could impact the timely release of election results. Despite the high voter turnout, with about 53 percent of Nevadans having cast their ballots as of Monday morning, long lines and operational issues have been reported in various counties, including Washoe.

In Washoe County, voters faced significant wait times, similar to those in Nye County, where lines were as long as three hours late in the afternoon on Election Day. These delays are attributed to a combination of factors, including same-day registrations and the limited number of voting machines available. For instance, in Pahrump, part of Nye County, only three voting machines were in use, contributing to the lengthy wait times.

The situation in Washoe County is further complicated by recent controversies surrounding election certification. In July, the Washoe County commissioners voted against certifying the recounts of two primary election results, citing dissatisfaction with the election process. However, after legal proceedings initiated by the Nevada Attorney General, the commissioners eventually endorsed the certification. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about election management and the potential for legal disputes over the results.

State officials have been preparing for potential challenges, including the use of Nevada’s new centralized voter registration system, which has faced issues such as misassigning voters to incorrect precincts. Despite these challenges, officials are confident in the system’s ability to ensure the integrity of the election process.

Election results in Washoe County, as in the rest of Nevada, will not be released until all voters in line by 7 p.m. on Election Day have cast their ballots. This ensures that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate, even if it delays the release of initial vote totals).