Nevada cancels nearly 177,000 registrations, inactivates 138,000 voters in routine 2025 roll maintenance ahead of 2026 election cycle
Nevada’s Secretary of State’s Office says counties canceled 176,928 voter registrations and inactivated 138,367 voters statewide from Jan. 1, 2025 to Jan. 7, 2026 as part of routine voter-roll maintenance ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Key takeaways
- Scale of maintenance: Counties canceled 176,928 registrations and inactivated 138,367 voters during the 12-month period.
- Active rolls: Nevada had 2,116,453 active registered voters as of Jan. 1, 2026.
- County concentration: Clark and Washoe counties accounted for the largest totals — Clark: 66,194 inactivations and 141,142 cancellations; Washoe: 44,659 inactivations and 25,466 cancellations.
- Process and safeguards: Officials used USPS NCOA, returned mail, ERIC cross-checks and voter notices; maintenance halts 90 days before federal elections.
What happened statewide
Routine list maintenance was carried out by county election officials across Nevada between Jan. 1, 2025 and Jan. 7, 2026. The work included sending notices, checking postal address databases and using data-sharing tools to find registrations that needed attention. Officials say the effort is intended to keep rolls current so ballots and poll resources are budgeted properly and only eligible voters remain on the lists. Sources reporting the totals include MyNews4, News3LV and 2 News.
Methods used and definitions
County officials identify records for review by checking for undeliverable mail, comparing addresses with the U.S. Postal Service National Change of Address data, reviewing voter inactivity across two federal elections, and using the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) to cross-check records. Counties send notices that let voters confirm or update their address, report a move or request cancellation. If voters do not respond, registrations may be marked inactive. Inactive voters remain eligible to vote but usually are not mailed ballots until they confirm their registration.
Canceled registrations and voter rights
A canceled registration is removed from the voter rolls. Cancellations occur when a voter requests removal, remains inactive for an extended period, or officials determine the registrant is no longer eligible at that address. Eligible voters whose registrations were canceled can re-register. State officials emphasize these steps are routine and authorized under federal and state law.
County breakdown (major figures)
Major county results reported by state and local outlets include:
- Clark County (Las Vegas area): 66,194 inactivations; 141,142 cancellations. (largest share)
- Washoe County (Reno area): 44,659 inactivations; 25,466 cancellations.
- Lyon County: 9,460 inactivations; 1,080 cancellations.
- Douglas County: 4,085 inactivations; 1,746 cancellations.
- Elko County: 3,281 inactivations; 2,673 cancellations.
- Smaller counties: Reported minimal numbers; Esmeralda reported no cancellations and Storey reported seven.
What officials say
“Nevada’s elections are safe and secure thanks to the systems and processes we have in place. This includes our regular list maintenance efforts which are led by trusted county election officials,” Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar said, urging voters to check and update their information at VOTE.NV.gov.
Safeguards, timing and legal limits
Nevada pauses list maintenance 90 days before federal elections. For 2026, maintenance will be paused starting March 11 ahead of the June 9 primary. The Secretary of State’s office posts guidance on list maintenance and provides contact information for voters who need help: phone (775)-687-VOTE (8683) and email nvelect@sos.nv.gov. A dedicated webpage explains the process and steps voters can take.
Investigative notes: questions raised and answered
A review of local reporting found no evidence of irregularities or improper cancellations tied to partisanship. Local outlets reported that counties followed legal procedures and that inactivations and cancellations were part of routine maintenance. Reporters highlighted the role of postal data and ERIC in flagging records. See reporting from MyNews4, News3LV, and 2 News.
How voters can check and act
Voters should verify their status at VOTE.NV.gov to check registration, update addresses, or re-register if needed. County election offices can help restore an inactive or canceled registration for eligible voters. For assistance contact (775)-687-VOTE (8683) or nvelect@sos.nv.gov.
Implications for Paso Robles, California
Paso Robles (San Luis Obispo County) is in California, but residents who maintain Nevada registrations — seasonal residents, military, retirees or business owners — may be affected. Key points for Paso Robles readers:
- Verify Nevada registration: Voters with Nevada ties should check VOTE.NV.gov to avoid surprises for 2026.
- Security and efficiency: Maintenance can reduce wasted ballots and polling resources — a point of interest for voters focused on election integrity.
- Local lessons: County officials on the Central Coast may review Nevada’s use of postal and federal data as an example for transparent list maintenance.
- Absentee and military voters: Those relying on mail ballots should confirm active status to guarantee ballot delivery.
Sources and further reading
Reporter coverage and official resources:
- MyNews4 — Nevada cancels nearly 177,000 voter registrations
- News3LV — Nevada voter roll maintenance
- 2 News — Nevada inactivates 138,000 voters
- Official voter tools: VOTE.NV.gov
- Secretary of State contact: (775)-687-VOTE (8683) • nvelect@sos.nv.gov
Note: All figures and details in this article are drawn from the local reporting and official statements linked above.
