With just over three months until early voting begins for Nevada’s 2026 General Election, now is the time to prepare.

Election laws, court decisions, and voting procedures continue to evolve at both the state and federal levels. Taking a few minutes now to verify your voter registration, understand important deadlines, and become familiar with Nevada’s voting process can help ensure your voice is heard this November.

Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) has prepared this overview to help congregations understand recent developments that may affect the upcoming election.

As Lutherans, we believe participating in civic life is one way we seek the welfare of our communities (Jeremiah 29:7). We also recognize and celebrate the dedicated public servants—including many Lutherans—who faithfully administer our elections.

Throughout Nevada, Lutheran congregations have long served their communities by:

• Hosting neighborhood polling locations.
• Providing spaces for respectful community conversations.
• Serving as election workers, poll workers, and county election officials.
• Encouraging informed and faithful civic participation.

As we prepare for this election season, LEAN wants to remind our congregations that Nevada’s elections are administered by local election officials who work throughout the year to conduct secure, transparent, and accessible elections.

If your congregation would like to host a nonpartisan voter information presentation with your local county election officials, Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada would be happy to help coordinate one. Please contact Advocacy Director Rev. Paul Larson.

Recent Election Developments

Over the past year, several state and federal developments have shaped conversations about election administration.

Federal Requests for State Voter Registration Data

The U.S. Department of Justice has requested voter registration information from states as part of broader election administration efforts. Some states have cooperated while others have challenged portions of these requests in court, raising questions about federal authority and voter privacy.

The SAVE Act

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.

Supporters argue the legislation would strengthen election integrity by ensuring only eligible citizens register to vote.

Opponents argue it could create additional barriers for eligible voters who do not readily possess documents such as passports or certified birth certificates.

As of this writing, the legislation has not become law.

Voter Registration List Maintenance

States regularly update voter registration lists to remove duplicate registrations, deceased voters, or individuals who have moved.

Supporters believe these efforts help maintain accurate voter rolls.

Voting rights organizations have expressed concern that aggressive maintenance practices may mistakenly affect eligible voters, making it important for voters to periodically verify their registration status.

Mail Voting

Mail voting continues to be the subject of national debate.

Some federal officials have advocated for tighter restrictions, while election officials and numerous studies have found documented cases of voter fraud through mail voting to be rare. Several recent executive actions related to mail ballots remain under legal challenge.

Federal Role in Election Administration

Recent executive actions have proposed expanding the federal government’s role in election administration and voter verification. Because states traditionally administer elections, several of these actions are currently being reviewed through the courts.

Election Assistance Commission

Changes have been proposed regarding the leadership and direction of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, the independent federal agency that develops voluntary voting system guidelines and provides election resources to states.

Voting Machines and Hand Counts

Questions about voting equipment have continued in some communities. A few Nevada counties explored hand-counting ballots but ultimately determined the process required significantly more staffing, increased costs, and additional time to complete election results.

How You Can Prepare

Verify Your Voter Registration

Check your voter registration regularly between now and Election Day.

If your registration information changes or requires verification, addressing it early helps avoid problems later.

Watch Your Mail

Election officials may mail notices requesting updated voter registration information.

Take time to review any election-related mail carefully and respond promptly if action is needed.

Know the Deadlines

Whether voting by mail, during early voting, or on Election Day, familiarize yourself with registration deadlines and ballot return deadlines well before the election.

If you vote by mail, return your ballot as early as possible.

Report Problems

If you experience voting difficulties or observe possible election problems, assistance is available.

Election Protection operates a nationwide, nonpartisan voter assistance hotline:

866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)

Trained volunteers and legal experts can answer questions and help address voting concerns.

Walking Together with Hope

Elections can bring excitement, disagreement, and uncertainty. As followers of Christ, we are called to engage our democracy with humility, truthfulness, and love for our neighbors.

We encourage every eligible voter to become informed, participate peacefully, and pray for all who administer our elections and all who seek public office.

Together, we can help build communities marked by trust, civility, and hope.

“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you… for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” — Jeremiah 29:7\

A Final Word

At Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada, we believe our democracy is strongest when every eligible voter can participate confidently and peacefully.

We are grateful for the work of Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar, Nevada’s county clerks, registrars of voters, election workers, and the thousands of volunteers who help administer our elections. Their year-round work ensures that elections are conducted with professionalism, transparency, and accountability.

As Secretary Aguilar has reminded Nevadans, elections are not just conducted on Election Day—they are the result of months of preparation, testing, bipartisan oversight, and public transparency. Nevada’s election system includes numerous safeguards designed to protect both election security and voter access.

As Election Day draws closer:

• Verify your voter registration.
• Learn about your voting options and deadlines.
• Seek information from trusted, official election sources.
• Be cautious before sharing election information on social media.
• Treat election workers, poll workers, and fellow voters with kindness and respect.

As people of faith, we are called to love our neighbors, seek the common good, and participate in civic life with humility and integrity. Regardless of political affiliation or candidate preference, every eligible voter deserves the opportunity to cast a ballot freely, safely, and confidently.

If your congregation would like to host a nonpartisan voter education event, invite your local county election officials to speak, or learn more about voting in Nevada, Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada would be honored to help coordinate those opportunities.

May we enter this election season committed to truth, civility, prayer, and hope—trusting that faithful citizenship is one way we live out our calling to seek the welfare of our communities (Jeremiah 29:7).

“Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4