Public observation opportunities are available during the 2026 General Election, offering multiple ways to view election processes firsthand and better understand how Washoe County elections are conducted in a safe, secure, free and transparent manner.
All vote centers during early voting and on Election Day offer the opportunity to observe. Early voting for the 2026 General Election runs from October 17 through October 30, with locations open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Election Day is November 3, and vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Observers may watch voting activities from designated public areas and are permitted to observe closing procedures at the end of each day. You can find the list of vote centers at washoecounty.gov/votecenters.
Public observation at the Central Counting Place begins at 8 a.m. October 9 at the Registrar of Voters office, located at 1001 E. 9th St., Building A, Room 135. The Central Counting Place is where mail ballots are received and signatures verified. On Election Day, both mail and in-person votes are tabulated for results. Observation hours begin each day at 8 a.m., with closing times varying based on daily processing needs. Election Day observation begins at 6 a.m. Observation of the Central Counting Place continues through the Canvass of the Vote on November 13.
Public observation of logic and accuracy testing of voting equipment will begin at 8 a.m. October 3 at the new Registrar of Voters’ warehouse, 6550 Longley Ln., Ste. 145, Reno, and will continue until completion or October 16 at the latest. This testing ensures all voting equipment is functioning properly and accurately tabulates ballots prior to use in the election. Closing times of the pre-election logic and accuracy testing may vary depending on completion progress. An additional pre-Election Day logic and accuracy test will take place at noon November 2 at the Registrar of Voters office, 1001 E. 9th St., Building A. A post-election logic and accuracy test will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 12 at the Central Counting Place and will also be open for observation.
Election observation is open to all members of the public. Individuals who choose to observe must follow all applicable rules and instructions from election staff. Key expectations include:
- Observers must follow all directions from election staff and remain within designated observation areas.
- Observers may not interact with voters or interfere with election worker duties.
- The use of phones or electronic devices is restricted in designated areas.
- Campaigning or electioneering is prohibited within observation areas and vote centers.
For more information about observation opportunities and the upcoming election, visit the Registrar of Voters’ website at washoecounty.gov/voters.
