Voting Systems Security
Washoe County has a wide range of physical and cybersecurity procedures and protocols in place to ensure the integrity of our election systems.
Chain of custody is maintained throughout the entire election cycle. Access to election equipment and systems is multifaceted and highly controlled by County staff. Equipment storage areas and central tally systems are protected and can only be accessed by County elections staff.
All voting systems are physically disconnected (air gapped) from any external connections and all of the components are stand-alone (no internet or WiFi connections). Also the voting equipment and voter registration databases are two separate systems and do not communicate or connect in any way.
In the election process, voting equipment includes the hardware and software used to collect and tally votes, such as the voting machines used for in-person voting, the scanners used to tabulate mail-in ballots, and the election management system that creates the ballots, tallies and reports the results.
The voter registration database, used for administrative purposes only, includes a list of registered voters, precinct and district information, mail-in ballots issued and received, and polling place information. It does not collect any election results and is not connected to the voting system in any way. The database only shows that the registered voter actually voted (whether in-person or by mail-in ballot), and does not show whom a person voted for. Information on who the person voted for is always kept confidential to maintain the secrecy of the ballot.
Election Infrastructure Security
Visit our Election Infrastructure Security site to learn more about the precautions we take which include physical, procedural, and cybersecurity aimed to prevent outside interference in our elections.
Ballot Drop Box Security and Protocol
Visit our Ballot Drop Box Security site to learn more about drop box protocol for all of our Vote Center locations.
Election Equipment Requirements, Testing, and Certifications
Visit our Election Equipment Requirements, Testing, and Certifications site to learn more about the system standards that meet or exceed Federal standards and are approved by the Secretary of State prior to use in any election in the State of Nevada (NRS 293B.105).