In a candid conversation over Zoom, Nevada News & Views publisher Chuck Muth spoke with Nicol Herris and delved into the challenges plaguing election processes in Washoe County, ranging from voter roll maintenance to operational inefficiencies at the polls.
Herris, with extensive experience in the 2024 Washoe County elections, shared firsthand insights into the inner workings of the election system, highlighting both shortcomings and potential areas for reform.
Zoom and Technology Struggles
The discussion began with some lighthearted banter about navigating technology.
Both speakers acknowledged the hurdles of using Zoom, a now-ubiquitous tool for remote collaboration.
“Thank goodness I have a son-in-law now,” Muth joked, crediting him for helping with the setup.
Herris noted the challenges many face with virtual communication tools, setting the stage for a detailed exchange on the deeper systemic issues in elections.
Election Integrity and Operational Issues
Herris recounted her hands-on experience working in Washoe County's election system during the primary and general elections, providing an unvarnished look at the challenges faced by staff and volunteers.
- Poll Pads and Technical Glitches
Washoe County introduced “poll pads,” an iPad-based system designed to streamline voter check-ins. However, these devices often malfunctioned, creating long lines and delaying voting. “Nine out of ten times, users didn’t input information correctly,” Herris explained, exacerbating inefficiencies. - Mail-in Ballot Processing
Herris emphasized the labor-intensive nature of processing mail-in ballots, describing a system reliant on manual sorting and verification. She highlighted a lack of automation and the absence of sufficient staffing, which resulted in delays and backlogs. - Provisional Ballots and Same-Day Registration
Provisional ballots also presented challenges, requiring voters to provide documentation by specific deadlines. Herris pointed out confusion among voters and staff alike regarding these procedures, which contributed to bottlenecks.
Morale and Staffing Concerns
Herris detailed morale issues within the Registrar of Voters office, citing high turnover and inadequate training.
She described a lack of written manuals for critical processes and a “shallow bench” of experienced staff.
Morale was further strained by leadership changes and controversial decisions, including the departure of key personnel like former Registrar Carrie Ann Burgess.
“Morale has not been good there,” Herris said. “People can't get the support they need, and we're running around with our heads cut off during elections.”
Systemic Problems and Reform Opportunities
Herris and Muth agreed that the current system faces significant hurdles.
Herris emphasized the need for better training, streamlined operations, and a unified approach to voter roll maintenance and election integrity.
“We need to stop doing the same things that haven’t worked for six years,” she said. “Are we stupid or what?”
Muth commended Herris for her insights, noting that her credibility lent weight to her observations.
“I hear similar stories from others, but they don't have your experience or credibility,” he remarked.
Looking Ahead
The conversation ended on a note of cautious optimism, with both speakers committed to addressing these issues head-on.
Herris suggested forming a group to analyze election cycles and implement long-term solutions, while Muth expressed interest in leveraging these insights to advocate for systemic change.
“We need to figure out how to get more wins at the ballot box,” Muth concluded. “And that starts with fixing the process.”
This discussion sheds light on the complexities of Nevada's election system and underscores the need for concerted efforts to ensure transparency, efficiency, and integrity.
