Code Section
Nevada > Statutes > Returns and Canvass

N.R.S. 293.387 - Canvass of returns; abstract of votes

Overview of Statute

This section provides for the canvass of returns, and requires an abstract of votes.

Statute

1. As soon as the returns from all the precincts and districts in any county have been received by the board of county commissioners, the board shall meet and canvass the returns. The canvass must be completed on or before the 10th day following the election.

2. In making its canvass, the board shall:

(a) Note separately any clerical errors discovered; and

(b) Take account of the changes resulting from the discovery, so that the result declared represents the true vote cast.

3. The county clerk shall, as soon as the result is declared, enter upon the records of the board an abstract of the result, which must contain the number of votes cast for each candidate. The board, after making the abstract, shall cause the county clerk to certify the abstract and, by an order made and entered in the minutes of its proceedings, to make:

(a) A copy of the certified abstract; and

(b) A mechanized report of the abstract in compliance with regulations adopted by the Secretary of State,

and transmit them to the Secretary of State not more than 7 working days after the election.

4. The Secretary of State shall, immediately after any primary election, compile the returns for all candidates voted for in more than one county. The Secretary of State shall make out and file in his or her office an abstract thereof, and shall certify to the county clerk of each county the name of each person nominated, and the name of the office for which the person is nominated.

      (Added to NRS by 1960, 261; A 1961, 292; 1963, 1374; 1967, 861; 1969, 786; 1971, 445, 1487; 1977, 245; 1987, 349, 1370; 1989, 1665; 1991, 1106; 1997, 3464; 1999, 3553; 2007, 621; 2019, c.619.)

Definition [County clerk]

Except as the term is used in NRS 293.393, whenever the term “county clerk” is used in this title it means “registrar of voters” in those counties where such office has been created pursuant to the provisions of NRS 244.164.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.044.

Definition [Primary election]

The election held pursuant to NRS 293.175.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. §  293.080.

Definition [Clerk]

The election board officer designated or assigned to make the record of the election in the roster, tally list and challenge list in the precinct, district or polling place in which such officer is appointed.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.040.

Definition [State]

A state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293D.080.

Definition [Board]

As used in NRS 295.075 to 295.125, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, “board” means the board of county commissioners.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 295.075.

Definition [Person]

1.  A natural person;

2.  Any form of business or social organization;

3.  Any nongovernmental legal entity, including, without limitation, a corporation, partnership, association, trust, unincorporated organization, labor union, committee for political action, political party and committee sponsored by a political party; or

4.  A government, governmental agency or political subdivision of a government.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 294A.009.

Definition [Canvass]

A review of the election results by the board of county commissioners or the mayor and city council or the justices of the Supreme Court, by which any errors within the election results are officially noted and the official election results are declared.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.032.

Definition [Precinct]

The smallest voting area in a political subdivision.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. §  293.077.

Definition [Candidate]

Any person:

      1.  Who files a declaration of candidacy;

      2.  Who files an acceptance of candidacy;

      3.  Whose name appears on an official ballot at any election; or

      4.  Who has received one or more contributions in excess of $100, regardless of whether:

      (a) The person has filed a declaration of candidacy or an acceptance of candidacy; or

      (b) The name of the person appears on an official ballot at any election.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 294A.005.

Cases

Nevada Cases

Out-of-State Cases

Federal Cases

Regulations & Guidance

Attorney General's Opinions

  • AGO 239 (1918) In making a canvass of election returns, county commissioners can only examine the certificates of inspectors and clerks and add up the totals from each precinct. They do not have the power to go beyond the certificates and check the tally marks or recount the ballots.

  • AGO 139 (1922) A canvass of votes by county commissioners must be confined to tally sheets. Envelopes containing ballots may not be opened except upon a court order in the proper proceedings.

Administrative Regulations

  • Manner of conducting canvass, NAC 293.365.

  • Mechanized report of abstract, NAC 293.341.