Request for Paper Ballots for Washoe County for 2026
A Continuity of Operations Proposal
In light of the recent cyberattack against the state of Nevada, coupled with Washoe County’s plans to implement new leading-edge technology in elections, the following unsolicited proposal answers the county’s need for election integrity and continuity of operations in cases of emergency.
Overview
Washoe County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) does not adequately prepare for widespread cyberattack nor power loss—the most prevalent issue that can interrupt an election. In fact, there was a power loss in the 2024 general that shut down the office of the Registrar of Voters as ballots were being processed, counted, and cured. The backup generator failed and the redundant backup generator was disconnected, too. In such a situation, the COOP directed the movement of ballots to a location where counting could continue. That did not happen and precious time was lost.
On or about August 25, 2025, the state of Nevada experienced a cyberattack that shut down the DMV, the governor’s website, and the websites of other government agencies around the state lasting days. Suffice it to say that if an election was occurring and this cyberattack happened, elections would be crippled and would otherwise cease if not for a Continuity of Operations Plan that is effective and properly followed.
This proposal provides safeguards and contingencies in case of emergency that embrace non-electronic methods that keep an election running.
This proposal will also help bring Washoe County into compliance with state and federal laws.
And most importantly, this proposal will strengthen voter confidence and participation.
Washoe County’s Elections
The Registrar of Voters serves solely at the pleasure of the Commissioners
Washoe County’s Organizational Chart that shows the office of the ROV under the County Manager is wrong. See Washoe County Code 5.451, 2: The person appointed to such office shall serve in such office solely at the pleasure of the board of county commissioners. Read more on Picon Press and Mike’s Reno Report on Substack.
Former Registrar of Voters sues Washoe County
The former interim ROV Cari-Ann Burgess, who was forced out by County Manager Eric Brown and replaced by his appointed Deputy Andrew McDonald, has sued Washoe County for wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, and conspiracy to deprive her of employment. Read about it at AP and ThisIsReno.
The Complaint Against Andrew McDonald
We The People of Washoe County lodged a complaint against ROV Andrew McDonald, which can be read here.
Request for New Ordinance that defines what the ROV reports to Commissioners
A concerned citizen requests a new ordinance to give clarity and consistency to the ROV’s report on the canvass of an election. Read the minutes of the Board of Commissioners from June 10, 2025, here, page 3, paragraph 2, proposal by Mr. Williams.
Commissioner Clark demands items be on the agenda
County Commissioner Mike Clark has long lamented the log jam to get items on the agenda for discussion and vote in open meeting. He recently received a concession you can read about here.