Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Elections topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves new Registrar of Voters warehouse amid public concern; lease draws 3-1 vote
Summary
Washoe County commissioners approved a 126-month lease for a 49,500 sq ft warehouse to centralize Registrar of Voters operations, citing improved chain-of-custody and efficiency; opponents warned the move could undermine voter confidence and access.
The Washoe County Board of Commissioners approved a lease for the Registrar of Voters to occupy a 49,500-square-foot warehouse at 6550 Longley Lane, citing operational efficiencies and improved security for ballots and voting equipment. The motion passed 3-1 after public comment and debate about transparency, cost and access.
County staff said the 126-month lease (starting Jan. 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2036) will centralize election logistics, consolidate scattered storage and provide dedicated space for ballot processing, training and secure storage. The registrar told the board the space will allow parallel processing of ballot stages, increased scanning capacity and a public viewing gallery for transparency.
"Centralizing ballot storage, processing, and logistics improves physical and procedural security," the registrar said, describing plans for segregated, badge-accessed rooms and a gallery that would allow the public to view processing without entering secure areas.
Supporters — including Silver State Voices and All Voting as Local Action Nevada — argued the space is necessary as Washoe County grows. "Ensuring fair and efficient elections is the registrar's most crucial responsibility," Jennifer Willett, senior campaign manager for All Voting as Local Action Nevada, told commissioners.
Opponents said the move could reduce voter access and deepen distrust of local election administration. Penny Brock said recent controversies have eroded confidence and warned that relocating services from the county complex could make it harder for voters to find assistance. "Voters have lost confidence in our elections," Brock said during public comment.
Manager Thomas said staff had negotiated six months of free rent (an estimated $237,600 savings) and that parts of the new space will be used by multiple county functions, not just the ROV. The lease's long-term cost was described in staff materials as roughly $5.5 million in base rent plus an estimated $1.4 million in common area maintenance over the term.
Commissioners debated the balance of security and accessibility before the 3-1 vote to approve. The registrar will return with more specifics on transition plans and security protocols to be implemented prior to occupying the site.
Vote: Approved 3-1.
Next steps: Staff will finalize lease paperwork and prepare a plan for the registrar to transition operations and brief the board on public-access arrangements and cost accounting.
