Voter turnout among 18-29 year olds in the United States is lower compared to other age groups. According to statistics from Census.gov, a little over 61% of 25-44 year olds voted in the presidential election, compared to the 49% of 18-29 year olds throughout the country. There are almost 50 million Generation Z individuals eligible to vote for this upcoming election. In Nevada, voters younger than 25 make up about 11% of registered voters. This group can cast critical swing votes and potentially decide electoral outcomes in the Silver State.
But younger voters may be uncertain when, where or what they are voting for in the 2026 midterm election. We’re here to answer some of your questions.
When is Election Day? Tuesday, Nov. 3.
When is Early Voting? Saturday, Oct.17 through Friday, Oct 30.
Where can students vote in town? Students can vote in-person or by mail.
There are 20 Early Vote Centers. A few polling locations close to campus are the Joe Crowley Student Union (JCSU) and the Downtown Reno Library. All locations are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There are 42 Vote Centers on Election Day. The aforementioned early voting centers near campus will also serve as polling locations on Election Day. All locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
With 20 early voting locations and 42 Election Day vote centers, college students have a wide array of choices for where to cast their vote. The most convenient polling location for students would most likely be the JCSU.
For students who don’t have the time to vote in-person or wish to vote from the comfort of their home, perhaps a mail-in ballot would work better. The State of Nevada automatically sends a mail-in ballot to all registered voters in the state. The process of voting by mail requires filling out the ballot, signing the return envelope, and mailing or dropping it off at a registered drop box location.
Out-of-state college students can check the official Nevada Secretary of State College/University Voting Guide for detailed residency and mail-in ballot instructions.
What are the three ballot questions?
In addition to voting for candidates, you will also be voting on three ballot questions this election. Below is a brief description of each one.
Nevada Question 6, Right to Abortion Initiative (2026)
This question asks whether a voter supports or opposes a state constitutional right to an abortion. If passed, an abortion in Nevada could not be denied until fetal viability, the stage where a fetus could survive outside the uterus, except when medically indicated to “protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.”
Nevada Question 7, Require Voter Identification Initiative (2026)
This question asks whether a voter supports or opposes requiring Nevada residents to present a form of identification to verify their identity while voting in-person. If passed, a resident must present a photo identification when voting in person, or the last four digits of their driver’s license or Social Security number when voting by mail.
Questions 6 and 7 passed during the 2024 General Election. If approved again this November, they will be made amendments to the state’s Constitution.
Washoe County Advisory Ballot Question No.1
This question asks whether a voter supports or opposes advising the legislature to create an annual road use fee for all electric and hybrid passenger vehicles registered in Washoe County to fund air quality improvements, traffic management and road maintenance.
You can find a breakdown of each question in the Nevada Independent County Voter Guide.
What positions are you voting for?
Now that you know when and where to vote, along with what questions you’ll be voting on, let’s discuss the positions that are up for election this November. You will be casting your vote for candidates to fill 35 positions; 19 candidates are running unopposed.
Here are some of the positions and the responsibilities each entails:
Federal Positions
Nevada’s Congressional District 2
The congressperson elected to this position will represent Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. This district represents the entire northern half of Nevada, which includes the capital Carson City and the counties of Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Pershing, Storey, Washoe and White Pine, as well as the majority of Lyon County.
State of Nevada
Governor
The governor serves as the state’s chief executive officer and Commander-in-Chief of the state military. Responsibilities of this office include appointing department heads and members of boards and commissions, conducting all business with civil and military officers, and signing all commissions granted by the state, among other notable acts.
Lieutenant Governor of Nevada
The lieutenant governor of Nevada is the second-highest office in the state. This position acts as president of the Nevada Senate, with the ability to cast tie-breaking votes, among other positions such as the chair of the commission on tourism, vice-chair of the State Board of Transportation and a member of the Executive Budget Audit Committee. In certain circumstances, the lieutenant governor may temporarily act as governor if the sitting governor is absent or unable to perform their duties.
Nevada Secretary of State
As the official recorder-keeper of the state, the Nevada secretary of state is responsible for maintaining the official recordings of acts of the Nevada Legislature and of the executive branch of the state. Throughout their four-year term, the secretary of state will serve on various boards and committees, such as the State Records Committee, the State Board of Examiners and the State Advisory Committee on Participatory Democracy.
Attorney General of Nevada
Also known as the chief legal officer of the State, the attorney general of Nevada represents Nevadans in civil and criminal matters before trial, appellate and the United States and Nevada Supreme Court. During their four-year term, the attorney general partners with district attorneys and other law enforcement to administer justice and enforce laws.
Nevada Controller
The controller, also known as the chief fiscal officer of the government of Nevada, administers the state’s accounting system, conducts the final audit and settles claims against the state. For a four-year term, the controller is expected to advance accountability, continuity and efficiency in the state’s financial operations.
Nevada State Treasurer
The state treasurer is the chief financial officer of the state. They’re responsible for maintaining state funds and working closely with the state controller to disburse funds under warrants drawn upon. Throughout a four-year term, this office is concerned with all things money in the state, including college savings plans such as Prepaid Tuition, Nevada College Kick Start and the Millennium Scholarship.
Nevada State Senate District 16
Of the 21 districts of the Nevada Senate, District 16 covers all of Carson City and Storey County, as well as parts of Washoe County. The Nevada State Senate is the upper chamber of the Nevada State Legislature, with senators serving four-year terms.
Nevada State Assembly District 26
Of the 42 districts of the Nevada Assembly, District 26 covers parts of Washoe County. The Nevada State Assembly is the lower chamber of the Nevada State Legislature, with assemblymembers serving two-year terms.
To see a complete list of who is running for these positions, visit the Washoe County General Election page.
Local
Incline Village General Improvement District Board At-Large
Two seats of the Incline Village General Improvement District Board of Trustees are up for election. Members of the board serve four-year terms and are concerned with the domestic policies and well-being of the local area and citizens.
Palomino Valley General Improvement District
Three seats of the Palomino Valley General Improvement District Board of Trustees are up for election. Members of the board serve four-year terms and are concerned with the domestic policies and well-being of the local area and citizens.
Washoe County Clerk
The Clerk’s Office is responsible for preserving public records of the county and offers passport and marital services. With a four-year term, the Washoe County clerk works to archive and maintain the public records of Washoe County’s history as well as provide contemporary services to current residents.
Washoe County Public Administrator
The public administrator is primarily concerned with the wills and estates of those deceased without a viable candidate to administer their affairs. While serving a four-year term, the public administrator seeks to keep property and finances secure and manages the estates of deceased individuals who lack a qualified representative to handle their affairs.
Washoe County Commission District 2
The Board of County Commissioners serves a four-year term and have the authority to adopt ordinances and resolutions for local offices to enforce. Washoe County District 2 is the southeast-most district encompassing South Reno and Washoe Valley.
Nevada 2nd Judicial District Court Department 1
The Nevada 2nd Judicial District Court has jurisdiction over all felony and gross misdemeanor criminal cases, civil actions over $15,000, family and juvenile court matters. Judges serve six-year terms and work to preside over cases and administer the law.
Nevada 2nd Judicial District Court Family Division Department 13
This position has responsibilities similar to those of the 2nd Judicial District Court Department but with more involvement in family matters. These judges serve six-year terms and preside over legal matters relating to family law.
Lastly, you can view an example of a sample ballot through Ballotpedia.
