Carson City Voters to Skip Primary Ballot as All Local Races Advance Directly to General Election

Carson City residents will not see any local races on the 2026 Primary Election ballot, as all county-level contests have advanced directly to the General Election in November. This outcome results from Nevada state law, which eliminates the need for a primary when two or fewer candidates file for a single-seat office.

According to the Carson City Clerk-Recorder’s Office, every local office on the ballot this year—including Sheriff, Clerk‑Recorder, and Treasurer—had two or fewer candidates file. These races bypass the primary process entirely and will appear only on the General Election ballot.

How Nevada Law Determines When a Primary Is Held

Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), a primary election is only required when there are three or more candidates competing for a single office. If two or fewer candidates file, the race is deemed uncontested for the purposes of a primary, and all candidates move straight to the general election.

This provision aims to reduce unnecessary voting rounds when voter choice is already limited, streamlining the election process while maintaining accessibility and security. Local election officials continue to administer elections in accordance with state guidelines to ensure integrity and voter confidence.

Ballot Access for Minor Political Party and Nonpartisan Candidates

While the absence of a primary affects all local races equally, ballot access rules differ for candidates based on party affiliation.

Candidates from a minor political party may appear on the general election ballot only if their party is officially qualified with the Nevada Secretary of State. To qualify, a minor party must:

• File its certificate of existence and be organized as required by law.
• Submit a list of its partisan candidates to the Secretary of State; and
• Meet at least one of the statewide qualification thresholds, such as earning 1% of the vote in a prior election, achieving 1% voter registration, or submitting a qualifying petition.

Nonpartisan candidates, by contrast, do not qualify through minor political party procedures. Instead, they gain ballot access under separate rules established for nonpartisan offices, which do not require party affiliation or qualification through partisan mechanisms.

Election Officials Emphasize Security and Accessibility

Nevada’s election administration continues to prioritize both security and voter access. The state’s Effective Absentee System for Elections (EASE) remains available to support covered voters, including military personnel, overseas citizens, and others with special voting needs.

Local officials affirm that all elections are conducted with transparency and adherence to state law, ensuring that every eligible voter can participate in a safe and accessible manner.

What Voters Should Know

Carson City voters should expect to see no local races on their primary ballot. All local contests—including those for Sheriff, Clerk‑Recorder, and Treasurer—will be decided in the November General Election. Voters are encouraged to verify their registration, review sample ballots when available, and stay informed through official county and state election resources.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, residents should consult the Carson City Elections Department or the Nevada Secretary of State’s office.