Nevada Deputy Secretary of State Mark Wlaschin joined the Board of Supervisors on Thursday morning to discuss community outreach to inform the public of new election procedures, specifically emphasizing mail-in ballots. He said that he’s ready to coordinate with the clerk’s office to ensure voters know how the universal mail-in system will work. He’s also hoping to correct any misinformation that voters have encountered regarding any election and voting topic, not just the mail-in system. “We identified the very clear need to spend more time talking to voters,” he told the board. “I will try to talk to as many people as possible before the 2022 election.” Wlaschin added that he’s more than happy to continue working with voters and answering questions even after the upcoming election cycle. At Supervisor Maurice White’s request, he briefly outlined how to opt-out of mail-in voting. To opt-out of receiving a mail-in ballot, visit the Carson City Clerk-Recorder’s page at https://www.carson.org/government/departments-a-f/clerk-recorder/elections-department/absent-ballots. From there, scroll down to download the “Mail Ballot Preference Form.” Residents who would not like to receive a mail ballot may fill out this form and return it to the clerk’s office at 885 E. Musser St. The same form applies for those who have previously opted out but would like to start receiving a mail ballot again. Forms must be received 60 days before an election to be processed. Wlaschin also offered his contact information and encouraged voters to reach out to him with questions. He’s happy to schedule in-person or virtual meetings to discuss anything election- and voting-related. His office line is 775-684-5720, and his email address is mwlaschin@sos.nv.gov. Among the board’s other agenda items, the supervisors also: • Approved an updated Hazard Mitigation Plan, which allows the city to receive funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster relief and prevention. • Accepted an Indigent Services Plan and approved a contract for a new attorney to conduct conflict counseling. The city’s current conflict counselor has submitted a letter of resignation. • Approved a no-cost Cooperative Agreement contract renewal with the Carson City Airport Authority to manage the city airport. • Approved Open Space’s plan to officially name six properties throughout the city. Each name holds cultural significance for the Washoe Tribe. The board also addressed some complaints about the mayor’s public comment policy. Currently, residents attending the meetings in-person or over the phone are invited to use a maximum of three minutes to comment at the beginning and the end of the meeting, but not throughout the meeting while individual agenda items are discussed. (The latter was Mayor Bob Crowell’s policy.) Mayor Lori Bagwell also accepts written public comment for the record in advance of and during the meeting, with no length limit. “We have done everything in our power to improve the processes of public comment,” Bagwell said. Supervisors Lisa Schuette, Stacey Giomi, and Maurice White affirmed that regardless of their personal opinions on public comment policy, Bagwell’s policy goes above and beyond the legal requirements for giving residents the opportunity to make comments. Bagwell also emphasized that her policy is largely influenced by pandemic-related mandates, trying to get folks in and out of the board room in a timely manner.
