logo

Did Clark County, Nevada use a defective signature-matching computer system in the 2020 election?

By Todd Butterworth
NO

In 2020, Clark County used a two-step process to verify voter signatures on mail-in ballots. The Agilis computerized scanning system reviewed signatures, accepting about 30%; additional human verification was used for the remaining 70%.

Republicans filed lawsuits challenging the county’s signature verification process, which ultimately failed in both state and federal court.

A central claim of the lawsuits was that the Agilis system had a lower sensitivity setting than desired and should have accepted even fewer than 30% of signatures. Election officials testified that Agilis tested well at the setting used and that the county’s ballot rejection rate was in line with the statewide signature rejection rate.

Judges ruled that attorneys did not present sufficient evidence to warrant intervention in the election process. Republicans appealed the state case to the Nevada Supreme Court, which unanimously rejected a hearing. 

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
The Nevada Independent is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news and opinion website founded in 2017 by veteran political journalist and commentator Jon Ralston. The site and its supporting channels are focused on ethical, unbiased and transparent journalism. In general, we aim to gather and disseminate important public information and increase civic engagement. We are supported by corporate donations, memberships, event ticket sales and sponsorships and foundation grants. We disclose all our members and donors. Donors have no influence over our content, ever. The Nevada Independent is the dba for Nevada News Bureau, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Thompson, who now serves as one of The Nevada Independent's managing directors and its Editor.
FACT BRIEF BY
facebook
twitter
email
email