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FACT BRIEF

Does SB406 make it illegal to hold election officials accountable?

By Noel Sims
View this fact brief on The Nevada Independent
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NO

SB406 makes it illegal to use “any force, intimidation, coercion, violence, restraint or undue influence” against an election official or share any of their personal information with the intent that it be used to harm them. These actions are now a felony, which could result in a fine and up to four years in prison.

The bill was a priority for state Democratic officials after threats against election workers spiked in 2020 and 2022.

Citizens will still be able to hold election officials accountable through observing polling places, ballot counting, and filing formal complaints with the secretary of state.

Sigal Chattah, the national committeewoman for the Nevada GOP, filed a lawsuit on June 29 against Gov. Joe Lombardo and Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar alleging that the law is too vague in its definitions of “election officials” and illegal actions against them.

See a full discussion of this at The Nevada Independent
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Nevada Legislature SB406
Nevada Independent Lombardo signs election worker protection bill amid rising partisan tensions
Nevada Secretary of State Report Potential Election Law Violations
Court Listener Vanness v. Aguilar (D. Nev., 2:23-cv-01009)
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The Nevada Independent
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.
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