Washoe County Election Official Takes Leave of Absence

Cari-Ann Burgess, the interim Registrar of Voters in Washoe County, Nevada, is taking a stress-related leave of absence just over a month before the presidential election, raising concerns about election operations in this crucial swing county. Burgess is the third registrar since 2020, a period marked by high turnover due to threats and stress stemming from conspiracy theories about election integrity following the 2020 election. Her duties will be reassigned as the office prepares for early voting and mail ballots. While there are no documented threats against Burgess, Washoe County officials acknowledge the stressful environment for election staff, exacerbated by ongoing scrutiny and negative comments. This departure comes amidst a highly competitive political landscape, with recent polls indicating a tight race in Nevada between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The situation highlights the significant challenges faced by election officials as they gear up for the 2024 General Election.