Retired Marine Leads Charge to Secure Voting Rights for Nevadans Abroad

A Lifetime of Service Transitions to Civic Duty (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Carson City – Mark Wlaschin started his workday well before dawn, driving through the dimly lit streets to the Nevada Secretary of State’s office. As deputy secretary for elections, he plays a pivotal role in ensuring that every eligible voter participates, particularly those stationed far from home. His efforts focus on military personnel and overseas citizens who might otherwise miss their chance to shape Nevada’s future.[1]

A Lifetime of Service Transitions to Civic Duty

Mark Wlaschin spent two decades in the United States Marine Corps, rising through the ranks with deployments that honed his leadership skills. He served as an infantry sergeant aboard U.S. Navy ships in the Mediterranean by the fall of 2001, witnessing global events that underscored the importance of duty.[2] That military foundation prepared him for complex operations under pressure.

After retiring, Wlaschin brought his operational expertise to state government. He joined the Nevada Secretary of State’s office, initially as deputy for operations, before his appointment as deputy secretary for elections in October 2020. Today, he oversees the Elections Division, managing processes that enforce state and federal voting laws.[3][4]

Navigating the Unique Hurdles of Absentee Voting

Overseas and military voters face logistical barriers, from time zones to unreliable mail delivery. Nevada addresses these through the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, known as UOCAVA, which mandates accommodations for such groups. Wlaschin’s division coordinates with county clerks to transmit ballots early and track returns efficiently.

Challenges persist, including frequent relocations and security clearances that complicate registration. Yet, the state invests in tools to bridge these gaps. Wlaschin emphasizes outreach to bases like Nellis Air Force Base and Naval Air Station Fallon, where thousands of Nevadans serve.[1]

Key Tools Empowering Voters from Afar

Nevada’s Electronic Absentee System for Elections, or EASE, stands as a cornerstone of these efforts. Launched to assist UOCAVA voters and those with disabilities, the portal allows online ballot delivery and marking. Lawmakers expanded its reach in 2020, enabling broader access for special elections too.[1]

Voters register through the Federal Post Card Application, request ballots electronically, and submit via EASE or mail. Counties must send ballots to overseas voters well in advance of deadlines. Wlaschin’s team monitors compliance and provides training to election officials statewide.

• Federal Post Card Application for simplified registration.
• EASE portal for electronic ballot access and return options.
• Early transmission of ballots to meet federal timelines.
• Outreach to military installations and embassies.
• Post-election audits to verify processes.

Measurable Success in Recent Cycles

The impact shows in the numbers. During the 2024 presidential election, 11,163 UOCAVA voters from Nevada cast ballots through EASE alone.[1] This figure highlights growing participation among troops and expatriates.

Under Wlaschin’s oversight, Nevada maintains robust voter list maintenance while prioritizing accessibility. Recent declines in active rolls stemmed from routine purges, not disenfranchisement efforts. His division also pilots technologies like electronic poll books to enhance security and efficiency.[5]

Wlaschin’s work extends to legislative committees, where he advises on improvements like language translations for ballots. These steps ensure Nevada’s elections remain secure and inclusive.

Mark Wlaschin exemplifies seamless transition from military to public service, safeguarding democracy one ballot at a time. His dedication reminds us that voting rights transcend borders.

What more can be done to boost overseas voter turnout? Tell us in the comments.