Miller issues emergency rules to repay counties for special election

Secretary of State Ross Miller issued emergency regulations Wednesday to reimburse counties for the cost of the upcoming special election.

The election to fill Dean Heller's congressional seat is expected to cost a total of nearly $1 million. Gov. Brian Sandoval set that vote for Sept. 13.

Miller said counties budget for the cost of administering regular elections, but neither they nor the state anticipated or budgeted for a special election.

As a result, he said, the regulations "are necessary to assist the counties during a financially difficult period in this state and are also necessary to ensure the proper administration of the special election by the counties."

Miller's rule requires the counties to submit invoices and supporting documents to his office after the election. He said actual reimbursement of expenses "will be contingent upon available and authorized state funding."

Heller vacated the Congressional District 2 seat when Sandoval appointed him to the U.S. Senate. The U.S. Constitution requires a House seat be filled in an election rather than an appointment.

The major party candidates seeking the office are Carson City Republican Mark Amodei and state Treasurer Kate Marshall of Reno.