What If – Making the Nevada Legislature and Governing Nevada More Efficient – OPINION

What if:

  1. Voters repealed NRS241.016 2(a) the legislature’s exemption from open meeting law.
  • Legislature chamber rules could not be suspended.
  • The Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB) was required to evaluate each bill draft request (BDR) for duplication then required to notify the legislators involved to reconcile their bills. One bill per topic. A legislator could co-sponsor. Sponsors of duplicate bills would have to provide a reason in writing to the governor justifying duplication.
  • Single subject rule applied to legislation. No omnibus bills.
  • Legislation must actually solve a problem, have a formal problem statement / root cause analysis, and a statement of how the legislation solves the root cause.
  • All meetings started on time and floor sessions were moved to 6:00 PM (last item of the day) as the public does not have input.
  • Bills to conduct a study had to include a statement clearly describing what the potential problem being investigated is and why the study is necessary.
  • Bills honoring people, naming a building, naming a state animal, plant, etc could not be heard until action on all other bills is completed.
  • All bills had to be submitted per statute timeline and emergency bills had to be approved by both the majority and minority leaders of both chambers.
  1. Every bill had to include how the bill would be implemented, how and who was responsible for implementation, and a specific date by which implementation must be complete.
  1. Bills had to be written with enough specifics so legislative intent was clear and not open to different judicial interpretations.
  1. The governor made meeting these standards a criteria for signing or vetoing bills.

The 120-day legislative session is actually 89 days when legislators are in the building. There must be a real discussion about either lengthening the session or going to annual sessions.

The public must demand that legislators collaborate on problems facing the state. They must make this apparent with their votes.

What if?

Non-Partisan Less Than One-Quarter of One Percent From Overtaking Democratic As Top Voter Group

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – July 4, 2023

Did the Nevada Legislature’s regular and two special sessions have an impact on voter registration? Difficult to say. However, the June voter registration numbers could allow for a reasonable assumption. Non-Partisan voter share gained almost one-half of one percent on Democratic voter share and is now less than one-quarter of one percent (0.24%) away from over-taking the Democratic Party as the leading group of active voters in the state.

Except in the rural counties, Non-Partisan was the only group to gain share. In the rurals, all parties gained, however, Non-Partisan led the way more than doubling the Republican gain. 

State-Wide

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-779-0.13%31.84%-0.16%
R2780.05%29.12%-0.09%
NP7,3861.25%31.60%0.28%
IAP3850.47%4.37%0.00%
LIB40.02%0.86%0.00%
Other-302-0.72%2.20%-0.02%
Total not D or R  39.04%0.26%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Clark County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-1,113-0.24%34.18%-0.21%
R-758-0.22%25.26%-0.15%
NP5,0411.13%33.02%0.25%
IAP1000.17%4.22%-0.01%
LIB-14-0.13%0.76%0.00%
Other-296-0.89%2.41%-0.03%
Total not D or R  40.42%0.21%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Washoe County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D2130.22%31.17%-0.10%
R3270.33%32.66%-0.07%
NP9681.12%28.39%0.16%
IAP1421.01%4.59%0.01%
LIB50.14%1.17%0.00%
Other-18-0.29%2.02%-0.01%
Total not D or R  36.17%0.16

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Rural Counties (See rural county table below district tables)

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1210.32%17.87%0.02%
R7090.69%48.68%0.24%
NP1,3772.43%27.19%0.60%
IAP1431.37%4.94%0.06%
LIB130.56%1.09%0.00%
Other120.48%1.17%0.00%
Total not D or R  34.39%0.66%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

18 – 34 Year Old

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-954-0.60%29.92%-0.26%
R-231-0.26%16.91%-0.09%
NP2,8091.20%44.83%0.41%
IAP100.04%4.25%-0.01%
LIB-23-0.33%1.31%-0.01%
Other-200-1.35%2.77%-0.05%
Total not D or R  53.17%0.34%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

55+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D3010.12%34.05%-0.11%
R5930.20%38.64%-0.10%
NP2,3331.45%21.27%0.21%
IAP2700.83%4.25%0.02%
LIB110.36%0.40%0.00%
Other-48-0.45%1.38%-0.01%
Total not D or R  27.30%0.22%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

By district voter share changes.

Congressional Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic400
Republican400
NP040
IAP121
LIB103
Other400

In all Congressional districts (100 percent of the districts) the number of voters not affiliated with either major party exceeds the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In three (75%) of the districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

NP holds the top share in CD3.

State Senate Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic2100
Republican2010
NP0210
IAP8103
LIB9102
Other2010
    

In all 21 districts (100%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In 15 (71.43%) of the 21 districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

NP holds the top share in SDs 5,9,10,11,12

State Assembly Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic4200
Republican4200
NP1410
IAP19185
LIB161115
Other36  42

In all 42 districts (100%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In 29 (69.05%) of the 42 districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

NP holds the top share in Ads 8,9,15,16,29,35, and 41

Rural Counties

Party# Counties Lose Voter Share# Counties Gain Voter Share# Counties No Change
Democratic1311
Republican1410
NP1140
IAP582
LIB654
Other735

The voter share of those not registered to either the Democratic or Republican Party increased in 14 of the 15 rural counties with an average share of 31.06 percent.

If the trend continues; being a multi-year trend there is no reason to believe it won’t, will the Democratic Party relinquish its voter share lead this month? Will the party fall below 30 percent voter share before next year’s state primary in June?

How Partisan was the 2023 Legislative Session

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – June 15, 2023

The 82nd regular session of the Nevada Legislature adjourned sine die at 12:19 A.M. June 6th.

While media rightfully focuses on major or contentious legislation which resulted in most of the party line votes, how partisan was the session?

Bill Draft Requests (BDR)

1,229 BDRs filed

1,066 filed within statutory deadline

163 filed between February 24th to June 2nd

Bills and Joint Resolutions

1056 bills and joint resolutions on NELIS

295 died – 27.94%

Of the bills that died at 1st deadline not including committee bills (58)

62 were D – 34.25%

107 were R – 59.12%

12 bipartisan – 6.63%

Bills died with no 1st house vote not including committee bills (2)

4 were D – 50%

3 were R- 37.5%

1 was bipartisan – 12.5%

Bills dying at 2nd house committee not including committee bills (2)

3 were D – 50%

1 was R – 16.67%

2 were bipartisan – 33.33%

First house vote; one party line, five unanimous

Bills dying no 2nd chamber vote not including committee bills (13)

15 D – 60%

7 R – 28%

3 bipartisan – 12%

First house vote; nine party line, 12 unanimous

Of bills that received votes in both chambers

there was a total of 1522 votes

Of those 835 were unanimous – 54.86%

136 were party line – 8.94%

Combining with bills that died with one vote

1568 votes

852 unanimous – 54.34%

145 party line – 9.25%

Election Bills

Unlike the session overall, election related bills faced a more heightened level of partisanship.

36 bills

13 R

None passed

11 did not get hearing

1 passed first chamber, did not get hearing in 2nd

1 Governor bill was exempt, did not get hearing

9 D

6 passed (1 vetoed)

9 heard 1st committee

1 no 1st committee vote

1 not heard 2nd chamber

1 exempt not heard

6 – committee

5 passed

1 no 2nd committee vote

6 – Secretary of State

3 passed

3 no first committee vote

1 – Nevada League of Cities

1 not heard

1 – Office of the Governor

Exempt not heard

How does this compare to other sessions? The last time I did this type of analysis was following the 2015 session. I looked at how that session compared with the previous three, 2009, 2011, 2013. The biggest difference, the percentage of party-line votes. You can read the 2015 report here.

As I write this, partisan differences have resulted in two special sessions. The first dealing with the capital improvement projects (CIP) budget and the second with a bill to provide tax incentives to the Oakland Athletics to bring major league baseball to Las Vegas.

The CIP bill passed but was not complete party line vote. During the regular session it failed to get the necessary votes. The bill to provide public funding to entice the Oakland Athletics to move to Las Vegas did not get a hearing during the regular session.  The special session bill passed with both bipartisan support and opposition.

Adding to the tension was another bill, incentives to motion picture industry to build a production studio in Las Vegas. This bill did not get a floor vote.

All three of these bills were introduced the last weeks of the session.

Another point adding to the contentiousness is the legislature’s exemption from the state’s open meeting law. This allows for suspension of rules, behind the bar (on the chamber floor) committee meetings and votes with no public participation, and proceedings held under Committee of the Whole rules where hearings are held in each chamber without public participation. These types of proceedings are most prevalent during the last two weeks of a regular session and common during a special session.

All bills passed have been forwarded to the governor for action. How many will the governor sign, how many will he allow to become law without his signature, and how many will he veto. We will know next week.

Non-Partisan Continue To Close Gap On Democratic Voter Share

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – June 5, 2023

Both the Democratic and Republican Party continued their voter share decline in May with Non-Partisan getting closer to over-taking the Democratic Party as the group with the greatest voter share. Voter roll maintenance in Humboldt, Lincoln, and Nye County helped the major parties in those counties.

State-Wide

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-216-0.04%32.00%-0.01%
R-2,889-0.52%29.22%-0.15%
NP3,4180.58%31.33%0.18%
IAP440.05%4.36%0.00%
LIB-53-0.32%0.87%0.00%
Other-374-0.89%2.23%-0.02%
Total not D or R  38.79%0.16%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Clark County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1,1780.25%34.38%-0.16%
R8340.24%25.41%-0.12%
NP7,1941.64%32.77%0.30%
IAP5470.96%4.23%0.01%
LIB530.51%0.77%0.00%
Other-46-0.14%2.44%-0.02%
Total not D or R  40.21%0.29%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Washoe County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D2050.21%31.27%-0.12%
R2430.24%32.73%-0.12%
NP1,2411.46%28.23%0.24%
IAP1150.83%4.59%0.01%
LIB230.65%1.17%0.00%
Other-2-0.03%2.02%-0.01%
Total not D or R  36.00%0.24

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Rural Counties (See rural county table below district tables)

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-1,599-4.03%17.84%0.21%
R-3,966-3.70%48.43%0.75%
NP-5,017-8.13%26.59%-0.85%
IAP-618-5.61%4.88%-0.02%
LIB-129-5.28%1.08%0.00%
Other-326-11.58%1.17%-0.08%
Total not D or R  33.72%-0.95%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

18 – 34 Year Old

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-293-0.18%30.18%-0.06%
R-1,042-1.15%17.00%-0.20%
NP1,5600.67%44.42%0.29%
IAP140.06%4.26%0.00%
LIB-49-0.70%1.32%-0.01%
Other-164-1.09%2.82%-0.03%
Total not D or R  52.82%0.25%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

55+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-19-0.01%34.17%0.01%
R-885-0.30%38.74%-0.10%
NP6490.40%21.06%0.09%
IAP170.05%4.23%0.00%
LIB-19-0.61%0.40%0.00%
Other-87-0.81%1.40%-0.01%
Total not D or R  27.09%0.08%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

By district voter share changes.

Congressional Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic310
Republican400
NP130
IAP121
LIB130
Other400

In all Congressional districts (100 percent of the districts) the number of voters not affiliated with either major party exceeds the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In three (75%) of the districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

NP holds the top share in CD3.

State Senate Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic1920
Republican1920
NP2190
IAP5106
LIB6312
Other2100
    

In all 21 districts (100%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In 15 (71.43%) of the 21 districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

NP holds the top share in SDs 5,9,10, and 11

State Assembly Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic3741
Republican3660
NP3390
IAP9249
LIB14820
Other38  22

In all 42 districts (100%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In 28 (66.67%) of the 42 districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

NP holds the top share in Ads 8,9,15,16,29,35, and 41

Rural Counties

Party# Counties Lose Voter Share# Counties Gain Voter Share# Counties No Change
Democratic1041
Republican951
NP4101
IAP753
LIB753
Other1122

The voter share of those not registered to either the Democratic or Republican Party increased in 10 of the 15 rural counties with an average share of 30.73 percent (decrease of 0.82% due to list maintenance in Humboldt, Lincoln, and Nye county.

The legislative session must end tonight by midnight. How will voters view the results and will that have any impact of voter registration trends?

Non-Partisan Voter Share Less Than One Percent From Overtaking Democratic Party

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – May 3, 2023

Less than one percent. With release of the April voter registration numbers, that is the difference between Democratic Party and Non-Partisan voter share. Less than one percent from Non-Partisan becoming the largest group of active registered voters in the state. 

NOTE: Elko County performed voter roll maintenance in April resulting in the decline of voters reflected in the below tables.

State-Wide

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1450.02%32.01%0.00%
R-3,390-0.61%29.37%-0.19%
NP4,0020.69%31.14%0.20%
IAP-5-0.01%4.36%0.00%
LIB-55-0.34%0.87%0.00%
Other-210-0.49%2.25%-0.01%
Total not D or R  38.62%0.19%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Clark County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1,2590.27%34.54%-0.17%
R9350.27%25.53%-0.13%
NP7,5311.75%32.47%0.31%
IAP5400.96%4.22%0.01%
LIB730.71%0.77%0.00%
Other-2-0.01%2.46%-0.02%
Total not D or R  39.92%0.30%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Washoe County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D3040.32%31.39%-0.09%
R2810.28%32.85%-0.10%
NP1,0711.27%27.99%0.19%
IAP900.65%4.57%0.00%
LIB300.85%1.17%0.00%
Other160.26%2.03%-0.01%
Total not D or R  35.76%0.18

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Rural Counties (See rural county table below district tables)

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-1,418-3.45%17.63%0.27%
R-4,606-4.12%47.69%0.40%
NP-4,600-6.94%27.45%-0.59%
IAP-635-5.45%4.90%-0.03%
LIB-158-6.08%1.09%-0.01%
Other-224-7.37%1.25%-0.03%
Total not D or R  34.68%-0.66%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

18 – 34 Year Old

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-209-0.13%30.24%0.00%
R-1,681-1.82%17.20%-0.30%
NP1,4580.63%44.13%0.34%
IAP-128-0.57%4.26%-0.02%
LIB-65-0.92%1.33%-0.01%
Other-87-0.58%2.85%-0.01%
Total not D or R  52.56%0.30%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

55+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D2380.09%34.15%-0.03%
R-349-0.12%38.84%-0.11%
NP1,3990.88%20.97%0.15%
IAP820.25%4.23%0.00%
LIB-1-0.03%0.41%0.00%
Other-32-0.30%1.41%-0.01%
Total not D or R  27.01%0.14%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

By district voter share changes.

Congressional Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic310
Republican400
NP130
IAP121
LIB004
Other400

In all Congressional districts (100 percent of the districts) the number of voters not affiliated with either major party exceeds the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In three (75%) of the districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

State Senate Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic2010
Republican1920
NP1200
IAP6105
LIB4314
Other1911
    

In all 21 districts (100%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In 15 (71.43%) of the 21 districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

State Assembly Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic4011
Republican4110
NP3390
IAP13209
LIB141018
Other36  33

In all 42 districts (100%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In 28 (66.67%) of the 42 districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

Rural Counties

Party# Counties Lose Voter Share# Counties Gain Voter Share# Counties No Change
Democratic1140
Republican870
NP591
IAP1032
LIB636
Other1005

The voter share of those not registered to either the Democratic or Republican Party increased in 9 of the 15 rural counties with an average share of 31.55 percent (decrease of 1.74% due to Elko list maintenance with a range 22.98 to 39.79)

Voters not registered to vote as either Democratic or Republican continue to be the largest segment of voters in the state and in Clark and Washoe Counties. Non-Partisan continue to lead among voters between the ages 18 to 34; over 52% not Democratic or Republican. With less than one percent separating Democratic and Non-Partisan voter share statewide, the looming question; when will Non-Partisan become the leading group of voters?

Nevada Gains Active Voters; Non-Major Party Voter Share Increases Lead

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – April 4, 2023

As the number of active registered voters increased by almost 15,000 in March, the combined share of voters registered as Non-Partisan or in a minor party increased its lead as the largest group of voters across the state. At the end of March, just under 40 percent of voters in the state and in Clark County fell into the group. In Washoe County it’s 35 percent and among voters 18 to 34 years of age the number is over 52 percent.  

State-Wide

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1,8890.32%32.01%-0.15%
R1,5710.28%29.56%-0.15%
NP10,6541.87%30.94%0.32%
IAP6960.86%4.36%0.00%
LIB1180.72%0.87%0.00%
Other-13-0.03%2.26%-0.02%
Total not D or R  38.43%0.30%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Clark County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1,6890.36%34.72%-0.18%
R1,1540.34%25.66%-0.14%
NP8,3781.98%32.16%0.35%
IAP4980.89%4.21%0.00%
LIB700.69%0.77%0.00%
Other190.06%2.48%-0.02%
Total not D or R  39.62%0.33%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Washoe County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D2010.21%31.47%-0.11%
R2050.21%32.95%-0.12%
NP1,1561.39%27.80%0.23%
IAP1140.83%4.57%0.01%
LIB240.69%1.16%0.00%
Other-10-0.16%2.04%-0.01%
Total not D or R  35.58%0.23

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Rural Counties (See rural county table below district tables)

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-10.00%17.36%-0.11%
R2120.19%47.29%-0.19%
NP1,1201.72%28.04%0.31%
IAP840.73%4.93%0.01%
LIB240.93%1.10%0.00%
Other-22-0.72%1.28%-0.02%
Total not D or R  35.35%0.30%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

18 – 34 Year Old

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D2990.19%30.24%-0.27%
R2400.26%17.50%-0.14%
NP4,8272.14%43.79%0.46%
IAP1870.84%4.28%-0.01%
LIB460.66%1.34%-0.01%
Other-33-0.22%2.86%-0.04%
Total not D or R  52.27%0.40%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

55+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D8960.34%34.18%-0.10%
R1,0010.34%38.95%-0.11%
NP2,5591.64%20.82%0.21%
IAP2680.84%4.22%0.01%
LIB190.62%0.41%0.00%
Other100.09%1.41%-0.01%
Total not D or R  26.87%0.21%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

By district voter share changes.

Congressional Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic400
Republican400
NP040
IAP121
LIB004
Other400

In all Congressional districts (100 percent of the districts) the number of voters not affiliated with either major party exceeds the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In three (75%) of the districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

State Senate Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic2100
Republican2100
NP0210
IAP498
LIB2217
Other2100
    

In all 21 districts (100%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In 14 (66.67%) of the 21 districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

State Assembly Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic4200
Republican4200
NP0420
IAP121010
LIB81024
Other40  02

In all 42 districts (100%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In 28 (66.67%) of the 42 districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

Rural Counties

Party# Counties Lose Voter Share# Counties Gain Voter Share# Counties No Change
Democratic1320
Republican1140
NP3120
IAP645
LIB267
Other1104

The voter share of those not registered to either the Democratic or Republican Party increased in 12 of the 15 rural counties with an average share of 33.29 percent ( increase of 0.19% with a range 24.07 to 39.54)

We are now at the half-way point of the Nevada legislative session. On April 14th we will know the first group of bills that will not advance. As the session proceeds to Sin Die (adjournment) on June 5th, the question is how will the session be viewed by voters and how will that impact voter registration.

2023 Legislative Session Election-Related Bills

Latest status of election-related bills of the 2023 Nevada legislative session

As of May 26, 2023NOTE: RED CELL = BILL DIED
Of the 37 election-related bills, 17 died: 1-Democratic sponsor, 1-League of Cities, 2 from the Secretary of State, and 13 Republican sponsored bill.
Of the 14 Republican sponsored bills introduced only one AB190 received a hearing also receiving a vote
2023 BDRBill #Submitted bySecondary sponsorBDR PurposeDate SubmittedDetailsHeard 1st ChamberCmte vote Green=pass Red=failed Bold =unanimousVote 1st ChamberHeard 2nd ChamberCmte voteVote 2nd ChamberSigned by Gov
24-33AB88Assemblyman HafenRequires proof of identification to vote.4/26/2022Voter ID
105SB 325Senator Seevers GansertRevises provisions relating to elections.7/26/2022Establishes and elections crime unit w/ IG in AG’s office
173SB 157Senator HansenEliminates same day registration and voting.8/1/2022Eliminates same day registration and voting.
175SB 230Senator HansenRequires photo identification for voting.8/1/2022Requires photo identification for voting.
202AB 370Assemblywoman Alexis HansenRevises provisions governing elections.8/1/2022Adds mail ballot opt-out to voter registration forms. Allows voters to opt-in for selected elections. Allows voters to opt-out of having info sent via AVR but still register to vote at AVR agency
24-293AB 190Assemblywoman KasamaRevises provisions governing elections.8/2/2022Requires title companies, property mgt companies, and apt associations to distribute voter registarion forms as part of closing processMar-30Apr-1334/6/2
363SB 215Joint Interim Standing Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections (NRS 218E.320)Establishes provisions related to voting machines.8/29/2022Return of funds by counties for voting machines if go to paper ballot. Impact of AB 242?Mar-16Apr-1113/8
364 SB 216Joint Interim Standing Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections (NRS 218E.320)Establishes provisions relating to voting by members of tribal nations.8/29/2022Counties must maintain relationship w/ tribes. Tribes can request tribal ID be accepted for online.Mar-30Apr-13Exempt
365AB 242Joint Interim Standing Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections (NRS 218E.320)Revises provisions relating to voting by persons with disabilities.8/29/2022All ballots cast in person must be cast mechanically. Apr-11Apr-1328/14May-16May-1916/4/1
24-371AB 61Nevada League of Cities and MunicipalitiesRevises provisions governing the canvass of the vote in municipal elections.8/29/2022If all returns are not in by deadline adds “as soon as possible”
389AJR 6Assemblyman WattsRevises provisions governing elections.8/31/2022Constitutional amendment having NV join NPVIC awarding electoral votes to national popular vote winnerApr-06Apr-1327/14/1May-02May-0912/9
20-408AB 59Secretary of StateRevises provisions concerning the confidentiality of certain personal information of certain persons.9/1/2022Add Sec of State employees to those able to request confidentiality of personal informationMar-03
24-409SB 54Secretary of StateRevises provisions relating to elections.9/1/2022Creation of elections SOP and tngMar-02Apr-1115/3/3Exempt
24-410AB 64Secretary of StateMakes changes to certain penalties for certain violations relating to campaign contributions and expenditures.9/1/2022Expands to all public officials penalties for failure to report zero C&E rptFeb-21
24-411SB 53Secretary of StateMakes changes to the deadline for certain candidates to file a declaration of candidacy.9/1/2022Moves candidate filing from March to FebMar-02
24-412SB 60Secretary of StateRevises provisions relating to elections.9/1/2022Omnibus bill. Codifies recent federal changes to presidential electors; Returns statue removed in 2021 concerning replacement mail ballots; Revises NP candidate filing form; Adds that vote cast when voters are voting for more than one candidate = one vote; Adds cyber security; Standardizes time for city candidate withdrawl. Other voter registration timeline changes.Mar-02Apr-1113/8May-11May-18
445AB 95Assemblyman OrentlicherRevises provisions governing elections.9/7/2022Requires all candidates to incl major party to file petition of candidacy. Makes petition collect and care-giving expense valid campaign expensesFeb-23
513SB 75Senator TitusASW DickmanProvides for election reform.11/18/2022ROV elected
C-515SJR1Senator TitusSJR: Revises certain provisions governing judges.11/18/2022Retention election for unopposed judges
529SB 135Senator TitusChanges the deadline for returning mail ballots by mail.11/28/2022Changes the deadline for returning mail ballots by mail to early voting rather than election day.
530AB 286Assemblywoman Brittney MillerRevises provisions governing elections.11/28/2022Requires voting locations in jails and youth detention facilitiesApr-04Apr-1339/3May-16May-18
539SB 133Senator DalyRevises provisions governing elections.12/1/2022Makes it a felony to creatre or be a false presidential elector. Conviction is not eligible for return of voting rights or employment by government.Feb-21Apr-1111/10May-11May-1828 / 14
542SB 326Senator DalyRevises provisions governing elections.12/1/2022Revises PAC C&E reporting to incl total of donations and expenses $1,000 or lesApr-04Apr-13
43-583SB238Senator StoneRevises provisions relating to the issuance of driver’s licenses to noncitizens.12/5/2022Requires notification and statement on DL or ID of non-citizens that citizenship is required to vote
664AB307Assemblywoman DickmanRevises provisions governing elections.12/9/2022Election integrity
690AB 326Assemblyman YurekRevises provisions relating to elections.12/10/2022Creates and election crimes unit within the secretary of state elections division
736AB 230Assemblyman GrayRevises provisions governing elections.12/10/2022Same as SB 135
739AJR 4Assemblyman HafenAJR – Revises provisions governing elections.12/10/2022Redistrciting CommissionExempt
776AB 394Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and ElectionsRevises provisions governing elections.12/10/2022Sec of State to provide by regulation procedures for when abstract or certification is not submitted timely. Also except for audit or recount, ballots may only be counted once.Apr-06Apr-1328/14May-04May-1813/8
812SB 162Senator ScheibleRevises provisions relating to elections.12/10/2022Establishes polling locations in county jailsApr-13Exempt
821AB 246Assemblywoman TorresRevises provisions governing elections.12/10/2022Requires election materials to be trasnslated to include website and polling location. Toll-free line for interpretation services. Mar-28Apr-13Exempt
836AB 192Assemblywoman GonzálezRevises provisions governing elections.12/10/2022Standardizes mail ballot envelopes by color by county or city & standardizes polling location signageMar-09Mar-21Exempt
842SB 443Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and ElectionsMakes various changes relating to elections.12/10/2022Comforms with other bills in changing driver license to picture ID; Requires DMV to open on Sat & Sun 2 wks before deadline for registering to vote by mail and 6 days after primary to issue DL or IDApr-13Apr-14Exempt
843SB 404Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and ElectionsRevises provisions relating to elections.12/10/2022Omnibus bill. AMENDED – Changes to challenges; acceptable ID for residency challenge, Mail ballots may not be challenged, Clerks / RoV can start counting early voting ballots on first day of EVApr-13Apr-1413/8May-16May-1828/14
892SB 327Senator OhrenschallRevises provisions relating to voting.12/10/2022Change tribal voting location to opt out from opt inMar-30Apr-13Exempt
894SB 406Secretary of StateRevises provisions relating to elections.12/29/2022Makes it a felony to threaten election officials and workers; extends prohibition of raising campaign funds during session blackout to all constitutional officersApr-11Apr-1321/0May-11May-1142/0
1090SB 405 exemptOffice of the GovernorRevises provisions relating to elections.2/24/2023Omnibus bill. Voter ID with expanded acceptable ID; requires DMV to issue free voter ID if none other; Returns mail ballot to opt-in; Requires those who turn in mail ballots for others to have written authorization and max 30 ballotsExempt

Non Major Party Voters Now Largest Segment in Two-Thirds of State Legislative Districts

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – March 1, 2023

With the increase of active voters registered as Non-Partisan in February, the segment of active voters not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party is now the largest group of voters in two-thirds (66.67 percent) of all state legislative districts. That segment remains the largest bloc statewide, in Clark and Washoe county, and is now just under 52 percent among voters 18 – 34  years of age.

State-Wide

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1,2530.21%32.16%-0.13%
R1,0270.19%29.71%-0.13%
NP8,4811.51%30.61%0.27%
IAP6240.77%4.36%0.01%
LIB1030.64%0.87%0.00%
Other-20-0.05%2.28%-0.02%
Total not D or R  38.13%0.26%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Clark County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1,3170.29%34.90%-0.15%
R9110.27%25.80%-0.12%
NP6,8461.65%31.81%0.29%
IAP4610.83%4.21%0.00%
LIB750.74%0.77%0.00%
Other-15-0.05%2.50%-0.02%
Total not D or R  39.30%0.27%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Washoe County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-41-0.04%31.58%-0.09%
R200.02%33.06%-0.07%
NP6770.82%27.57%0.16%
IAP620.45%4.56%0.01%
LIB80.23%1.16%0.00%
Other-4-0.06%2.05%-0.01%
Total not D or R  35.35%0.16

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Rural Counties (See rural county table below district tables)

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-23-0.06%17.47%-0.10%
R960.09%47.48%-0.19%
NP9581.49%27.73%0.27%
IAP1010.88%4.92%0.02%
LIB200.78%1.10%0.00%
Other-1-0.03%1.30%-0.01%
Total not D or R  35.05%0.28%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

18 – 34 Year Old

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1670.11%30.50%-0.21%
R620.07%17.64%-0.13%
NP3,8131.72%43.33%0.39%
IAP1390.63%4.29%-0.01%
LIB230.33%1.34%-0.01%
Other-47-0.31%2.90%-0.03%
Total not D or R  51.86%0.34%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

55+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D5280.20%34.28%-0.09%
R6680.23%39.06%-0.09%
NP2,0051.30%20.61%0.17%
IAP2310.73%4.21%0.01%
LIB351.15%0.41%0.00%
Other-1-0.01%1.42%-0.01%
Total not D or R  26.66%0.17%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

By district voter share changes.

Congressional Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic400
Republican400
NP040
IAP031
LIB004
Other400

In all Congressional districts (100 percent of the districts) the number of voters not affiliated with either major party exceeds the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In three (75%) of the districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

State Senate Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic2100
Republican2100
NP0210
IAP4116
LIB3315
Other2001
    

In all 21 districts (100%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In 14 (66.67%) of the 21 districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

State Assembly Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic4200
Republican4200
NP0420
IAP10239
LIB11922
Other37  23

In all 42 districts (100%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In 29 (66.67%) of the 42 districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

Rural Counties

Party# Counties Lose Voter Share# Counties Gain Voter Share# Counties No Change
Democratic1311
Republican1410
NP0150
IAP483
LIB2310
Other717

The voter share of those not registered to either the Democratic or Republican Party increased in 14 of the 15 rural counties with an average share of 33.10 percent (range 23.67 to 39.87)

On March 4, 2023, the Nevada Democratic Party will hold its state party leadership election. There has been a lot of media attention given to the friction between the current leadership and the challenging slate. I have to pose the question; could the result of the election have an impact on voter share in the coming month?  

Voter Roll Maintenance Benefits GOP

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – February 2, 2023

Voter rolls underwent routine maintenance in January with the resulting changes benefiting the Republican Party with Non-Partisan benefiting in the rural counties and among younger voters. However, the overall status of voter share did not change with those not registered in either the Democratic or Republican Party (registered as Non-Partisan or in a minor party) still being the largest segment statewide, in Clark and Washoe counties, and among voters 18 to 34 years of age with Non-Partisan being the largest in that group. Only among voters 55 years of age and older is this voter share percentage under 30 percent.

State-Wide

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-19,404-3.14%32.30%-0.10%
R-12,954-2.29%29.84%0.17%
NP-16,863-2.91%30.35%-0.02%
IAP-2,299-2.77%4.35%0.00%
LIB-616-3.67%0.87%-0.01%
Other-2,196-4.91%2.29%-0.05%
Total not D or R  37.87%-0.08%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Clark County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-15,083-3.16%35.05%-0.06%
R-8,617-2.46%25.92%0.15%
NP-13,366-3.12%31.53%-0.03%
IAP-1,661-2.91%4.21%0.00%
LIB-432-4.09%0.77%-0.01%
Other-1,730-4.95%2.52%-0.05%
Total not D or R  39.03%-0.09%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Washoe County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-3,988-4.02%31.67%0.01%
R-3,853-3.73%33.14%0.12%
NP-3,698-4.30%27.42%-0.07%
IAP-584-4.10%4.55%0.00%
LIB-180-4.91%1.16%-0.01%
Other-419-6.34%2.06%-0.05%
Total not D or R  35.19%-0.13

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

Rural Counties (See rural county table below district tables)

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-333-0.80%17.56%-0.09%
R-484-0.43%47.67%-0.06%
NP2010.31%27.46%0.17%
IAP-54-0.47%4.90%-0.01%
LIB-4-0.16%1.09%0.00%
Other-47-1.51%1.31%-0.02%
Total not D or R  34.76%0.14%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

18 – 34 Year Old

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-7,787-4.67%30.71%-0.16%
R-3,810-3.98%17.77%0.03%
NP-8,557-3.71%42.94%0.21%
IAP-979-4.22%4.30%0.00%
LIB-326-4.46%1.35%0.00%
Other-1,044-6.44%2.93%-0.07%
Total not D or R  51.52%0.14%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

55+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-5,251-1.98%34.37%-0.09%
R-4,777-1.59%39.15%0.05%
NP-2,316-1.48%20.44%0.05%
IAP-460-1.43%4.20%0.01%
LIB-54-1.74%0.40%0.00%
Other-397-3.55%1.43%-0.03%
Total not D or R  26.48%0.03%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.

By district voter share changes.

Congressional Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic310
Republican040
NP220
IAP130
LIB301
Other400

In all Congressional districts (100 percent of the districts) the number of voters not affiliated with either major party exceeds the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In three (75%) of the districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

State Senate Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic1272
Republican4170
NP10110
IAP7122
LIB1227
Other2100

In all 21 districts (100%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In 13 (61.90%) of the 21 districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

State Assembly Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic23181
Republican10320
NP20220
IAP18177
LIB25611
Other41  01

In all 42 districts (100%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

In 25 (59.53%) of the 42 districts the percentage of voters not registered as Democratic or Republican is the leading group of voters.

Rural Counties

Party# Counties Lose Voter Share# Counties Gain Voter Share# Counties No Change
Democratic951
Republican1140
NP3120
IAP1140
LIB366
Other429

As I write this the start of the legislative session is four days away. Will the status of voter registration be on the minds of legislators opening up more collaboration or will they stick to party lines on the important issues facing the state? We will know very soon.