By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – November 4, 2021
Rank Choice Voting (RCV) is good for business and community economic development.
Business thrives when owners can plan in advance for growth, or downturn. Lack of planning can cause disruption, loss of sales, and even the loss of the business itself. Our current political climate of hyper-partisanship does not allow business to plan as owners have no idea what regulations, taxes, or other events will be in place from one day to the next. As stated in the Harvard Business Review, the current political environment is the biggest impediment to economic growth in the nation. A follow-up report also states that if politics were a business, it would be failing.
If a business is fortunate enough to be able to grow, owners are looking to expand. This expansion often has the business looking to expand to other states where policies are business-friendly, and their employees can enjoy the best quality of life. In Nevada, both the LVGEA (Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance) and EDAWN (Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada) function with the purpose of attracting businesses to locate in the state.
In 2014 I posed the following question to the executive director of both organizations. Would the existence of a less toxic political environment be considered a plus? Given an overwhelming majority of Americans want their elected officials to solve the issues they face, collaborate on solutions (the word compromise is usually used but I prefer the word collaborate because there is a difference), and not refuse to even talk to one another, would a location whose political process fostered such action be preferred? Both answered “very possibly”.
Is RCV good for business? RCV:
Allows elected officials to work together without the fear of being “primaried”
Reduces attack ads due to the need for second or third choice votes
Allows voters to vote their conscience without fear that they are wasting their vote and that their vote counts
Expands opportunity for candidates from marginalized and / or under-represented populations
Because it fosters collaboration, allows businesses to plan with more certainty.
Provides employees, as voters, a sense that they are the focus of their elected officials, not a necessary inconvenience.
The economic impacts of RCV are not normally part of the conversation. Maybe they should be.
By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – November 2, 2021
Before the end of this month, the governor will call the Nevada legislature into special session to draw and approve new Congressional and state legislative districts. The looming question is how will lawmakers factor in the largest share of voters, those not registered in either the Democratic or Republican Party. Party affiliation of voters is not a formal requirement and the legality of considering the party affiliation when drawing district lines has questioned. The United States Supreme Court has left that decision to the states.
October voter registration continued to see the decline of the major party and a continued surge in the number of Non-Partisan and minor party voters. The only demographic where the voter share of non-major party voters is less than 30 percent is among voters 55 years of age and older.
To provide a better look at the challenge being faced by the legislature, a by-district voter share analysis is included below.
State-Wide
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
1,979
0.32%
34.27%
-0.20%
R
1,514
0.28%
30.10%
-0.19%
NP
9,757
2.02%
27.01%
0.30%
IAP
694
0.86%
4.49%
0.00%
LIB
113
0.66%
0.95%
0.00%
Other
2,129
3.82%
3.17%
0.09%
Total not D or R
35.62%
0.39%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Clark County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
1,809
0.38%
37.20%
-0.23%
R
1,131
0.34%
26.20%
-0.17%
NP
7,357
2.09%
27.94%
0.30%
IAP
525
0.95%
4.33%
0.00%
LIB
88
0.82%
0.84%
0.00%
Other
1,722
3.99%
3.49%
0.10%
Total not D or R
36.60%
0.40%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Washoe County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
299
0.29%
32.83%
-0.16%
R
336
0.32%
32.98%
-0.15%
NP
1,361
1.72%
25.49%
0.24%
IAP
134
0.93%
4.60%
0.01%
LIB
18
0.46%
1.26%
0.00%
Other
295
3.41%
2.83%
0.07%
Total not D or R
34.19%
0.32%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Rural Counties
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-129
-0.30%
19.40%
-0.16%
R
47
0.04%
48.59%
-0.22%
NP
1,039
2.00%
23.82%
0.35%
IAP
35
0.30%
5.24%
-0.01%
LIB
7
0.28%
1.13%
0.00%
Other
112
2.85%
1.82%
0.04%
Total not D or R
32.01%
0.38%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
18 – 34 Year Old
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
417
0.24%
33.71%
-0.32%
R
83
0.09%
18.79%
-0.21%
NP
4,449
2.39%
37.23%
0.44%
IAP
187
0.82%
4.49%
-0.02%
LIB
27
0.35%
1.51%
-0.01%
Other
804
3.82%
4.27%
0.11%
Total not D or R
47.50%
0.52%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
55+
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
1,040
0.40%
35.80%
-0.13%
R
1,189
0.42%
38.95%
-0.13%
NP
2,402
1.79%
18.52%
0.19%
IAP
315
1.00%
4.32%
0.01%
LIB
35
1.10%
0.44%
0.00%
Other
502
3.57%
1.98%
0.05%
Total not D or R
25.25%
0.25%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
With new district maps only weeks away, I am including the full by-district voter share breakout. Since one goal of redistricting is to keep districts “safe” also listed is the number of districts where either the Democratic or Republican Party has a majority (50%) along with the number of districts where the voter share is five percent or less and ten percent or less.
By district voter share changes.
Congressional Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
4
0
0
Republican
4
0
0
NP
0
4
0
IAP
1
0
3
LIB
0
0
4
Other
0
4
0
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.
District
D
R
NP
IAP
LIB
Other
Total Not D or R
1
42.64%
19.08%
29.67%
4.00%
0.82%
3.79%
38.28%
2
28.13%
38.47%
24.92%
4.78%
1.24%
2.46%
33.40%
3
32.63%
30.69%
27.76%
4.64%
0.88%
3.39%
36.68%
4
36.52%
28.73%
26.37%
4.36%
0.81%
3.21%
34.75%
Majority District
0
5%
1
10%
1
State Senate Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
21
0
0
Republican
21
0
0
NP
0
21
0
IAP
10
5
6
LIB
6
2
13
Other
0
21
0
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.
District
D
R
NP
IAP
LIB
Other
Total Not D or R
1
42.35%
22.05%
27.10%
4.03%
0.77%
3.70%
35.60%
2
48.46%
11.65%
31.68%
3.55%
0.67%
4.00%
39.90%
3
42.40%
19.88%
29.08%
3.95%
0.84%
3.85%
37.72%
4
50.85%
13.36%
27.89%
3.45%
0.61%
3.84%
35.79%
5
34.60%
29.44%
27.16%
4.67%
0.93%
3.21%
35.96%
6
36.79%
29.45%
25.46%
4.33%
0.83%
3.13%
33.75%
7
40.18%
21.76%
29.14%
4.21%
0.91%
3.80%
38.06%
8
33.69%
30.90%
26.73%
4.52%
0.89%
3.27%
35.41%
9
34.05%
27.02%
29.73%
4.44%
0.87%
3.90%
38.93%
10
42.35%
17.45%
31.17%
4.32%
0.96%
3.74%
40.19%
11
38.26%
22.25%
30.54%
4.13%
0.83%
3.99%
39.49%
12
27.60%
38.13%
25.91%
5.05%
0.80%
2.50%
34.27%
13
38.63%
23.44%
28.88%
4.54%
1.30%
3.22%
37.94%
14
26.03%
41.42%
24.16%
4.74%
1.20%
2.45%
32.55%
15
34.00%
32.74%
24.69%
4.54%
1.23%
2.81%
33.26%
16
28.37%
39.02%
24.24%
4.85%
1.26%
2.28%
32.62%
17
18.68%
49.67%
23.42%
5.19%
1.22%
1.84%
31.65%
18
31.34%
34.61%
25.36%
4.73%
0.95%
3.01%
34.05%
19
19.34%
47.37%
24.71%
5.26%
0.99%
2.33%
33.28%
20
32.20%
31.03%
27.71%
4.69%
0.89%
3.48%
36.77%
21
41.09%
22.66%
28.16%
3.81%
0.67%
3.61%
36.25%
Majority District
1
5%
5
10%
2
State Assembly Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
42
0
0
Republican
42
0
0
NP
0
42
0
IAP
18
18
6
LIB
14
8
20
Other
1
41
0
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.
District
D
R
NP
IAP
LIB
Other
Total Not D or R
1
40.47%
24.85%
26.15%
4.25%
0.78%
3.50%
34.68%
2
31.52%
33.40%
26.42%
4.67%
0.87%
3.11%
35.08%
3
43.00%
19.62%
28.94%
3.88%
0.85%
3.71%
37.38%
4
32.86%
32.19%
26.00%
4.70%
0.98%
3.26%
34.95%
5
36.19%
28.02%
27.08%
4.35%
0.90%
3.45%
35.79%
6
53.99%
9.24%
28.75%
3.34%
0.60%
4.07%
36.77%
7
48.32%
16.68%
27.21%
3.53%
0.61%
3.65%
35.00%
8
37.06%
23.26%
30.69%
4.17%
0.83%
3.99%
39.68%
9
34.68%
26.50%
29.62%
4.39%
0.86%
3.95%
38.82%
10
41.76%
20.16%
29.22%
4.02%
0.84%
4.00%
38.08%
11
48.74%
11.11%
31.94%
3.67%
0.71%
3.83%
40.15%
12
38.05%
26.84%
27.05%
3.92%
0.68%
3.46%
35.11%
13
29.62%
37.35%
24.62%
4.76%
0.92%
2.73%
33.03%
14
46.03%
15.86%
29.96%
3.63%
0.67%
3.85%
38.11%
15
44.29%
17.84%
29.39%
4.23%
0.84%
3.40%
37.87%
16
40.31%
17.05%
33.04%
4.42%
1.08%
4.10%
42.64%
17
44.27%
19.20%
28.06%
3.81%
0.76%
3.90%
36.53%
18
40.83%
20.38%
29.98%
4.12%
0.85%
3.84%
38.79%
19
28.45%
36.04%
27.28%
4.80%
0.75%
2.67%
35.51%
20
39.49%
23.23%
28.24%
4.31%
0.97%
3.77%
37.28%
21
35.20%
28.88%
27.06%
4.75%
0.90%
3.22%
35.92%
22
30.26%
35.11%
26.00%
4.82%
0.84%
2.97%
34.63%
23
26.94%
39.74%
24.86%
5.24%
0.84%
2.38%
33.32%
24
41.15%
19.80%
30.10%
4.38%
1.36%
3.21%
39.04%
25
31.88%
37.16%
22.75%
4.49%
1.16%
2.57%
30.96%
26
29.26%
37.96%
24.37%
4.66%
1.27%
2.49%
32.78%
27
36.64%
27.25%
27.09%
4.59%
1.32%
3.11%
36.11%
28
48.20%
12.14%
31.44%
3.45%
0.63%
4.15%
39.67%
29
34.10%
29.91%
27.24%
4.60%
0.95%
3.20%
36.00%
30
36.26%
26.84%
27.74%
4.68%
1.24%
3.23%
36.90%
31
31.08%
34.92%
25.02%
4.80%
1.29%
2.89%
34.01%
32
20.20%
48.93%
23.17%
4.68%
1.09%
1.94%
30.87%
33
14.07%
54.51%
23.87%
5.03%
0.99%
1.52%
31.41%
34
38.89%
25.29%
27.12%
4.25%
0.93%
3.51%
35.82%
35
33.46%
27.51%
29.82%
4.48%
0.88%
3.85%
39.03%
36
22.76%
42.75%
25.25%
5.40%
0.99%
2.85%
34.49%
37
34.93%
33.15%
23.98%
4.40%
0.74%
2.79%
31.92%
38
16.41%
48.80%
26.01%
5.59%
1.27%
1.92%
34.80%
39
20.54%
50.39%
21.29%
4.85%
1.17%
1.76%
29.08%
40
27.26%
40.33%
24.07%
5.08%
1.24%
2.01%
32.41%
41
34.11%
27.01%
29.40%
4.56%
0.95%
3.97%
38.88%
42
39.86%
20.91%
30.33%
4.09%
0.82%
3.99%
39.23%
Majority District
3
5%
6
10%
4
Adding to the challenge faced by legislators is that by the time of the general election in November of next year, the gap between those not affiliated with either of the major parties will most likely be significantly larger, placing the outcome of potentially many races in the hands of those voters. We should know the answers very soon.
By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – October 3, 2021
How will Nevada’s legislators address the expanding plurality of voters not registered as either Democratic or Republican when they meet to redraw Congressional and legislative district maps later this month or next? (See the bottom of this article for more details)
Despite being a voter roll maintenance month, September 2021 saw the combined number of voters registered to vote in Nevada as either Non-Partisan, in a minor party, or “other” extend their lead over both the Democratic and Republican Party. The only voter segment where this is not happening is among voters 55 years of age or older. Even in this group, however, both the Democratic and Republican Party are losing voter share, just not to the extent as other demographics.
State-Wide
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-27,729
-4.26%
34.47%
-0.31%
R
-21,276
-3.74%
30.29%
-0.11%
NP
-11,816
-2.39%
26.72%
0.28%
IAP
-3,177
-3.77%
4.49%
-0.02%
LIB
-978
-5.39%
0.95%
-0.02%
Other
1,340
2.46%
3.08%
0.18%
Total not D or R
35.24%
0.42%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Clark County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-23,669
-4.74%
37.43%
-0.25%
R
-17,530
-4.97%
26.37%
-0.24%
NP
-10,709
-2.96%
27.64%
0.32%
IAP
-2,649
-4.59%
4.33%
-0.02%
LIB
-755
-6.59%
0.84%
-0.02%
Other
1,062
2.52%
3.39%
0.22%
Total not D or R
36.20%
0.50%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Washoe County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-4,017
-3.74%
32.99%
-0.13%
R
-3,979
-3.69%
33.13%
-0.11%
NP
-2,307
-2.84%
25.26%
0.14%
IAP
-562
-3.76%
4.59%
-0.02%
LIB
-230
-5.49%
1.26%
-0.03%
Other
163
1.92%
2.76%
0.14%
Total not D or R
33.88%
0.23%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Rural Counties
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-43
-0.10%
19.56%
-0.16%
R
233
0.22%
48.82%
-0.24%
NP
1,200
2.37%
23.47%
0.38%
IAP
34
0.29%
5.26%
-0.02%
LIB
7
0.28%
1.13%
0.00%
Other
115
3.02%
1.77%
0.04%
Total not D or R
31.63%
0.40%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
18 – 34 Year Old
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-11,257
-6.14%
34.03%
-0.53%
R
-6,314
-6.17%
18.99%
-0.30%
NP
-5,786
-3.02%
36.79%
0.63%
IAP
-1,313
-5.44%
4.51%
-0.04%
LIB
-558
-6.77%
1.52%
-0.03%
Other
384
1.86%
4.16%
0.27%
Total not D or R
46.98%
0.83%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
55+
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-7,215
-2.67%
35.92%
-0.16%
R
-7,617
-2.59%
39.08%
-0.15%
NP
-1,398
-1.03%
18.33%
0.22%
IAP
-748
-2.32%
4.31%
0.00%
LIB
-88
-2.69%
0.44%
0.00%
Other
414
3.03%
1.92%
0.10%
Total not D or R
25.00%
0.32%
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
Democratic
4
0
0
Republican
4
0
0
NP
0
4
0
IAP
4
0
0
LIB
4
0
0
Other
0
4
0
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.
State Senate Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
21
0
0
Republican
21
0
0
NP
0
21
0
IAP
16
2
3
LIB
20
0
1
Other
0
21
0
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.
State Assembly Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
42
0
0
Republican
42
0
0
NP
0
42
0
IAP
28
7
7
LIB
37
1
4
Other
1
41
0
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.
With less than 35 percent of active registered voters being represented by the majority party in the legislature; less than 65 percent being represented by either party, how will the legislature use this data when developing district boundaries that will be in place for the next ten years? Political affiliation is not supposed to be part of the planning, but I think it would be naive to believe it does not enter into the equation.
Nevada’s population grew by 15 percent since the last census in 2010. At the same time, the number of active registered voters increased by 36 percent. *
Active Democratic registration decreased by 18 percent
Active Republican registration decreased by 17 percent
Active Non-Partisan registration increased by 69 percent
Active minor party and “other” registration increased by 50 percent
Active combined Non-Partisan, minor party, and “other” registration increased by 64 percent
*End December 2010 compared to end September 2021
When creating district boundaries, the goal is to have approximately the same number of people in each district, the “ideal population”. The tables below show the difference between the ideal population and the 2020 census. The most accepted method of reaching the ideal is to readjust the current boundaries to either add or subtract population. Another method would be to increase the number of districts, decreasing the ideal population. The Nevada Constitution allows the legislature to do this. The legislature could increase the total number of legislative districts to 75.
Congressional – Ideal population 776,154
District
2020 Census
Diff from ideal
% diff
% Dem
%Rep
%NP
% Not D or R
1
702,822
-73,332
-9.45%
42.93%
19.22%
29.32%
37.85%
2
758,820
-17,334
-2.23%
28.28%
38.64%
24.66%
33.08%
3
855,528
79,374
10.23%
32.80%
30.89%
27.50%
36.31%
4
787,444
11,290
1.45%
36.76%
28.92%
26.04%
34.32%
State Senate – Ideal population 147,839
District
2020 Census
Diff from ideal
% diff
% Dem
%Rep
%NP
% Not D or R
1
165,542
17,703
11.97%
42.68%
22.19%
26.76%
35.13%
2
128,419
-19,420
-13.14%
48.87%
11.71%
31.29%
39.42%
3
132,412
-15,427
-10.44%
42.68%
20.01%
28.73%
37.31%
4
141,147
-6,692
-4.53%
51.20%
13.42%
27.56%
35.38%
5
134,488
-13,351
-9.03%
34.80%
29.64%
26.87%
35.56%
6
134,456
-13,383
-9.05%
36.96%
29.61%
25.23%
33.44%
7
143,026
-4,813
-3.26%
40.48%
21.92%
28.81%
37.60%
8
135,709
-12,130
-8.20%
33.91%
31.09%
26.45%
35.00%
9
204,521
56,682
38.34%
34.22%
27.18%
29.50%
38.60%
10
137,808
-10,031
-6.79%
42.67%
17.59%
30.79%
39.73%
11
145,009
-2,830
-1.91%
38.49%
22.43%
30.24%
39.08%
12
159,061
11,222
7.59%
27.76%
38.34%
25.61%
33.89%
13
143,585
-4,254
-2.88%
38.85%
23.56%
28.59%
37.59%
14
144,479
-3,360
-2.27%
26.16%
41.58%
23.93%
32.26%
15
144,172
-3,667
-2.48%
34.17%
32.89%
24.47%
32.94%
16
150,730
2,891
1.96%
28.51%
39.18%
23.98%
32.31%
17
138,343
-9,496
-6.42%
18.85%
49.86%
23.10%
31.29%
18
154,030
6,191
4.19%
31.50%
34.80%
25.11%
33.70%
19
158,787
10,948
7.41%
19.47%
47.67%
24.32%
32.86%
20
161,487
13,648
9.23%
32.36%
31.27%
27.40%
36.37%
21
147,403
-436
-0.29%
41.33%
22.79%
27.86%
35.88%
State Assembly – Ideal population 73,919
District
2020 Census
Diff from ideal
% diff
% Dem
%Rep
%NP
% Not D or R
1
78,671
4,752
6.43%
40.88%
25.29%
25.60%
33.83%
2
69,552
-4,367
-5.91%
31.90%
33.81%
25.91%
34.29%
3
67,382
-6,537
-8.84%
43.68%
19.89%
28.22%
36.43%
4
82,747
8,828
11.94%
33.22%
32.70%
25.43%
34.09%
5
66,157
-7,762
-10.50%
36.66%
28.42%
26.58%
34.92%
6
69,404
-4,515
-6.11%
54.93%
9.39%
27.91%
35.68%
7
71,743
-2,176
-2.94%
48.98%
16.85%
26.52%
34.18%
8
80,629
6,710
9.08%
37.64%
23.61%
30.07%
38.76%
9
99,766
25,847
34.97%
35.23%
26.88%
29.04%
37.89%
10
65,030
-8,889
-12.03%
42.39%
20.43%
28.51%
37.18%
11
60,829
-13,090
-17.71%
49.69%
11.32%
30.95%
38.99%
12
81,845
7,926
10.72%
38.45%
27.31%
26.43%
34.24%
13
71,283
-2,636
-3.57%
29.80%
37.82%
24.19%
32.38%
14
65,558
-8,361
-11.31%
46.68%
16.17%
29.26%
37.15%
15
69,581
-4,338
-5.87%
44.89%
18.21%
28.67%
36.90%
16
68,227
-5,692
-7.70%
41.06%
17.47%
32.11%
41.47%
17
86,871
12,952
17.52%
45.08%
19.53%
27.23%
35.39%
18
75,561
1,642
2.22%
41.45%
20.77%
29.18%
37.77%
19
77,399
3,480
4.71%
28.90%
36.63%
26.41%
34.47%
20
67,465
-6,454
-8.73%
40.09%
23.48%
27.75%
36.43%
21
60,849
-13,070
-17.68%
35.58%
29.25%
26.58%
35.17%
22
76,512
2,593
3.51%
30.52%
35.58%
25.42%
33.90%
23
81,662
7,743
10.47%
27.10%
40.27%
24.39%
32.63%
24
69,813
-4,106
-5.55%
41.80%
19.94%
29.46%
38.26%
25
74,233
314
0.42%
32.05%
37.42%
22.49%
30.53%
26
79,930
6,011
8.13%
29.53%
38.20%
23.97%
32.27%
27
69,939
-3,980
-5.38%
36.94%
27.51%
26.75%
35.54%
28
67,590
-6,329
-8.56%
49.10%
12.33%
30.63%
38.57%
29
73,639
-280
-0.38%
34.57%
30.31%
26.68%
35.12%
30
73,772
-147
-0.20%
36.50%
27.23%
27.36%
36.27%
31
76,222
2,303
3.12%
31.28%
35.27%
24.65%
33.45%
32
68,257
-5,662
-7.66%
20.47%
49.27%
22.64%
30.26%
33
67,861
-6,058
-8.20%
14.27%
54.90%
23.20%
30.84%
34
67,878
-6,041
-8.17%
39.34%
25.72%
26.56%
34.93%
35
104,755
30,836
41.72%
33.81%
27.94%
29.43%
38.25%
36
90,926
17,007
23.01%
23.20%
43.33%
24.45%
33.47%
37
66,578
-7,341
-9.93%
35.20%
33.43%
23.63%
31.37%
38
69,274
-4,645
-6.28%
16.73%
49.33%
25.23%
33.94%
39
69,069
-4,850
-6.56%
20.84%
50.69%
20.76%
28.47%
40
70,800
-3,119
-4.22%
27.53%
40.75%
23.39%
31.72%
41
84,975
11,056
14.96%
34.65%
27.58%
28.68%
37.77%
42
64,380
-9,539
-12.90%
40.54%
21.35%
29.57%
38.10%
There is no doubt the attitude of voters as expressed by their party affiliation, or lack of, continues to change. The question is will the state legislature adjust for that. Will they develop fair maps without regard to political affiliation or will they take the position that those who have left the Democratic or Republican Party have given up their right to be represented for the next ten years?
By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – September 2, 2021
As of the end of August 2021, and for most likely the first time since partisan voting data has been maintained, the combined number of voters registered to vote in Nevada as either Non-Partisan or “other” hold the top voter share spot, overtaking both the Democratic and Republican Party.
In addition to the state-wide numbers:
In Clark County, the combined total is 9% ahead of the GOP and less than 2% from overtaking the Democratic count.
In Washoe County, the combined total now is the top group exceeding both the Democratic and Republican count.
In all 15 rural counties, the combined total dwarfs Democratic registration with NP exceeding in 13. The Republican party holds less than a majority in Carson City, and in Lyon, Mineral (combined total is less than 5% behind the GOP), Nye, and Storey counties.
Among voters 18-34 years of age, Non-Partisan registration holds the top spot with the combined total nearly 12% higher than Democratic registration.
Voters 55 years of age and older are the one strong spot for the major parties with both the Democratic and Republican Party holding slightly under 40% voter share.
Combined Non-Partisan and “other” voter share exceeds both the Democratic and Republican Party in:
1 Congressional district
4 state senate districts
8 state assembly districts
State-Wide
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
459
0.07%
34.78%
-0.25%
R
483
0.09%
30.40%
-0.22%
NP
10,313
2.13%
26.44%
0.35%
IAP
444
0.53%
4.51%
-0.01%
LIB
137
0.76%
0.97%
0.00%
Other
2,903
5.64%
2.91%
0.13%
Total not D or R
34.83%
0.47%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Clark County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
602
0.12%
37.68%
-0.28%
R
264
0.07%
26.61%
-0.21%
NP
7,773
2.19%
27.32%
0.36%
IAP
337
0.59%
4.35%
-0.01%
LIB
77
0.68%
0.86%
0.00%
Other
2,309
5.81%
3.17%
0.15%
Total not D or R
35.71%
0.50%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Washoe County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-195
-0.18%
33.12%
-0.20%
R
-89
-0.08%
33.24%
-0.17%
NP
1,138
1.42%
25.12%
0.25%
IAP
53
0.36%
4.61%
0.00%
LIB
30
0.72%
1.29%
0.00%
Other
418
5.18%
2.62%
0.12%
Total not D or R
33.64%
0.37%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Rural Counties
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
52
0.12%
19.71%
-0.16%
R
308
0.29%
49.05%
-0.31%
NP
1,402
2.84%
23.09%
0.43%
IAP
54
0.47%
5.28%
-0.02%
LIB
30
1.22%
1.13%
0.00%
Other
176
4.85%
1.73%
0.06%
Total not D or R
31.24%
0.47%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
18 – 34 Year Old
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-237
-0.13%
34.56%
-0.40%
R
-344
-0.33%
19.29%
-0.27%
NP
4,682
2.50%
36.15%
0.52%
IAP
108
0.45%
4.55%
-0.03%
LIB
48
0.59%
1.55%
-0.01%
Other
1,178
6.04%
3.90%
0.18%
Total not D or R
46.15%
0.66%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
55+
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
559
0.21%
36.09%
-0.15%
R
600
0.20%
39.23%
-0.16%
NP
2,529
1.90%
18.11%
0.23%
IAP
225
0.70%
4.31%
0.00%
LIB
24
0.74%
0.44%
0.00%
Other
675
5.20%
1.83%
0.08%
Total not D or R
24.68%
0.31%
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
Democratic
4
0
0
Republican
4
0
0
NP
0
4
0
IAP
4
0
0
LIB
0
0
4
Other
0
4
0
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.
State Senate Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
21
0
0
Republican
21
0
0
NP
0
21
0
IAP
15
0
6
LIB
2
3
16
Other
0
21
0
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.
State Assembly Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
42
0
0
Republican
42
0
0
NP
0
42
0
IAP
29
4
9
LIB
10
10
22
Other
0
42
0
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.
The numbers speak for themselves. How will the Democratic and Republican Party react? How will the voters react come for the 2022 primary and general elections? Could there be interest in exploring alternative voting methods so the largest voting bloc in the state is not disenfranchised?
By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – August 3, 2021
At the end of July 2021, voters registered as Non-Partisan are now the second largest voting group in Clark County with the combined share of those not registered to either the Democratic or Republican Party less than three (3) percentage points from overtaking the Democratic Party.
With more proof of parity, in Washoe County, the percent of voters not registered in either major party is less than two-tenths of one percent (0.20%) of becoming the largest voting bloc.
In the not-too-distant past, the Republican Party could count on voters in the 15 rural counties to reside strongly in the GOP camp. However, while just under a majority; 49.37 percent are registered to vote as members of the Republican Party at the end of July 2021, like the rest of the state, over 30 percent are registered as either Non-Partisan or in a minor party.
As little as one year ago, monthly changes in voter share, both up and down, were below one-tenth of one percent. Anything over that was considered notable. Over the past five months changes below one-tenth of one percent are notable but for a different reason with shifts over one-quarter of one percent becoming common.
State-Wide
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
691
0.11%
35.03%
-0.28%
R
880
0.16%
30.61%
-0.23%
NP
11,056
2.34%
26.09%
0.36%
IAP
505
0.61%
4.52%
-0.01%
LIB
132
0.74%
0.97%
0.00%
Other
3,587
7.49%
2.77%
0.17%
Total not D or R
34.35%
0.52%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
The combined voter share of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party is #2 in the state, almost four (4) percent greater share than the GOP and less than one percent (0.68%) shy of the Democratic Party.
Clark County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
720
0.14%
37.96%
-0.31%
R
450
0.13%
26.82%
-0.23%
NP
8,229
2.38%
26.96%
0.37%
IAP
360
0.63%
4.37%
-0.01%
LIB
67
0.59%
0.87%
0.00%
Other
2,777
7.51%
3.02%
0.18%
Total not D or R
35.22%
0.54%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
The voter share percent of Non-Partisan is now in second place, overtaking the GOP. The combined voter share of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party exceeds Republican Party voter share by nearly nine (9) percent and less than three (2.74%) percent from voter share of Democratic Party.
Washoe County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-41
-0.04%
33.32%
-0.23%
R
71
0.07%
33.41%
-0.19%
NP
1,385
1.76%
24.87%
0.27%
IAP
80
0.54%
4.62%
0.00%
LIB
30
0.73%
1.29%
0.00%
Other
530
7.04%
2.50%
0.15%
Total not D or R
33.27%
0.42%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
While the two major parties are still #1 and #2, the combined total of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party is less than two-tenths of one (0.20) percent away from over-taking either or both major parties.
Rural Counties
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
12
0.03%
19.87%
-0.20%
R
359
0.34%
49.37%
-0.34%
NP
1,442
3.01%
22.66%
0.44%
IAP
65
0.57%
5.30%
-0.02%
LIB
35
1.44%
1.13%
0.00%
Other
280
8.35%
1.67%
0.11%
Total not D or R
30.76%
0.53%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Non-Partisan voter share is in the #2 spot exceeding Democratic Party voter share by over two (2) percent. The combined voter share of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party exceeds Democratic Party voter share by over 10 percent. Both major parties lost voter share in 14 of the 15 rural counties while Non-Partisan gained share in all 15 rural counties.
18 – 34 Year Old
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-169
-0.09%
34.96%
-0.45%
R
-171
-0.17%
19.56%
-0.27%
NP
5,073
2.79%
35.64%
0.55%
IAP
92
0.38%
4.57%
-0.04%
LIB
42
0.51%
1.56%
-0.01%
Other
1,391
7.68%
3.71%
0.22%
Total not D or R
45.49%
0.72%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
The combined voter share of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party continues to approach 50 percent of active voters in this age group, nearly 10 percent over the Democratic Party and 25 percent over the Republican Party. Non-Partisan voter share on its own exceeds GOP voter share by 15 percent and only one-third (0.33) percent away from taking the lead from the Democratic Party.
55+
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
631
0.23%
36.24%
-0.18%
R
1,042
0.36%
39.39%
-0.15%
NP
2,669
2.05%
17.88%
0.23%
IAP
241
0.76%
4.31%
0.00%
LIB
23
0.71%
0.44%
0.00%
Other
836
6.88%
1.75%
0.10%
Total not D or R
24.37%
0.33%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
This is the one demographic where the Democratic and Republican Party are in no jeopardy of losing their dominance. That said, this age group has followed the trend with the major parties losing voter share with corresponding gain by Non-Partisan and minor parties.
By district voter share changes.
Congressional Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
4
0
0
Republican
4
0
0
NP
0
4
0
IAP
4
0
0
LIB
1
0
3
Other
0
4
0
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. Non-Partisan exceeds the Republican Party in one (1) district; the combined total exceeds both major parties in one (1) district, the Republican Party in one (1) district and the Democratic Party in one (1) district.
State Senate Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
21
0
0
Republican
21
0
0
NP
0
21
0
IAP
17
0
4
LIB
7
3
11
Other
0
21
0
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. Non-Partisan exceeds the Republican Party in 10 districts and the Democratic Party in two (2) districts. The combined total exceeds the Republican Party in three (3) districts and the Democratic Party in four (4) districts.
State Assembly Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
42
0
0
Republican
42
0
0
NP
0
42
0
IAP
29
6
7
LIB
16
8
18
Other
0
42
0
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. Non-Partisan exceeds the Republican Party in 19 districts and the Democratic Party in three (3) districts. The combined total exceeds the Republican Party in eight (8) districts and the Democratic Party in 11 districts.
The total number of active registered voters in Nevada is closing in on 1.9 million. As these monthly reports show, a growing number of these voters are choosing not to affiliate with either major political party. Just how this will impact the 2022 election season remains an unanswered question.
By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – July 2, 2021
If voter registration numbers are our mirror into voter attitude, voters in Nevada appear to be reaching the point of total frustration with both the Democratic and Republican Party. The numbers for June 2021 are a continuation of the multi-year trend with the combined percentage of voters choosing to register as Non-Partisan or not affiliate with a major party are, for all intent and purpose, at parity.
State-Wide
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
439
0.07%
35.32%
-0.24%
R
393
0.07%
30.84%
-0.21%
NP
9,061
1.95%
25.73%
0.30%
IAP
459
0.55%
4.53%
-0.01%
LIB
101
0.57%
0.97%
0.00%
Other
3,146
7.03%
2.60%
0.15%
Total not D or R
33.84%
0.44%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
The combined voter share of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party is #2 in the state, three (3) percent greater share than the GOP and only one and one-half (1.5) percent shy of the Democratic Party.
Clark County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
590
0.12%
38.27%
-0.28%
R
418
0.12%
27.05%
-0.20%
NP
7,008
2.07%
26.59%
0.32%
IAP
383
0.68%
4.38%
-0.01%
LIB
73
0.65%
0.87%
0.00%
Other
2,544
7.39%
2.84%
0.17%
Total not D or R
34.68%
0.48%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
The combined voter share of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party exceeds Republican Party voter share by over seven (7) percent and just over three and one-half (3.5) percent from voter share of Democratic Party. Non-Partisan voter share is less than one-half (0.5) percent from overtaking the GOP.
Washoe County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-84
-0.08%
33.54%
-0.17%
R
12
0.01%
33.60%
-0.14%
NP
988
1.27%
24.60%
0.20%
IAP
62
0.42%
4.62%
0.00%
LIB
16
0.39%
1.29%
0.00%
Other
381
5.33%
2.35%
0.11%
Total not D or R
32.86%
0.31%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
While the two major parties are still #1 and #2, the combined total of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party is less than one (1) percent away from over-taking either or both major parties.
Rural Counties
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-67
-0.15%
20.07%
-0.14%
R
-37
-0.03%
49.70%
-0.30%
NP
1,065
2.28%
22.22%
0.37%
IAP
14
0.12%
5.32%
-0.02%
LIB
12
0.50%
1.13%
0.00%
Other
221
7.06%
1.56%
0.09%
Total not D or R
30.23%
0.44%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Non-Partisan voter share is in the #2 spot exceeding Democratic Party voter share by over two (2) percent. The combined voter share of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party exceeds Democratic Party voter share by over 10 percent. Of note, both major parties lost voter share in all 15 rural counties while Non-Partisan gained share in all 15 rural counties.
18 – 34 Year Old
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-220
-0.12%
35.41%
-0.39%
R
-274
-0.27%
19.83%
-0.25%
NP
4,149
2.33%
35.09%
0.46%
IAP
159
0.67%
4.61%
-0.01%
LIB
43
0.53%
1.57%
-0.01%
Other
1,189
7.03%
3.49%
0.20%
Total not D or R
44.76%
0.64%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
The combined voter share of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party is rapidly approaching 50 percent of active voters in this age group, over nine (9) percent over the Democratic Party and 25 percent over the Republican Party. Non-Partisan voter share on its own exceeds GOP voter share by 15 percent and only one-third (0.33) percent away from taking the lead from the Democratic Party.
55+
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
525
0.20%
36.42%
-0.15%
R
663
0.23%
39.54%
-0.15%
NP
2,205
1.72%
17.65%
0.20%
IAP
196
0.62%
4.31%
0.00%
LIB
21
0.65%
0.44%
0.00%
Other
768
6.75%
1.65%
0.09%
Total not D or R
24.04%
0.29%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
This is the one demographic where the Democratic and Republican Party are in no jeopardy of losing their dominance. That said, this age group has followed the trend with the major parties losing voter share with corresponding gain by Non-Partisan and minor parties.
By district voter share changes.
Congressional Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
4
0
0
Republican
4
0
0
NP
0
4
0
IAP
4
0
0
LIB
0
0
4
Other
0
4
0
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. Non-Partisan exceeds the Republican Party in one (1) district; the combined total exceeds both major parties in one (1) district, the Republican Party in one (1) district and the Democratic Party in one (1) district.
State Senate Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
21
0
0
Republican
21
0
0
NP
0
21
0
IAP
13
2
6
LIB
5
1
15
Other
0
21
0
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. Non-Partisan exceeds the Republican Party in 10 districts and the Democratic Party in two (2) districts. The combined total exceeds the Republican Party in three (3) districts and the Democratic Party in four (4) districts.
State Assembly Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
42
0
0
Republican
42
0
0
NP
0
42
0
IAP
22
7
13
LIB
16
8
18
Other
0
42
0
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. Non-Partisan exceeds the Republican Party in 17 districts and the Democratic Party in three (3) districts. The combined total exceeds the Republican Party in nine (9) districts and the Democratic Party in 10 districts.
There is a belief among lawmakers that the right to vote is one of the most valuable rights we have as citizens. While some of the policies being put forward on how to protect this right vary, sometimes widely, these policies must ensure voters, regardless of party affiliation, are able to participate in all publicly funded elections. Voter registration trends should send a clear signal that this should be a priority.
By Doug Goodman – Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform
The 81st regular session of the Nevada legislature concluded at midnight, May 31, 2021. During the session, 40 election-related bills were introduced. Below, we will explore what they dealt with, who introduced them, and how they ended up.
Of the 40 bills introduced, 27 were introduced by Republican legislators and 13 by Democratic. Of the 27 Republican bills, 23 were denied a hearing, one (1) was heard in the originating chamber but did not get a vote in committee, two (2) passed out of the originating chamber but did not get a committee hearing in the second house, and one (1), or 3.7 percent of those introduced, was passed by both chambers and signed by the governor.
The fate of the 13 Democratic-sponsored bills was totally different. Of those 13, 12, or 92.3 percent were passed by both the assembly and senate and sent to the governor. The one (1) bill not passed did not get a committee hearing in the originating chamber.
Bill
Sponsor
Summary
AB121
Assemblywoman Cohen
Expanded the use of the electronic voting process used by military and other Nevada voters living overseas to those with disabilities. Also added items from SB263 to align the deadline for receipt of registration or ballots with same-day voter registration and remove the requirement for a voter to submit a new voter registration when changing party affiliation. Passed assembly 32-10 and senate 21-0
AB126
Assemblyman Frierson, TBT, Miller
Restored presidential closed primary also making NV first presidential nominating contestthe first Tuesday in February. Bill passed assembly 30-11 and senate 15-6.
AB129
Assemblyman Roberts
This bill originally proposed to change the PAC reporting threshold from $1000 to $100, the same as for candidates. This portion of the bill was amended out leaving only small changes to PAC reporting before assembly vote (passed 42-0). Bill was not heard in the senate
AB134
Assemblyman Matthews
This bill to repeal AB4, as expected, did not receive a hearing.
AB137
Assemblyman Ellison
This bill to require voter ID did not get a hearing.
AB163
Assemblywoman Dickman
This bill to require voter ID and to repeal AB4 did not get a hearing.
AB166
Assemblyman Hafen
This is the one Republican-sponsored election bill to be signed by the governor. It passed both chambers unanimously. It requires political text messages to include the identity of the sender in the body of the message.
AB218
Assemblywoman Titus
Currently, incumbent sheriffs or constables are forbidden to campaign for election while in uniform. In the smaller rural counties, the sheriff or constable are more than administrative required to be in the field. This can make campaigning difficult. This bill would allow them to campaign while in uniform. Bill was heard but did not receive a committee vote.
AB248
Assemblywoman Tolles
This bill, supported by county election officials would have specified the rules for partisan election observers. Bill was not heard in first committee
AB255
Speaker of the Assembly
Bill called for restructuring of Clark and Washoe county school boards creating a hybrid (elected and appointed) board. This was the one Democratic bill that did not get a first committee vote.
AB263
Assemblywoman Alexis Hansen
Bill would require audit of personnel and equipment doing signature verification of mail ballots. While this bill did not get a hearing, provision was added into AB321.
AB264
Assemblywoman Kasama
Would require county clerks to sign affidavit to SoS on list maintenance prior to elections. Bill did not get a hearing.
AB297
Assembly Minority Leader
Would make the office of Registrar of Voters an elected rather than an appointed position. Bill did not get a hearing.
AB321
Assemblyman Frierson
This bill made the provisions of AB4 permanent also making improvements in signature verification audits and voter role maintenance. Bill passed in assembly 26-16 and 12-9 in senate.
AB328
Assemblywoman Hardy
This bill allowed for funeral directors to report deaths directly to the secretary of state. While this bill did not get a hearing, a requirement for closer coordination between the secretary of state and bureau of vital statistics was included in AB321.
AB390
Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections
Current law does not require notification be provided directly to the candidate whose election is being challenged. This law requires direct notification. Bill passed both chambers unanimously.
AB422
Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections
This bill codifies the switch from a bottom-up voter registration system; county clerks and registrars provide data to the secretary a state, to a top-down system; secretary of state feeds data to counties. Secretary of state has been developing the new system since last session. Bill passed unanimously.
AB432
Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections
Expands automatic voter registration to DHHS and other agencies designated by the governor. Bill passed assembly 26-16 and senate 12-9.
AB441
Speaker of the Assembly
Allows legislative leaders to redistribute unused bill draft requests of legislators who resign prior to start of session to their replacement. Also exempts those appointed from fundraising blackout under certain circumstances. Passed assembly 31-11 and senate 19-2.
AB443
Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections
Restructures interim committee structure to match permanent legislative committees. Passed assembly 42-0 and senate 18-3.
AJR11
Assemblywoman Black
Proposed constitutional amendment adding “None of the above” as choice for all offices and called for new election if “none” was the winner. Bill did not get a first hearing.
AJR13
Assemblyman Wheeler
Proposed constitutional amendment specifying the legislature, not supreme court, canvass election results. Bill did not get a hearing.
AJR14
Assemblywoman Titus
Constitutional amendment adding a “Retain” option on the ballot when a judge is unopposed for re-election. Bill did not receive a hearing.
SB101
Senator Settelmeyer
Reintroduction of bill introduced last session to allow voters to voluntarily designate they want to show a photo ID to vote. Bill did not receive a hearing.
SB111
Senator Kieckhefer
Similar to AB255 creating a hybrid; elected and appointed school board in Clark and Washoe county. Bill did not get a first hearing.
SB121
Senator Kieckhefer
Proposed changing NV closed partisan primaries to non-partisan top-two open primary. Bill was not heard in committee.
SB130
Senator Pickard
Similar to AB126 calling for a presidential preference primary in June. Bill was not heard in committee.
SB194
Senator Lange
Bill establishes a special seal be attached to high school diploma of students who meet certain civics course requirements. Bill passed senate 21-0 and assembly 37-5.
SB225
Senator Pickard
Repeal of AB4. Bill was not heard.
SB256
Senator Kieckhefer
Bill would have allowed signatures on ballot initiatives to be collected electronically using a secure method. Bill did not receive a first hearing.
SB263
Senate Minority Leader
Removes requirement for voter to complete a new voter registration form when just changing party affiliation and expanded deadline for overseas mail ballot receipt to match same-day voter registration deadlines. Bill passed senate 21-0 then provisions amended into AB121.
SB270
Senator Seevers Gansert
Currently, legislators, the governor and governor-elect, the lieutenant governor and lieutenant governor-elect are not allowed to raise funds during set periods prior to and following a legislative session. This bill would have added the attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, and controller to that prohibition. Bill did not get a hearing.
SB292
Senator Lange
In its original form, bill provided for straight-ticket voting, changing the ballot qualification criteria for minor party candidates, changing vacancy procedures, and deleting statue language calling for state oversight of party delegate selection. In the final version, straight-ticket voting and the changes to minor party qualification were removed. Final bill passed senate 12-9 and assembly 26-16.
SB301
Senate Minority Leader
This bill established all mail voting, manual ballot signature verification, and election of registrar of voters. Bill was not heard.
SB462
Senator Settelmeyer
This bill, introduced May 29th, would have established a redistricting advisory committee to provide recommendations for new district maps to LCB and the legislature. Bill was not heard.
SB79
Senator Hardy
Bill would have incorporated the city of Laughlin as a charter city. Bill did not receive a hearing.
SB82
Senator Ratti
This bill updated the city charter of Sparks to comply with current state law. Bill passed unanimously in both chambers.
SB84
Committee to Conduct an Interim Study of the Requirements for Reapportionment and Redistricting in the State of Nevada (S.C.R. 9, 2019)
Increases the numbers of voters allowed in each election precinct. Bill passed unanimously.
SB85
Senator Hardy
This bill proposed to change election statute to allow write in candidates. Bill did not receive a hearing.
SJR9
Senator Kieckhefer
This was a proposed constitutional amendment establishing a redistricting commission to draw legislative and congressional district boundaries. Bill was not heard.
By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform
It’s time to ask the question; how long will the major political parties remain the dominant political parties in Nevada? If the continuing voter registration trends continue (they show no indication of slowing), it will not be much longer. May 2021 figures are no surprise. I’ve annotated just where we are below each table.
State-Wide
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-96
-0.01%
35.55%
-0.23%
R
-475
-0.08%
31.05%
-0.22%
NP
8,135
1.79%
25.43%
0.29%
IAP
344
0.42%
4.54%
-0.01%
LIB
94
0.53%
0.97%
0.00%
Other
3,216
7.75%
2.45%
0.16%
Total not D or R
33.40%
0.44%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
The combined voter share of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party is #2 in the state, over two (2) percent greater share than the GOP and just two (2) percent shy of the Democratic Party.
Clark County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
260
0.05%
38.55%
-0.27%
R
109
0.03%
27.24%
-0.20%
NP
6,403
1.92%
26.27%
0.30%
IAP
343
0.61%
4.39%
-0.01%
LIB
75
0.67%
0.87%
0.00%
Other
2,539
7.96%
2.67%
0.18%
Total not D or R
34.20%
0.47%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
The combined voter share of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party exceeds Republican Party voter share by almost seven (7) percent. Non-Partisan voter share is less than one (1) percent from overtaking the GOP.
Washoe County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-155
-0.14%
33.71%
-0.17%
R
-129
-0.12%
33.74%
-0.16%
NP
928
1.21%
24.39%
0.20%
IAP
43
0.29%
4.62%
0.00%
LIB
16
0.39%
1.29%
0.00%
Other
465
6.95%
2.24%
0.14%
Total not D or R
32.54%
0.34%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
While the two major parties are still #1 and #2, the combined total of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party is just over one (1) percent away from taking over the #1 or #2 position.
Rural Counties
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-201
-2.63%
20.21%
-0.12%
R
-455
-1.90%
50.00%
-0.29%
NP
804
-1.12%
21.85%
0.34%
IAP
-42
-2.30%
5.35%
-0.03%
LIB
3
-3.41%
1.13%
0.00%
Other
212
7.04%
1.46%
0.10%
Total not D or R
29.79%
0.41%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Non-Partisan voter share is in the #2 spot exceeding Democratic Party voter share by almost two (2) percent. The combined voter share of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party exceeds Democratic Party voter share by almost 10 percent.
18 – 34 Year Old
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-462
-0.25%
35.80%
-0.37%
R
-500
-0.48%
20.07%
-0.25%
NP
3,583
2.05%
34.63%
0.44%
IAP
59
0.25%
4.63%
-0.02%
LIB
27
0.33%
1.58%
-0.01%
Other
1,220
7.77%
3.29%
0.21%
Total not D or R
44.13%
0.62%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
The combined voter share of those not registered to vote in either the Democratic or Republican Party is solidly in the #1 position by over eight (8) percent over the Democratic Party and 14 percent over the Republican Party. Non-Partisan voter share on its own exceeds GOP voter share by just under 15 percent and is just over one (1) percent away from taking the lead from the Democratic Party.
55+
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
371
0.14%
36.56%
-0.14%
R
318
0.11%
39.68%
-0.16%
NP
2,099
1.66%
17.46%
0.20%
IAP
153
0.49%
4.31%
0.00%
LIB
18
0.56%
0.44%
0.00%
Other
772
7.28%
1.55%
0.10%
Total not D or R
23.75%
0.30%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
This is the one demographic where the Democratic and Republican Party are in no jeopardy of losing their dominance. That said, this age group has followed the trend with the major parties losing voter share with corresponding gain by Non-Partisan and minor parties.
By district voter share changes.
Congressional Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
4
0
0
Republican
4
0
0
NP
0
4
0
IAP
3
0
1
LIB
0
0
4
Other
0
4
0
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. Non-Partisan exceeds the Republican Party in one (1) district; the combined total exceeds both major parties in one (1) district, the Republican Party in one (1) district and the Democratic Party in one (1) district.
State Senate Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
21
0
0
Republican
21
0
0
NP
0
21
0
IAP
11
2
8
LIB
6
3
12
Other
0
21
0
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. Non-Partisan exceeds the Republican Party in 10 districts and the Democratic Party in two (2) districts. The combined total exceeds the Republican Party in two (2) districts and the Democratic Party in three (3) districts.
State Assembly Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
42
0
0
Republican
42
0
0
NP
0
42
0
IAP
22
12
8
LIB
9
7
26
Other
0
42
0
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. Non-Partisan exceeds the Republican Party in 17 districts and the Democratic Party in three (3) districts. The combined total exceeds the Republican Party in nine (9) districts and the Democratic Party in 10 districts.
The Nevada legislature just passed Assembly Bill (AB) 126 to replace the Party-run presidential nominating caucuses with a state-run closed partisan primary. One of the stated advantages was that more people would participate in the process. But given the voter registration trend, just how many voters will be eligible?
By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform
Less than three percent now remains until those not registered to vote as either Democratic or Republican become the largest voting bloc in Nevada. That group is already the largest bloc among voters 18 to 34 years of age by over seven percent. The voter registration numbers for April 2021 continue to show no change to this trend.
Just how strong is this change in voter party preference? This table shows the voter share as of April 2011, 2016, and 2021. Note the change from 2016 to 2021 is more than double the change from 2011 to 2016.
Party
2011
2016
Diff
2021
Diff
D
42.09%
40.08%
-2.01%
35.78%
-4.30%
R
36.38%
35.02%
-1.36%
31.27%
-3.75%
NP
15.82%
18.93%
+3.11%
25.13%
+6.20%
Other
5.71%
5.98%
+0.27%
7.82%
+1.84%
Total Not D or R
21.53%
24.91%
+3.38%
32.95%
+8.04%
Here are the March to April 2021 changes
State-Wide
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-1,183
-0.18%
35.78%
-0.23%
R
-2,311
-0.41%
31.27%
-0.27%
NP
8,006
1.79%
25.13%
0.33%
IAP
158
0.19%
4.55%
-0.01%
LIB
44
0.25%
0.97%
0.00%
Other
3,574
9.42%
2.29%
0.19%
Total not D or R
32.95%
0.51%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Clark County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
20
0.00%
38.83%
-0.32%
R
-154
-0.04%
27.44%
-0.24%
NP
7,367
2.26%
25.97%
0.36%
IAP
328
0.59%
4.40%
-0.01%
LIB
114
1.03%
0.87%
0.00%
Other
2,948
10.18%
2.49%
0.21%
Total not D or R
33.73%
0.56%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Washoe County
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-29
-0.03%
33.89%
-0.18%
R
-71
-0.07%
33.91%
-0.19%
NP
1,158
1.53%
24.19%
0.24%
IAP
101
0.69%
4.62%
0.01%
LIB
15
0.37%
1.29%
0.00%
Other
434
6.94%
2.10%
0.13%
Total not D or R
32.21%
0.38%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
Rural Counties
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-1,174
-2.63%
20.34%
-0.17%
R
-2,086
-1.90%
50.29%
-0.05%
NP
-519
-1.12%
21.51%
0.15%
IAP
-271
-2.30%
5.38%
-0.03%
LIB
-85
-3.41%
1.13%
-0.02%
Other
192
7.04%
1.37%
0.11%
Total not D or R
29.38%
0.21%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
18 – 34 Year Old
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-530
-0.29%
36.17%
-0.35%
R
-1,066
-1.02%
20.33%
-0.35%
NP
3,653
2.14%
34.19%
0.49%
IAP
-28
-0.12%
4.65%
-0.04%
LIB
-2
-0.02%
1.59%
-0.01%
Other
1,396
9.76%
3.08%
0.25%
Total not D or R
43.50%
0.69%
Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, other or not specified.
55+
Party
Change in # Voters
% Change
% Voter Share
Difference in Voter Share %
D
-379
-0.14%
36.70%
-0.15%
R
-581
-0.20%
39.84%
-0.18%
NP
1,887
1.52%
17.26%
0.21%
IAP
86
0.27%
4.31%
0.00%
LIB
12
0.38%
0.44%
0.00%
Other
894
9.20%
1.45%
0.12%
Total not D or R
23.46%
0.33%
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
Democratic
4
0
0
Republican
4
0
0
NP
0
4
0
IAP
4
0
0
LIB
1
0
3
Other
0
4
0
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. Non-Partisan exceeds the Republican Party in one (1) district; the combined total exceeds both major parties in one (1) district.
State Senate Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
21
0
0
Republican
20
0
1
NP
1
20
0
IAP
11
2
8
LIB
4
6
11
Other
0
21
0
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 18 districts (86%), 5 Democratic, 13 Republican, the number exceeds. Of those, Non-Partisan EXCEEDS Democratic registration in two (2) districts and Republican registration in nine (9) districts.
State Assembly Districts
Party
# Districts Lose Voter Share
# Districts Gain Voter Share
# Districts No Change
Democratic
42
0
0
Republican
41
1
0
NP
1
41
0
IAP
26
10
6
LIB
9
12
21
Other
0
42
0
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 38 districts (90%) the number; 12 Democratic, 26 Republican, the number exceeds. Of those, Non-Partisan registration EXCEEDS Republican in 18 districts.
A Republican-sponsored bill (SB121) to address this growing shift in the political landscape was denied a hearing by Democratic leadership.
By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform
As the Nevada legislature reached the first deadline for legislation to advance (first committee passage), Republican-sponsored election bills died their expected death.
Thirty-seven election related bills were introduced, 25 by Republican legislators, 12 by Democratic.
Of the 25 Republican-sponsored bills, 20 (80 percent) did not receive a hearing. One bill was heard but did not receive a vote. Three (3): expanding registration deadline for military overseas voters, lowering the contribution and expenditure reporting dollar threshold for political action committees, adding campaign text messages to those requiring identification of who is paying, were passed by the committee and sent to the floor. One (1) bill, increasing the oversight of poll observers was declared “exempt” and may still be heard.
The 12 Democratic-sponsored bills fared much better. All 12 (100 percent) received a hearing, eight (8) were passed and sent for floor votes, one (1) was heard but did not get a vote, and three (3) were declared “exempt” and could advance.
What Republican-sponsored bills succumbed:
Six (6) called for all or partial repeal of AB4, the major election bill passed during special session, or voter ID. These were dead on arrival as Democratic leadership announced prior to the session these bills would not advance.
SB130 would establish a presidential primary to be held with the state primary in June. This was similar to AB126, the Democratic bill to have the presidential primary in January.
SB111 would have created a hybrid (both elected and appointed member) school board for Clark and Washoe county. This was similar to AB255 which was the only Democratic-sponsored bill to not make it out of committee.
SB121 would have replaced the state’s closed partisan primaries with top-two nonpartisan open primaries.
SB256 would have allowed for the use of electronic signatures on initiative petitions.
SJR9 would have created a redistricting commission to draw Congressional and state legislative district boundaries.
SB79 would have allowed the city of Laughlin to incorporate.
AB218 would have allowed an incumbent county sheriff or constable to campaign in uniform. This bill was heard but did not receive a vote.
AB263 would require signature verification equipment and personnel to be audited. This was added to AB321, the Democratic bill making AB4 all mail ballot election permanent.
AJR11 would have changed the state constitution regarding “none of the above”.
SB270 would have added state constitutional officers (attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, controller) to the fundraising blackout period before, during, and after a legislative session.
AB328 would have allowed funeral directors to report deaths directly to the county clerks and registrars of voters.
SB5 would have allowed for write-in candidates.
AB264 would require county clerks and registrars of voters to certify they performed voter roll maintenance prior to an election.
SB301 was similar to AB321 making mail ballots permanent but had other differences.
AB297 called for making the Clark and Washoe county registrar of voters an elected rather than appointed position.
Were some of these bills controversial? Were some driven by negative perceptions of the last election? Did some address valid issues? Yes, yes, and yes. Would our political and legislative process have benefited from open public discussion? Most definitely.
