Blog – Page 6

September 2, 2021September 2, 2021

Combined Non-Partisan and Minor Party Voter Share Now On Top

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

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

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?

August 3, 2021August 3, 2021

Non-Partisans Overtake GOP in Clark County Voter Share

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.

July 2, 2021July 2, 2021

Voters Continue to Abandon Major Political Parties

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.

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

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

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.

June 7, 2021June 7, 2021

Fate of Election Bills..A Partisan Affair

By Doug Goodman – Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform

The 81^st 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.

June 2, 2021June 2, 2021

Major Political Parties Continue Downward Slide

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.

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

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?

May 4, 2021May 4, 2021

Combined Non-Partisan and Minor Party Registration Approaching Leading Voter Share

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.

April 11, 2021

At First Deadline GOP Election Bills Succumb to Partisan Disease

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.

April 2, 2021April 2, 2021

Over One-Third of Voters Not Members of Either Major Party; Strong Showing in All Legislative Districts

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform

With the 81^st Nevada legislature session in full swing and bills such as making mail voting changes from the general election permanent and providing for straight-ticket voting being heard in committee, there was a very slight (0.04%) drop in the number of registered voters in March. However, both the Democratic and Republican Party continue to lose voter share across all demographics while Non-Partisan and the minor parties continue to gain.

There are 67 legislative districts in the state: four (4) Congressional, 21 State Senate, and 42 State Assembly. In ALL districts, the percentage of voters NOT registered to vote as members of the Democratic or Republican Party now either exceeds or is within five (5) percent of the share of one of the major parties. The number of voters in this group is over one-third of all voters state-wide, in both Clark and Washoe County, and voters 18 to 34 years of age. In the rural counties, the percentage is just below 30 percent (29.15%) State-wide and in Clark County, this number exceeds the voter share of the Republican Party. Among voters between the ages of 18 to 34, this number exceeds that of both major parties with Non-Partisan voter share topping that of the Republican Party by 13 percent.

State-Wide

Party	Change in # Voters	% Change	% Voter Share	Difference in Voter Share %
D	-4,708	-0.72%	36.01%	-0.25%
R	-4,855	-0.85%	31.54%	-0.26%
NP	5,378	1.22%	24.81%	0.31%
IAP	-230	-0.28%	4.56%	-0.01%
LIB	-19	-0.11%	0.98%	0.00%
Other	3,792	11.10%	2.10%	0.21%
Total not D or R			32.45%	0.51%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others.
The large increase is due to a change in how voters who do not
indicate a minor party are counted. Prior to August 2020 they
were counted as Non-Partisan.

Clark County

Party	Change in # Voters	% Change	% Voter Share	Difference in Voter Share %
D	-2,599	-0.52%	39.15%	-0.33%
R	-1,927	-0.54%	27.68%	-0.24%
NP	5,125	1.60%	25.61%	0.32%
IAP	172	0.31%	4.41%	0.00%
LIB	40	0.36%	0.87%	0.00%
Other	3,153	12.22%	2.28%	0.24%
Total not D or R			33.16%	0.56%

Washoe County

Party	Change in # Voters	% Change	% Voter Share	Difference in Voter Share %
D	-474	-0.44%	34.07%	-0.23%
R	-443	-0.41%	34.10%	-0.22%
NP	1,171	1.57%	23.95%	0.31%
IAP	36	0.25%	4.62%	0.00%
LIB	11	0.27%	1.29%	0.00%
Other	437	7.51%	1.98%	0.13%
Total not D or R			31.83%	0.44%

Rural Counties

Party	Change in # Voters	% Change	% Voter Share	Difference in Voter Share %
D	-1,635	-3.53%	20.51%	-0.24%
R	-2,485	-2.22%	50.34%	0.09%
NP	-918	-1.94%	21.35%	0.10%
IAP	-438	-3.59%	5.40%	-0.07%
LIB	-70	-2.73%	1.15%	0.00%
Other	202	8.00%	1.25%	0.12%
Total not D or R			29.15%	0.15%

18 – 34 Year Old

Party	Change in # Voters	% Change	% Voter Share	Difference in Voter Share %
D	-846	-0.46%	36.52%	-0.37%
R	-845	-0.80%	20.67%	-0.28%
NP	3,030	1.81%	33.70%	0.41%
IAP	-2	-0.01%	4.69%	-0.03%
LIB	-20	-0.25%	1.60%	-0.01%
Other	1,493	11.66%	2.82%	0.28%
Total not D or R			42.81%	0.65%

55+

Party	Change in # Voters	% Change	% Voter Share	Difference in Voter Share %
D	-3,246	-1.19%	36.85%	-0.19%
R	-2,996	-1.02%	40.03%	-0.13%
NP	569	0.46%	17.05%	0.20%
IAP	-281	-0.89%	4.31%	-0.01%
LIB	-26	-0.81%	0.44%	0.00%
Other	909	10.32%	1.33%	0.13%
Total not D or R			23.13%	0.32%

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	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 is greater than or within 5% of 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	20	1	0
NP	1	20	0
IAP	9	4	8
LIB	3	4	14
Other	0	21	0

State Assembly Districts

Party	# Districts Lose Voter Share	# Districts Gain Voter Share	# Districts No Change
Democratic	42	0	0
Republican	42	2	0
NP	1	41	0
IAP	21	15	6
LIB	14	12	16
Other	0	42	0

The legislative session is a partisan affair, especially when one party has a large majority in both chambers. Bills are often not given committee hearings based solely on whether the bill was introduced by a member of the majority party or not. Voter registration numbers continue to indicate this may not be a preferred method.

March 2, 2021March 2, 2021

Is Republican Intra-Party Squabbles Impacting Voter Registration

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform

Voter registration data for February 2021 held no surprises, both the Nevada Democratic and Republican Party lost voter share while Non-Partisan and minor parties posted normal increases. However, the data did raise a question; has Republican intra-party conflict caused voters to leave the party?

Normally voter share loses occur even though the parties gain actual voters. In the month just past this was not the case for the GOP. In addition to losing voter share, the Nevada Republican Party lost voters across all demographics and in all four Congressional districts, 18 of 21 state senate districts, and 36 of 42 state assembly districts. The Democratic Party didn’t fare much better, losing voter share in all demographics and all Congressional, state senate, and state assembly districts and actual voters in two Congressional districts, seven state senate districts, and 15 state assembly districts.

State-Wide

Party	Change in # Voters	% Change	% Voter Share	Difference in Voter Share %
D	-100	-0.02%	36.26%	-0.17%
R	-1,962	-0.34%	31.80%	-0.25%
NP	6,264	1.44%	24.50%	0.24%
IAP	520	0.63%	4.57%	0.01%
LIB	91	0.52%	0.98%	0.00%
Other	3,357	10.90%	1.89%	0.18%
Total not D or R			31.94%	0.43%

Clark County

Party	Change in # Voters	% Change	% Voter Share	Difference in Voter Share %
D	362	0.07%	39.48%	-0.22%
R	-644	-0.18%	27.92%	-0.23%
NP	5,016	1.59%	25.29%	0.24%
IAP	486	0.88%	4.41%	0.01%
LIB	75	0.69%	0.87%	0.00%
Other	2,733	11.85%	2.04%	0.20%
Total not D or R			32.60%	0.45%

Washoe County

Party	Change in # Voters	% Change	% Voter Share	Difference in Voter Share %
D	201	0.19%	34.30%	-0.10%
R	-184	-0.17%	34.32%	-0.22%
NP	868	1.18%	23.63%	0.17%
IAP	128	0.89%	4.62%	0.02%
LIB	31	0.77%	1.29%	0.00%
Other	431	8.00%	1.84%	0.13%
Total not D or R			31.38%	0.32%

Rural Counties

Party	Change in # Voters	% Change	% Voter Share	Difference in Voter Share %
D	-663	-1.41%	20.75%	-0.17%
R	-1,134	-1.00%	50.24%	-0.21%
NP	380	0.81%	21.25%	0.30%
IAP	-94	-0.76%	5.47%	-0.01%
LIB	-15	-0.58%	1.15%	0.00%
Other	193	8.28%	1.13%	0.09%
Total not D or R			29.00%	0.38%

18 – 34 Year Old

Party	Change in # Voters	% Change	% Voter Share	Difference in Voter Share %
D	-383	-0.21%	36.89%	-0.30%
R	-520	-0.49%	20.96%	-0.23%
NP	2,701	1.64%	33.29%	0.33%
IAP	33	0.14%	4.71%	-0.02%
LIB	17	0.21%	1.61%	-0.01%
Other	1,232	10.65%	2.54%	0.23%
Total not D or R			42.15%	0.53%

55+

Party	Change in # Voters	% Change	% Voter Share	Difference in Voter Share %
D	277	0.10%	37.03%	-0.09%
R	-724	-0.25%	40.16%	-0.23%
NP	1,652	1.35%	16.85%	0.17%
IAP	294	0.94%	4.32%	0.03%
LIB	17	0.53%	0.44%	0.00%
Other	914	11.58%	1.20%	0.12%
Total not D or R			22.80%	0.32%

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	0	3	1
LIB	0	0	4
Other	0	4	0

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	3	14	4
LIB	1	3	17
Other	0	21	0

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	13	22	7
LIB	10	13	19
Other	0	42	0

In 41 districts (97.62%) 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 nearly one-third of active registered voters in Nevada not affiliating with either the Democratic or Republican Party; over 40 percent among voters 18 to 34 years of age, is it time for the major parties to re-evaluate the political landscape?

Republican State Senator Ben Kieckhefer has introduced Senate Bill (SB) 121 recognizing this changing dynamic. The bill would change Nevada’s currently closed partisan primary elections to nonpartisan open primaries where all candidates regardless of party affiliation would be voted upon by all voters regardless of party with the top two finishers, regardless of party advancing to the general election. A similar bill (SB103) was introduced in the 2017 session by Republican State Senator James Settelmeyer. This bill was not given a hearing. Given the statements made by Democratic legislative leadership to the Nevada Independent, it appears SB121 faces the same fate.

February 16, 2021February 16, 2021

Presidential Primary Bill Needs RCV

AB 126 to replace the major party caucuses with a presidential preference primary was introduced on Feb 15, 2021. The bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Jason Frierson, Assemblywoman Teresa Benitez-Thompson, and Assemblywoman Brittney Miller.

The primary will be used to “…determine the preferences of the registered voters of a major political party regarding the party’s nominee for President of the United States.” (Sec.1)

Delegates selected by the party to their national convention “…must reasonably reflect the results of the presidential preference primary election if one has been held for the party.” (Sec. 5)

The bill requires the primary to be the first nominating event in the among the 13 western states. (Sec. 43) It will actually be the first in the nation.

Clearly, the intent is for Nevada to have a major impact on the nomination process of both major political party presidential candidates.

Section 1 of the bill clearly states the winner should reflect the preference of the registered voters of each party. I’m sure the desire and priority of the party is for the party’s nominee to have the broadest support, to unite the party behind the candidate, and to avoid intra-party conflict during the nominating process.

Section 5 clearly directs the party to select delegates to their national convention who represent that preference.

However, given the timing of the primary and the potential for numerous candidates at that particular time in the process, Section 46 of the bill creates a high likelihood that the winner of the primary; the winner of the state’s national convention delegates, will actually be a candidate with a small plurality of primary votes not meeting the desired outcome of Section 1; “Such a registered voter may vote for only one qualified candidate on the ballot as the voter’s preference for the nominee for President of the United States for the party.”

The Nevada Democratic Party was highly successful in overcoming this potential outcome during the early voting process of the nominating caucus last February. Party members were allowed to rank their candidate preferences in order, ensuring, should their preferred candidate not be viable, their voice would still be heard. Party members who participated in caucus early voting overwhelmingly liked this system and found it easy. Using a similar process in a crowded primary field would ensure the goal or section 1 would be achieved.

Please contact Speaker Frierson; via email Jason.frierson@asm.state.nv.us or phone
775-684-8537 and urge him, in the name of party unity and cohesion, to allow party members to rank candidates in order of preference so the winner of the primary (and the state’s delegates) truly reflect the desire of a majority of party voters.