2021 – Non-Partisan and Minor Parties Register Significant Voter Share Growth While Major Parties Record Loses

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – January5, 2021

2021 witnessed significant voter share growth for Non-Partisan and minor parties while both the Democratic and Republican Party saw similar noteworthy loses. For the month of December 2021, the numbers continue to show the same trend. It is important to note that as in November, the voter share of those listed as “other” once again saw very minor declines. 

The perception is that the increase in Non-Partisan voters is almost totally due to automatic voter registration and the Department of Motor Vehicles. However, the secretary of state’s office reports the percent of new voter registrations defaulting to Non-Partisan is only 59 percent.

Another interesting fact is the number of major party voters changing parties or registering as Non-Partisan. Jon Ralston of the Nevada Independent tracks that movement here.

The Nevada legislature approved new district maps and the governor approved them in November. While a lawsuit has been filed challenging the maps, they are in effect until a judge rules otherwise. The by-district numbers for December appear to reflect the impact of the redrawn districts.

State-Wide

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %2020 – 2021 Voter Share Change
D1,6140.26%33.94%-0.18%-2.70%
R2,2930.42%29.88%-0.11%-2.47%
NP10,3672.07%27.68%0.35%3.59%
IAP6360.77%4.49%0.00%-0.02%
LIB1170.67%0.95%0.00%-0.03%
Other-709-1.23%3.07%-0.06%1.63%
Total not D or R  36.19%0.29%5.17%

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

Clark County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %2020 – 2021 Voter Share Change
D1,5000.31%36.82%-0.20%-3.11%
R1,5900.47%25.99%-0.10%-2.47%
NP7,9382.17%28.63%0.37%3.73%
IAP4600.82%4.34%0.00%0.00%
LIB930.86%0.84%0.00%-0.03%
Other-461-1.03%3.39%-0.06%1.89%
Total not D or R  37.19%029%5.58%

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

Washoe County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %2020 – 2021 Voter Share Change
D1090.11%32.56%-0.13%-1.97%
R2890.28%32.83%-0.08%-2.11%
NP1,2261.50%25.99%0.25%2.86%
IAP1160.79%4.63%0.01%0.06%
LIB-1-0.02%1.26%-0.01%-0.02%
Other-120-1.36%2.74%-0.05%1.18%
Total not D or R  34.61%0.20%4.07%

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

Rural Counties

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %2020 – 2021 Voter Share Change
D50.01%19.13%-0.13%-1.86%
R4140.38%48.30%-0.16%-2.39%
NP1,2032.24%24.51%0.37%3.67%
IAP600.52%5.21%-0.01%-0.20%
LIB251.00%1.13%0.00%-0.01%
Other-128-3.22%1.71%-0.07%0.79%
Total not D or R  32.57%0.29%4.25%

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

Change 2020 – 2021 by county

CountyDRNPIAPLIBONot D or R
Carson City-1.86%-2.88%3.98%-0.05%-0.01%0.83%4.75%
Churchill-1.56%-1.97%3.10%-0.29%-0.03%0.75%3.53%
Douglas-1.30%-2.41%2.78%0.01%0.07%0.86%3.72%
Elko-1.27%-2.10%2.90%-0.07%-0.12%0.66%3.37%
Esmeralda-2.99%-4.89%8.77%-0.91%0.08%-0.06%7.88%
Eureka-0.46%-2.60%3.49%-0.64%-0.07%0.28%3.06%
Humboldt-0.66%-1.69%1.79%-0.01%-0.05%0.62%2.35%
lander-1.45%-2.14%3.32%-0.30%0.11%0.45%3.58%
Lincoln-2.49%0.58%1.69%-0.83%0.01%1.04%1.91%
Lyon-2.11%-3.08%4.53%-0.21%-0.02%0.89%5.19%
Mineral-2.79%-2.57%5.78%-0.68%-0.02%0.28%5.36%
Nye-3.24%-1.86%4.74%-0.49%-0.07%0.92%5.10%
Pershing-1.31%-2.62%3.59%-0.11%0.07%0.38%3.93%
Storey-1.52%-1.82%2.63%-0.23%0.15%0.78%3.34%
White Pine-1.98%-2.62%4.39%-0.26%0.02%0.45%4.60%

18 – 34 Year Old

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %2020 – 2021 Voter Share Change
D2540.15%33.19%-0.26%-4.31%
R2310.24%18.53%-0.13%-2.88%
NP4,4182.27%38.19%0.50%5.39%
IAP1490.64%4.47%-0.01%-0.25%
LIB440.57%1.50%-0.01%-0.12%
Other-224-1.03%4.12%-0.08%2.18%
Total not D or R  48.28%0.40%7.19%

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

55+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %2020 – 2021 Voter Share Change  
D6390.24%35.56%-0.12%-1.68%
R1,0090.35%38.81%-0.06%-1.97%
NP2,3131.69%18.96%0.23%2.52%
IAP2560.80%4.34%0.01%0.14%
LIB80.25%0.43%0.00%0.00%
Other-85-0.58%1.90%-0.05%4.44%
Total not D or R  25.63%0.19%3.65%

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
Democratic220
Republican220
NP130
IAP220
LIB211
Other220

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.

Change 2020 – 2021

DistrictDRNPIAPLIBONot D or R
1-8.32%3.57%2.94%0.23%-0.03%1.60%4.75%
2-1.85%-2.20%3.04%0.00%-0.02%1.04%4.06%
3-0.68%-4.99%3.80%-0.13%-0.04%2.04%5.67%
4-2.14%-3.81%4.28%-0.11%-0.03%1.80%5.95%

State Senate Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic1470
Republican1470
NP3180
IAP8121
LIB885
Other1650

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.

Change 2020 – 2021

DistrictDRNPIAPLIBONot D or R
1-3.53%-2.33%3.83%-0.07%0.03%2.07%5.86%
2-6.79%-0.55%5.44%-0.09%-0.01%2.00%7.33%
3-6.46%1.49%3.24%-0.01%-0.01%1.76%4.97%
4-5.48%-0.55%4.21%-0.06%-0.05%1.93%6.03%
5-4.21%-0.71%3.11%0.08%-0.06%1.79%4.92%
6-1.92%-3.54%3.58%0.07%0.00%1.81%5.46%
7-2.18%-3.90%4.44%-0.16%-0.08%1.88%6.09%
8-1.77%-4.32%3.98%0.11%-0.06%2.07%6.09%
9-0.08%-4.91%3.17%-0.21%-0.10%2.12%4.98%
10-7.66%1.08%5.01%-0.20%-0.05%1.83%6.59%
11-7.72%1.81%3.47%0.26%0.02%2.15%5.91%
123.60%-11.17%5.37%-0.17%0.10%2.26%7.57%
13-3.10%-1.84%3.75%-0.01%-0.05%1.26%4.94%
14-1.62%-2.27%2.84%-0.03%0.02%1.06%3.89%
15-1.65%-2.12%2.55%0.04%-0.03%1.20%3.77%
16-1.51%-2.50%2.98%0.09%-0.01%0.94%4.01%
17-1.64%-2.63%3.54%-0.13%0.02%0.85%4.27%
18-1.60%-3.07%2.84%0.10%-0.04%1.77%4.67%
19-2.12%-2.56%3.86%-0.23%-0.06%1.11%4.68%
20-9.60%7.98%0.72%0.39%-0.16%0.67%1.62%
21-2.95%-2.91%3.98%0.08%-0.02%3.48%5.87%

State Assembly Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic28131
Republican23190
NP9321
IAP15225
LIB15198
Other32  100

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.

Change 2020 – 2021

DistrictDRNPIAPLIBONot D or R
1-2.92%-1.67%2.79%0.01%0.05%1.73%4.58%
2-0.98%-4.46%3.43%0.15%-0.06%1.92%5.44%
3-6.38%1.27%3.23%0.13%-0.02%1.77%5.11%
4-2.03%-1.92%2.24%0.06%-0.06%1.71%3.95%
5-2.10%-5.07%4.90%0.00%-0.06%2.33%7.17%
6-5.58%-0.62%4.43%-0.18%-0.04%1.98%6.20%
7-5.72%-0.18%4.01%0.06%-0.05%1.88%5.90%
8-4.69%-1.38%3.86%-0.03%0.01%2.24%6.08%
9-2.83%-2.85%3.73%-0.09%-0.02%2.07%5.68%
10-6.53%1.50%3.35%-0.11%-0.01%1.80%5.03%
11-6.84%-0.77%5.60%0.13%-0.06%1.94%7.61%
12-1.61%-3.60%3.60%-0.06%-0.09%1.76%5.21%
13-0.17%-5.33%3.61%0.04%-0.01%1.87%5.50%
14-5.39%-1.24%4.34%0.30%0.09%1.89%6.62%
15-7.64%-2.99%8.27%0.05%0.16%2.16%10.63%
16-7.54%4.93%1.81%-0.46%-0.23%1.49%2.61%
17-4.79%-1.80%4.37%-0.03%0.00%2.25%6.59%
18-3.38%-2.81%4.46%-0.15%-0.09%1.96%6.18%
19-7.63%4.30%2.27%0.12%-0.01%0.96%3.34%
20-0.71%-4.78%3.97%-0.16%-0.05%1.73%5.48%
21-3.11%-2.10%3.43%0.13%-0.05%1.69%5.20%
22-1.54%-3.72%3.37%0.05%0.02%1.82%5.26%
23-0.66%-1.76%2.63%0.31%-0.05%-0.48%2.42%
24-3.57%-1.46%4.02%-0.05%-0.07%1.13%5.04%
25-1.24%-2.22%2.21%0.15%0.01%1.09%3.46%
26-1.37%-2.28%2.48%0.16%-0.02%1.03%3.65%
27-2.17%-1.98%2.97%-0.09%-0.07%1.34%4.15%
28-6.71%-0.31%5.28%-0.35%0.04%2.05%7.03%
29-1.36%-5.04%4.50%-0.11%-0.01%2.02%6.39%
30-2.63%-2.25%3.51%0.02%-0.03%1.38%4.87%
31-1.80%-2.37%2.81%0.00%0.03%1.33%4.16%
32-1.47%-2.09%2.86%-0.06%0.01%0.75%3.56%
33-1.46%-1.74%2.87%-0.22%-0.10%0.65%3.20%
34-3.28%-1.93%3.43%-0.12%-0.03%1.93%5.22%
35-3.01%-1.78%2.48%0.19%-0.05%2.18%4.79%
36-2.04%-3.81%4.63%-0.22%-0.04%1.47%5.85%
37-0.51%-5.39%3.90%0.21%0.04%1.75%5.90%
38-1.85%-2.91%4.19%-0.23%-0.04%0.85%4.76%
39-1.51%-2.42%3.04%-0.04%0.07%0.85%3.92%
40-1.70%-2.75%3.60%0.01%0.01%0.84%4.45%
41-2.80%-3.22%3.68%0.04%-0.07%2.37%6.02%
42-5.11%-0.39%3.52%0.00%-0.10%2.07%5.49%

As we begin an election year, it will be interesting to see if interest in the closed primaries cause voters to register accordingly and switch back before the general election in November.

November Voter Registration Continues Trend As GOP Drops Below Thirty Percent

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform – December 1, 2021

Voters continued to shun both the Democratic and Republican Party with both major parties once again losing voter share in November (the GOP fell below thirty percent), with the combined voter share of those registered as Non-Partisan and “other” remaining the largest segment of active voters.  However, November’s increase was solely accountable to Non-Partisan as the “other” category experienced a small decline in voter share across all tracked demographics.

State-Wide

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1,3510.22%34.11%-0.16%
R1,6180.29%29.99%-0.12%
NP9,1151.85%27.33%0.31%
IAP6290.77%4.49%0.00%
LIB1230.71%0.95%0.00%
Other-342-0.59%3.13%-0.04%
Total not D or R  35.90%0.27%

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

Clark County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1,3650.29%37.02%-0.18%
R1,2770.38%26.09%-0.10%
NP6,9961.95%28.26%0.32%
IAP5280.95%4.34%0.01%
LIB760.70%0.84%0.00%
Other-192-0.43%3.45%-0.04%
Total not D or R  36.89%029%

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

Washoe County

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D2060.20%32.69%-0.14%
R4050.39%32.90%-0.08%
NP1,2761.59%25.74%0.24%
IAP1250.86%4.61%0.01%
LIB421.06%1.27%0.01%
Other-86-0.96%2.79%-0.04%
Total not D or R  34.41%0.22%

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

Rural Counties

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-220-0.51%19.26%-0.14%
R-64-0.06%48.46%-0.13%
NP8431.59%24.15%0.33%
IAP-24-0.21%5.22%-0.02%
LIB50.20%1.13%0.00%
Other-64-1.59%1.78%-0.03%
Total not D or R  32.28%0.28%

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

18 – 34 Year Old

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D2000.12%33.45%-0.26%
R2280.24%18.66%-0.12%
NP4,1002.15%37.69%0.46%
IAP1680.73%4.49%-0.01%
LIB590.76%1.51%0.00%
Other-182-0.83%4.20%-0.07%
Total not D or R  47.88%0.38%

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

55+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D6390.24%35.68%-0.11%
R1,0090.35%38.87%-0.08%
NP2,3131.69%18.73%0.21%
IAP2560.80%4.33%0.01%
LIB80.25%0.44%0.00%
Other-85-0.58%1.95%-0.02%
Total not D or R  25.45%0.20%

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

By district voter share changes.

Congressional Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic400
Republican400
NP040
IAP022
LIB013
Other400

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

State Senate Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic2100
Republican2100
NP0210
IAP4107
LIB5412
Other2100

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

State Assembly Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic4200
Republican4200
NP0420
IAP81816
LIB131019
Other42  00

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.

Opponents of the new district maps approved by the legislature highlighted the growing number of Non-Partisan voters during discussion, stressing that these voters will not be properly represented under the revised boundaries. While the maps were approved and signed by Governor Sisolak, their fate will lie in the court.

Rank Choice Voting is Good for Business – OPINION

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.

Redistricting is Upon Us With Non-Major Party Voters Expanding Their Lead

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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1,9790.32%34.27%-0.20%
R1,5140.28%30.10%-0.19%
NP9,7572.02%27.01%0.30%
IAP6940.86%4.49%0.00%
LIB1130.66%0.95%0.00%
Other2,1293.82%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1,8090.38%37.20%-0.23%
R1,1310.34%26.20%-0.17%
NP7,3572.09%27.94%0.30%
IAP5250.95%4.33%0.00%
LIB880.82%0.84%0.00%
Other1,7223.99%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D2990.29%32.83%-0.16%
R3360.32%32.98%-0.15%
NP1,3611.72%25.49%0.24%
IAP1340.93%4.60%0.01%
LIB180.46%1.26%0.00%
Other2953.41%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-129-0.30%19.40%-0.16%
R470.04%48.59%-0.22%
NP1,0392.00%23.82%0.35%
IAP350.30%5.24%-0.01%
LIB70.28%1.13%0.00%
Other1122.85%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D4170.24%33.71%-0.32%
R830.09%18.79%-0.21%
NP4,4492.39%37.23%0.44%
IAP1870.82%4.49%-0.02%
LIB270.35%1.51%-0.01%
Other8043.82%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+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D1,0400.40%35.80%-0.13%
R1,1890.42%38.95%-0.13%
NP2,4021.79%18.52%0.19%
IAP3151.00%4.32%0.01%
LIB351.10%0.44%0.00%
Other5023.57%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
Democratic400
Republican400
NP040
IAP103
LIB004
Other040

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.

DistrictDRNPIAPLIBOtherTotal Not D or R
142.64%19.08%29.67%4.00%0.82%3.79%38.28%
228.13%38.47%24.92%4.78%1.24%2.46%33.40%
332.63%30.69%27.76%4.64%0.88%3.39%36.68%
436.52%28.73%26.37%4.36%0.81%3.21%34.75%
Majority District0      
5%1      
10%1      

State Senate Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic2100
Republican2100
NP0210
IAP1056
LIB6213
Other0210

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.

DistrictDRNPIAPLIBOtherTotal Not D or R
142.35%22.05%27.10%4.03%0.77%3.70%35.60%
248.46%11.65%31.68%3.55%0.67%4.00%39.90%
342.40%19.88%29.08%3.95%0.84%3.85%37.72%
450.85%13.36%27.89%3.45%0.61%3.84%35.79%
534.60%29.44%27.16%4.67%0.93%3.21%35.96%
636.79%29.45%25.46%4.33%0.83%3.13%33.75%
740.18%21.76%29.14%4.21%0.91%3.80%38.06%
833.69%30.90%26.73%4.52%0.89%3.27%35.41%
934.05%27.02%29.73%4.44%0.87%3.90%38.93%
1042.35%17.45%31.17%4.32%0.96%3.74%40.19%
1138.26%22.25%30.54%4.13%0.83%3.99%39.49%
1227.60%38.13%25.91%5.05%0.80%2.50%34.27%
1338.63%23.44%28.88%4.54%1.30%3.22%37.94%
1426.03%41.42%24.16%4.74%1.20%2.45%32.55%
1534.00%32.74%24.69%4.54%1.23%2.81%33.26%
1628.37%39.02%24.24%4.85%1.26%2.28%32.62%
1718.68%49.67%23.42%5.19%1.22%1.84%31.65%
1831.34%34.61%25.36%4.73%0.95%3.01%34.05%
1919.34%47.37%24.71%5.26%0.99%2.33%33.28%
2032.20%31.03%27.71%4.69%0.89%3.48%36.77%
2141.09%22.66%28.16%3.81%0.67%3.61%36.25%
Majority District1
5%5
10%2

State Assembly Districts

Party# Districts Lose Voter Share# Districts Gain Voter Share# Districts No Change
Democratic4200
Republican4200
NP0420
IAP18186
LIB14820
Other1  410

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.

DistrictDRNPIAPLIBOtherTotal Not D or R
140.47%24.85%26.15%4.25%0.78%3.50%34.68%
231.52%33.40%26.42%4.67%0.87%3.11%35.08%
343.00%19.62%28.94%3.88%0.85%3.71%37.38%
432.86%32.19%26.00%4.70%0.98%3.26%34.95%
536.19%28.02%27.08%4.35%0.90%3.45%35.79%
653.99%9.24%28.75%3.34%0.60%4.07%36.77%
748.32%16.68%27.21%3.53%0.61%3.65%35.00%
837.06%23.26%30.69%4.17%0.83%3.99%39.68%
934.68%26.50%29.62%4.39%0.86%3.95%38.82%
1041.76%20.16%29.22%4.02%0.84%4.00%38.08%
1148.74%11.11%31.94%3.67%0.71%3.83%40.15%
1238.05%26.84%27.05%3.92%0.68%3.46%35.11%
1329.62%37.35%24.62%4.76%0.92%2.73%33.03%
1446.03%15.86%29.96%3.63%0.67%3.85%38.11%
1544.29%17.84%29.39%4.23%0.84%3.40%37.87%
1640.31%17.05%33.04%4.42%1.08%4.10%42.64%
1744.27%19.20%28.06%3.81%0.76%3.90%36.53%
1840.83%20.38%29.98%4.12%0.85%3.84%38.79%
1928.45%36.04%27.28%4.80%0.75%2.67%35.51%
2039.49%23.23%28.24%4.31%0.97%3.77%37.28%
2135.20%28.88%27.06%4.75%0.90%3.22%35.92%
2230.26%35.11%26.00%4.82%0.84%2.97%34.63%
2326.94%39.74%24.86%5.24%0.84%2.38%33.32%
2441.15%19.80%30.10%4.38%1.36%3.21%39.04%
2531.88%37.16%22.75%4.49%1.16%2.57%30.96%
2629.26%37.96%24.37%4.66%1.27%2.49%32.78%
2736.64%27.25%27.09%4.59%1.32%3.11%36.11%
2848.20%12.14%31.44%3.45%0.63%4.15%39.67%
2934.10%29.91%27.24%4.60%0.95%3.20%36.00%
3036.26%26.84%27.74%4.68%1.24%3.23%36.90%
3131.08%34.92%25.02%4.80%1.29%2.89%34.01%
3220.20%48.93%23.17%4.68%1.09%1.94%30.87%
3314.07%54.51%23.87%5.03%0.99%1.52%31.41%
3438.89%25.29%27.12%4.25%0.93%3.51%35.82%
3533.46%27.51%29.82%4.48%0.88%3.85%39.03%
3622.76%42.75%25.25%5.40%0.99%2.85%34.49%
3734.93%33.15%23.98%4.40%0.74%2.79%31.92%
3816.41%48.80%26.01%5.59%1.27%1.92%34.80%
3920.54%50.39%21.29%4.85%1.17%1.76%29.08%
4027.26%40.33%24.07%5.08%1.24%2.01%32.41%
4134.11%27.01%29.40%4.56%0.95%3.97%38.88%
4239.86%20.91%30.33%4.09%0.82%3.99%39.23%
Majority District3
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.

Combined Non-Partisan and Minor Party Registration Extends Lead Over Major Parties – Dilemma for Redistricting

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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference 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%
Other1,3402.46%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference 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%
Other1,0622.52%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference 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%
Other1631.92%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-43-0.10%19.56%-0.16%
R2330.22%48.82%-0.24%
NP1,2002.37%23.47%0.38%
IAP340.29%5.26%-0.02%
LIB70.28%1.13%0.00%
Other1153.02%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference 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%
Other3841.86%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+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference 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%
Other4143.03%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
Democratic400
Republican400
NP040
IAP400
LIB400
Other040

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
Democratic2100
Republican2100
NP0210
IAP1623
LIB2001
Other0210

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
Democratic4200
Republican4200
NP0420
IAP2877
LIB3714
Other1410

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

District2020 CensusDiff from ideal% diff% Dem%Rep%NP% Not D or R
1702,822-73,332-9.45%42.93%19.22%29.32%37.85%
2758,820-17,334-2.23%28.28%38.64%24.66%33.08%
3855,52879,37410.23%32.80%30.89%27.50%36.31%
4787,44411,2901.45%36.76%28.92%26.04%34.32%

State Senate – Ideal population 147,839

District2020 CensusDiff from ideal% diff% Dem%Rep%NP% Not D or R
1165,54217,70311.97%42.68%22.19%26.76%35.13%
2128,419-19,420-13.14%48.87%11.71%31.29%39.42%
3132,412-15,427-10.44%42.68%20.01%28.73%37.31%
4141,147-6,692-4.53%51.20%13.42%27.56%35.38%
5134,488-13,351-9.03%34.80%29.64%26.87%35.56%
6134,456-13,383-9.05%36.96%29.61%25.23%33.44%
7143,026-4,813-3.26%40.48%21.92%28.81%37.60%
8135,709-12,130-8.20%33.91%31.09%26.45%35.00%
9204,52156,68238.34%34.22%27.18%29.50%38.60%
10137,808-10,031-6.79%42.67%17.59%30.79%39.73%
11145,009-2,830-1.91%38.49%22.43%30.24%39.08%
12159,06111,2227.59%27.76%38.34%25.61%33.89%
13143,585-4,254-2.88%38.85%23.56%28.59%37.59%
14144,479-3,360-2.27%26.16%41.58%23.93%32.26%
15144,172-3,667-2.48%34.17%32.89%24.47%32.94%
16150,7302,8911.96%28.51%39.18%23.98%32.31%
17138,343-9,496-6.42%18.85%49.86%23.10%31.29%
18154,0306,1914.19%31.50%34.80%25.11%33.70%
19158,78710,9487.41%19.47%47.67%24.32%32.86%
20161,48713,6489.23%32.36%31.27%27.40%36.37%
21147,403-436-0.29%41.33%22.79%27.86%35.88%

State Assembly – Ideal population 73,919

District2020 CensusDiff from ideal% diff% Dem%Rep%NP% Not D or R
178,6714,7526.43%40.88%25.29%25.60%33.83%
269,552-4,367-5.91%31.90%33.81%25.91%34.29%
367,382-6,537-8.84%43.68%19.89%28.22%36.43%
482,7478,82811.94%33.22%32.70%25.43%34.09%
566,157-7,762-10.50%36.66%28.42%26.58%34.92%
669,404-4,515-6.11%54.93%9.39%27.91%35.68%
771,743-2,176-2.94%48.98%16.85%26.52%34.18%
880,6296,7109.08%37.64%23.61%30.07%38.76%
999,76625,84734.97%35.23%26.88%29.04%37.89%
1065,030-8,889-12.03%42.39%20.43%28.51%37.18%
1160,829-13,090-17.71%49.69%11.32%30.95%38.99%
1281,8457,92610.72%38.45%27.31%26.43%34.24%
1371,283-2,636-3.57%29.80%37.82%24.19%32.38%
1465,558-8,361-11.31%46.68%16.17%29.26%37.15%
1569,581-4,338-5.87%44.89%18.21%28.67%36.90%
1668,227-5,692-7.70%41.06%17.47%32.11%41.47%
1786,87112,95217.52%45.08%19.53%27.23%35.39%
1875,5611,6422.22%41.45%20.77%29.18%37.77%
1977,3993,4804.71%28.90%36.63%26.41%34.47%
2067,465-6,454-8.73%40.09%23.48%27.75%36.43%
2160,849-13,070-17.68%35.58%29.25%26.58%35.17%
2276,5122,5933.51%30.52%35.58%25.42%33.90%
2381,6627,74310.47%27.10%40.27%24.39%32.63%
2469,813-4,106-5.55%41.80%19.94%29.46%38.26%
2574,2333140.42%32.05%37.42%22.49%30.53%
2679,9306,0118.13%29.53%38.20%23.97%32.27%
2769,939-3,980-5.38%36.94%27.51%26.75%35.54%
2867,590-6,329-8.56%49.10%12.33%30.63%38.57%
2973,639-280-0.38%34.57%30.31%26.68%35.12%
3073,772-147-0.20%36.50%27.23%27.36%36.27%
3176,2222,3033.12%31.28%35.27%24.65%33.45%
3268,257-5,662-7.66%20.47%49.27%22.64%30.26%
3367,861-6,058-8.20%14.27%54.90%23.20%30.84%
3467,878-6,041-8.17%39.34%25.72%26.56%34.93%
35104,75530,83641.72%33.81%27.94%29.43%38.25%
3690,92617,00723.01%23.20%43.33%24.45%33.47%
3766,578-7,341-9.93%35.20%33.43%23.63%31.37%
3869,274-4,645-6.28%16.73%49.33%25.23%33.94%
3969,069-4,850-6.56%20.84%50.69%20.76%28.47%
4070,800-3,119-4.22%27.53%40.75%23.39%31.72%
4184,97511,05614.96%34.65%27.58%28.68%37.77%
4264,380-9,539-12.90%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?

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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D4590.07%34.78%-0.25%
R4830.09%30.40%-0.22%
NP10,3132.13%26.44%0.35%
IAP4440.53%4.51%-0.01%
LIB1370.76%0.97%0.00%
Other2,9035.64%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D6020.12%37.68%-0.28%
R2640.07%26.61%-0.21%
NP7,7732.19%27.32%0.36%
IAP3370.59%4.35%-0.01%
LIB770.68%0.86%0.00%
Other2,3095.81%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-195-0.18%33.12%-0.20%
R-89-0.08%33.24%-0.17%
NP1,1381.42%25.12%0.25%
IAP530.36%4.61%0.00%
LIB300.72%1.29%0.00%
Other4185.18%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D520.12%19.71%-0.16%
R3080.29%49.05%-0.31%
NP1,4022.84%23.09%0.43%
IAP540.47%5.28%-0.02%
LIB301.22%1.13%0.00%
Other1764.85%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-237-0.13%34.56%-0.40%
R-344-0.33%19.29%-0.27%
NP4,6822.50%36.15%0.52%
IAP1080.45%4.55%-0.03%
LIB480.59%1.55%-0.01%
Other1,1786.04%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+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D5590.21%36.09%-0.15%
R6000.20%39.23%-0.16%
NP2,5291.90%18.11%0.23%
IAP2250.70%4.31%0.00%
LIB240.74%0.44%0.00%
Other6755.20%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
Democratic400
Republican400
NP040
IAP400
LIB004
Other040

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
Democratic2100
Republican2100
NP0210
IAP1506
LIB2316
Other0210

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
Democratic4200
Republican4200
NP0420
IAP2949
LIB101022
Other0420

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?

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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D6910.11%35.03%-0.28%
R8800.16%30.61%-0.23%
NP11,0562.34%26.09%0.36%
IAP5050.61%4.52%-0.01%
LIB1320.74%0.97%0.00%
Other3,5877.49%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D7200.14%37.96%-0.31%
R4500.13%26.82%-0.23%
NP8,2292.38%26.96%0.37%
IAP3600.63%4.37%-0.01%
LIB670.59%0.87%0.00%
Other2,7777.51%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-41-0.04%33.32%-0.23%
R710.07%33.41%-0.19%
NP1,3851.76%24.87%0.27%
IAP800.54%4.62%0.00%
LIB300.73%1.29%0.00%
Other5307.04%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D120.03%19.87%-0.20%
R3590.34%49.37%-0.34%
NP1,4423.01%22.66%0.44%
IAP650.57%5.30%-0.02%
LIB351.44%1.13%0.00%
Other2808.35%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-169-0.09%34.96%-0.45%
R-171-0.17%19.56%-0.27%
NP5,0732.79%35.64%0.55%
IAP920.38%4.57%-0.04%
LIB420.51%1.56%-0.01%
Other1,3917.68%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+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D6310.23%36.24%-0.18%
R1,0420.36%39.39%-0.15%
NP2,6692.05%17.88%0.23%
IAP2410.76%4.31%0.00%
LIB230.71%0.44%0.00%
Other8366.88%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
Democratic400
Republican400
NP040
IAP400
LIB103
Other040

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
Democratic2100
Republican2100
NP0210
IAP1704
LIB7311
Other0210

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
Democratic4200
Republican4200
NP0420
IAP2967
LIB16818
Other0420

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.

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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D4390.07%35.32%-0.24%
R3930.07%30.84%-0.21%
NP9,0611.95%25.73%0.30%
IAP4590.55%4.53%-0.01%
LIB1010.57%0.97%0.00%
Other3,1467.03%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D5900.12%38.27%-0.28%
R4180.12%27.05%-0.20%
NP7,0082.07%26.59%0.32%
IAP3830.68%4.38%-0.01%
LIB730.65%0.87%0.00%
Other2,5447.39%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-84-0.08%33.54%-0.17%
R120.01%33.60%-0.14%
NP9881.27%24.60%0.20%
IAP620.42%4.62%0.00%
LIB160.39%1.29%0.00%
Other3815.33%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-67-0.15%20.07%-0.14%
R-37-0.03%49.70%-0.30%
NP1,0652.28%22.22%0.37%
IAP140.12%5.32%-0.02%
LIB120.50%1.13%0.00%
Other2217.06%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-220-0.12%35.41%-0.39%
R-274-0.27%19.83%-0.25%
NP4,1492.33%35.09%0.46%
IAP1590.67%4.61%-0.01%
LIB430.53%1.57%-0.01%
Other1,1897.03%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+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D5250.20%36.42%-0.15%
R6630.23%39.54%-0.15%
NP2,2051.72%17.65%0.20%
IAP1960.62%4.31%0.00%
LIB210.65%0.44%0.00%
Other7686.75%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
Democratic400
Republican400
NP040
IAP400
LIB004
Other040

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
Democratic2100
Republican2100
NP0210
IAP1326
LIB5115
Other0210

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
Democratic4200
Republican4200
NP0420
IAP22713
LIB16818
Other0420

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.  

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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-96-0.01%35.55%-0.23%
R-475-0.08%31.05%-0.22%
NP8,1351.79%25.43%0.29%
IAP3440.42%4.54%-0.01%
LIB940.53%0.97%0.00%
Other3,2167.75%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D2600.05%38.55%-0.27%
R1090.03%27.24%-0.20%
NP6,4031.92%26.27%0.30%
IAP3430.61%4.39%-0.01%
LIB750.67%0.87%0.00%
Other2,5397.96%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-155-0.14%33.71%-0.17%
R-129-0.12%33.74%-0.16%
NP9281.21%24.39%0.20%
IAP430.29%4.62%0.00%
LIB160.39%1.29%0.00%
Other4656.95%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-201-2.63%20.21%-0.12%
R-455-1.90%50.00%-0.29%
NP804-1.12%21.85%0.34%
IAP-42-2.30%5.35%-0.03%
LIB3-3.41%1.13%0.00%
Other2127.04%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-462-0.25%35.80%-0.37%
R-500-0.48%20.07%-0.25%
NP3,5832.05%34.63%0.44%
IAP590.25%4.63%-0.02%
LIB270.33%1.58%-0.01%
Other1,2207.77%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+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D3710.14%36.56%-0.14%
R3180.11%39.68%-0.16%
NP2,0991.66%17.46%0.20%
IAP1530.49%4.31%0.00%
LIB180.56%0.44%0.00%
Other7727.28%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
Democratic400
Republican400
NP040
IAP301
LIB004
Other040

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
Democratic2100
Republican2100
NP0210
IAP1128
LIB6312
Other0210

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
Democratic4200
Republican4200
NP0420
IAP22128
LIB9726
Other0420

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?

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.

Party20112016Diff2021Diff
D42.09%40.08%-2.01%35.78%-4.30%
R36.38%35.02%-1.36%31.27%-3.75%
NP15.82%18.93%+3.11%25.13%+6.20%
Other5.71%5.98%+0.27%7.82%+1.84%
Total Not D or R21.53%24.91%+3.38%32.95%+8.04%

Here are the March to April 2021 changes

State-Wide

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-1,183-0.18%35.78%-0.23%
R-2,311-0.41%31.27%-0.27%
NP8,0061.79%25.13%0.33%
IAP1580.19%4.55%-0.01%
LIB440.25%0.97%0.00%
Other3,5749.42%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D200.00%38.83%-0.32%
R-154-0.04%27.44%-0.24%
NP7,3672.26%25.97%0.36%
IAP3280.59%4.40%-0.01%
LIB1141.03%0.87%0.00%
Other2,94810.18%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-29-0.03%33.89%-0.18%
R-71-0.07%33.91%-0.19%
NP1,1581.53%24.19%0.24%
IAP1010.69%4.62%0.01%
LIB150.37%1.29%0.00%
Other4346.94%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference 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%
Other1927.04%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

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-530-0.29%36.17%-0.35%
R-1,066-1.02%20.33%-0.35%
NP3,6532.14%34.19%0.49%
IAP-28-0.12%4.65%-0.04%
LIB-2-0.02%1.59%-0.01%
Other1,3969.76%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+

PartyChange in # Voters% Change% Voter ShareDifference in Voter Share %
D-379-0.14%36.70%-0.15%
R-581-0.20%39.84%-0.18%
NP1,8871.52%17.26%0.21%
IAP860.27%4.31%0.00%
LIB120.38%0.44%0.00%
Other8949.20%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
Democratic400
Republican400
NP040
IAP400
LIB103
Other040

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
Democratic2100
Republican2001
NP1200
IAP1128
LIB4611
Other0210

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
Democratic4200
Republican4110
NP1410
IAP26106
LIB91221
Other0420

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.