National Conference of State Legislatures ID’s Problem – NEMRA 2017 Provides Fix

 A study released this month by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the Pew Charitable Trusts answers an important question; how closely do the demographics of the legislature match the demographics of the state?  

Except for the number of Black / African-Americans in the legislature; 10 percent versus 8.6 percent of the population, Nevada state legislators do not reflect the population of the state. This should not be a problem since the role of a legislator is to make decisions that best coincide with the beliefs of their constituents. That is supposedly the reason people voted for them. However, one’s view of the issues and most likely their partisan affiliation or leaning are shaped by who they are; age, gender, level of education, ethnicity, religion, occupation.  

The root of the problem most likely is related to the level of political participation. If the motivation to vote is low or fluctuates based on the questions at hand, a person will not be inclined to run for office or volunteer in a campaign effort. Perhaps worse, the feeling that “my vote and opinions don’t matter” dissuades people from registering to vote.  While all age groups make up this demographic, the voter registration statisticsfrom November, 2015 appear to show those between the ages of 18 – 34 may hold this opinion more frequently.

The key to increasing participation and then perhaps increased presence in the Nevada legislature is to reduce, hopefully significantly, the feeling of insignificance of participation in the state’s political process. The Nevada Election Modernization and Reform Act – 2017 (NEMRA – 2017) provides a means to accomplish this goal.

While savings taxpayers $3 – 4 million every election cycle, NEMRA – 2017 makes every vote important, restoring the belief that “my vote counts.” At the same time, NEMRA – 2017 does not infringe on a political party’s right of association or right to choose a nominee or nominees for any partisan elected office.  

The decision to address the problem revealed in the NCSL / Pew study rests with members of the Nevada legislature. By filing a Bill Draft Request (BDR) and then passing NEMRA – 2017, the 2017 legislative session would mark the beginning of the process that makes every voter in Nevada feel important, increases voter turnout, and encourages candidates to seek elected office.  

Note: Millennials, those born tween 1981 – 1997 are now the largest generation, overtaking the Baby Boomer (1946 – 1964) this year.