As you may already know, the Nevada Presidential Preference Primary (PPP) is fast approaching on February 6. It's important to note that registered nonpartisan voters won't be able to participate.

This could be seen as significant setback for voter engagement given that nonpartisan voters represent the largest voting bloc in Nevada. However, we have some information that might be helpful to those who still wish to partake in the voting process.

Recent statistics indicated that almost 40% of voters in Nevada are not affiliated with either major political party.

This means that there are more nonpartisan and non-affiliated voters in Nevada than there are registered Democrats or Republicans. To address this issue, we reached out to Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar who provided us with some guidance on what nonpartisan voters can do to participate in the presidential nominating process.

"Given that nonpartisans are the biggest voting block in Nevada now," said Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar, "We're asking them to (update their voter registration) now so that they can receive a mail ballot, they can participate by mail, they can early vote or they can vote on the day of the primary which is February 6th. This will allow us to make sure our process is seamless, that our poll workers are being able to manage that process effectively, and make sure everybody has a great experience on voting day," explained Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar.

If you're a nonpartisan voter who wants to cast a ballot, you'll need to update your party affiliation. You can switch back to nonpartisan status after the primary if you wish, but it's recommended that you update your registration and party affiliation by December 1.

"We do definitely strongly recommend that people, if their voter registration is incorrect or it needs to be updated, definitely do that well in advance of those deadlines so they're just able to cast those ballots, and be done with it verses having to have all those follow up steps," explained Washoe County Registrar of Voters Jaimie Rodriguez.

We received this response from Carson City Clerk Recorder and Public Administrator: 

"The State of Nevada has automatic voter registration through the Department of Motor Vehicles and we encourage everyone to verify their voter registration status to make sure they are registered in the Party of their choice prior to the election.  Many are not aware that the DMV registered them as a nonpartisan and you can change or update your status simply by going to the State of Nevada’s website – RegisterToVote.NV.gov or you can go to your County Clerk’s office to verify or change.  Pay attention to your address listed as that is where you will be receiving a sample ballot and your mail in ballot to vote," wrote Carson City Clerk Recorder Scott Hoen.  

"Nevada has same day registration processes in place where you can even show up on election day in person and change your registration status however, you might find yourself in line to do this.  Simply go online or to the Clerks office to change or verify your registration status," continued Hoen. 

Doug Goodman, the Founder and Executive Director of Nevadans For Election Reform, is advocating for non partisan rank choice open primaries.

Under this system, all candidates would be on the ballot and all voters would be able to vote, regardless of party affiliation.

"You are excluding 40% and even a little higher, but 40% of voters in Nevada from participating unless they say you know what I have to pick a party to vote, to express my political beliefs. Sometimes people feel it's critical or it's just like, well ok I'll do it, but! It's an internal conflict," explained Nevadans For Election Reform Founder and Executive Director Doug Goodman.

Please find below the resources from the Secretary of State for voter registration for the upcoming Presidential Preference Primary:

Early voting runs from January 2 - February 2. 

Washoe County resident can visit washoecounty.gov/voters

Visit RegisterToVote.NV.gov to register or update your current registration. Other options to register to vote include:  

  • Fill out a mail-in registration form HERE.  
  • Register to vote at any Nevada Department of Motor Vehicle office  
  • Register at your county clerk or registrar of voters’ office  
  • Register at various social service agencies  
  • Register on college campuses. 

Same Day Registration is available up until the close of polls on Election Day for those who need to update their voter information. 

All Nevadans who are active registered voters, unless they’ve opted out, will receive a ballot for the Presidential Preference Primary by mail.

Nevada’s Effective Absentee System for Elections (EASE) will be available to members of the United States Armed Forces, their spouses and dependents, Nevada voters who reside outside of the country and Nevada residents with a disability.

EASE will be available no later than Saturday, December 23, 2023. Learn more here. 

For more information about the upcoming elections, visit NVSOS.gov. 

We hope this information is helpful to you as you navigate your way through the upcoming primaries. Remember, every vote counts!

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