The number of nonpartisan voters in Nevada has surged significantly, becoming the largest voting bloc in the state as of 2023. This shift is attributed to recent changes in the voter registration process, particularly at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Under the automatic voter registration program initiated in 2020, voters could select their political party while registering. However, starting in 2025, new regulations will automatically register voters as nonpartisan unless they actively choose a party after their eligibility is confirmed.
As a result of these changes, nonpartisan registrations are expected to rise. In Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, approximately 94% of over 105,000 new registrants this year are classified as nonpartisan, according to county voter data. In Washoe County, 88% of the more than 21,000 new voters are also nonpartisan. Since the beginning of 2023, the state has seen an increase of nearly 74,000 active nonpartisan voters, while the number of registered Democrats and Republicans has decreased by about 34,000 and 25,000, respectively. This marks a significant shift compared to the same period last year when the state saw increases of around 60,000 nonpartisan voters and declines in the major parties.
Implications of the New Registration Process
The changes to the voter registration process may complicate political strategies for both major parties. According to Cisco Aguilar, Nevada’s Secretary of State, discussions are necessary regarding the potential challenges voters might face due to these additional steps. In an interview, Aguilar stated, “The best thing we can do for voters is to streamline the process as much as possible.” He emphasized the importance of accurate information and suggested that reaching voters through alternative means, such as collecting cellphone numbers for real-time assistance, could be beneficial.
Political operatives from both parties have expressed concern about understanding the electorate better. David Damore, a political science professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), highlighted that the increase in nonpartisan voters complicates efforts to gauge voter sentiments. He noted that “registration is not the only piece of information that campaigns are operating off of.”
Campaign managers have adapted to the changing landscape. Jeremy Hughes, who oversees Republican campaigns in the state, explained that effective data collection is crucial for targeting swing voters, emphasizing that “we have to have data to tell me who we need to talk to.”
Legislative Background and Future Considerations
The legislative change that impacted the voter registration process was enacted through Assembly Bill 432 in 2021. This bill expanded the automatic voter registration program to include additional agencies, such as the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange and Medicaid. As part of these changes, voters will no longer select their party affiliation at the DMV; instead, they will receive a form by mail to indicate their preference after their eligibility is confirmed.
Assemblymember Howard Watts, who sponsored the bill, explained that the DMV raised concerns regarding transaction times and the influence of government officials on voter choices. Although the original rollout was scheduled for 2024, a delay pushed the implementation to 2025 to avoid conflicts with the introduction of a new voter registration system.
Experts like Damore warn that legislators may not have fully considered the implications of these changes. As voter dynamics evolve, the impact on the political landscape in Nevada remains to be seen. As the state approaches the 2026 elections, the role of nonpartisan voters will likely play a pivotal role in shaping electoral outcomes.
The Nevada Secretary of State’s office plans to send postcards to all active registered voters with information on how to verify their registration status online, aiming to ensure voters are informed ahead of the upcoming elections.
The evolving voter registration landscape in Nevada reflects broader trends in electoral participation and the challenges faced by political parties in adapting to new voter demographics.
