Time For BDR and Discussion is NOW

2,195. That is the number of election-related bills that have been introduced in 47 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico from 2013 through today. Nevada is currently not among those states. 47 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico realize the time to have an open discussion on election reform is now. Nevada legislators can have this discussion during the 2015 legislative session. All it will take is one legislator to start the conversation by filing a bill draft request (BDR) for the Nevada Election Modernization and Reform Act (NEMRA) now.

Of the 2,195 bills listed on the National Conference of State Legislatures Election Legislation database 115 in 33 states deal with primaries. 22 in eight states address run-off elections while an additional 20 bills in nine states center on instant run-off. Candidate and political party ballot access is the subject of 103 bills in 31 states. Voter qualification is addressed in 16 bills in nine states and 21 states have introduced a total of 39 bills establishing task forces or directing studies to look into election issues.

These numbers attest to the valid concerns of state legislators around the country about the election process and reforms needed. From my meetings with nearly two dozen Nevada legislators, I know they have these concerns as well. The filing of a BDR for NEMRA will allow these concerns to be openly discussed and debated starting February 2, 2015. If for no other reason, it is time for a legislator or either the Assembly or Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections to file the BDR.

To assist with the BDR filing, I have provided a draft mark-up of the proposed changes to NRS 293 to those legislators I have met with. The draft is also posted on this blog. While the Legislative Council Bureau (LCB) will provide the final language, the draft provides guidance to the LCB on the specific changes to the statute.

The time is now for Nevada’s lawmakers to discuss what the state can do to increase voter participation and turnout, to have the most open discussion about issues and recommended solutions, to create benefits to political parties and all candidates, and create the most inclusive election system in the nation resulting in a state government that represents all Nevadans. The Nevada Election Modernization and Reform Act provides the vehicle for this conversation.

Who will lead this effort, step up and make this happen?