Fact: Most voters do
not vote in primary elections. In Nevada the average turnout for a
primary election is approximately 20 percent. Conversely, turnout for general
elections in November averages 60 percent in non-presidential election years
and 75 percent in presidential election years.
Fact: Voter turnout rates can be at the general election
level for all elections. Voters participate in greater numbers in November for
several reasons:
- We are conditioned to equate elections with November
- General elections are perceived as more competitive
- Voters consider their votes more important in November
- Candidates and issues are more visible leading up to the November election
- Voter interest is higher for the general election
- Ballot initiatives and referendum normally appear on the general election ballot
The path to reach this point is detailed in the Nevada Election Modernization and Reform Act of
2017 (NEMRA – 2017). NEMRA – 2017
will achieve general election turnout while:
- Increasing voter interest and information
- Not affecting the political parties’ right of association
- Not affecting a political party’s right to select nominees
- Maintaining general election ballot access of minor party and independent candidates
- Eliminating strategic voting; voters changing registration for the primary to vote for the weakest candidate to strengthen the electability of their preferred candidate in another political party
- Saving tax payers $3 – 4 million per election cycle.
NEMRA – 2017 benefits candidates and political parties by:
- Encouraging them to reach out to more voters sooner in the election cycle
- Allowing them to better utilize resources
- Creating a climate where voters who have left the party are enticed to return
Run-off elections are typically a second election between
two candidates held on a different day than the general election if no
candidate received a majority of the votes in the general election. RCV / IRV
is a run-off election built in to the general election. It is a method used to
count the votes of the general election if no candidate receives a majority of
the votes. Voters do not return to the polls on a different day.
RCV / IRV is currently used mostly in cities. Bills
are pending in 13 states to either study or implement RCV / IRV. Voters in
Maine will decide this November whether to implement RCV / IRV for all state
elections. Many
private organizations to include some political parties use RCV / IRV. The
Oscars of awarded using RCV / IRV. In places where it is used, voted acceptance
and understanding is rated at over 85 percent.
Political parties, as private organizations, have the right
to determine the number of candidates on the ballot under their party label. NEMRA
– 2017 does not change this except for prohibiting the use of public funds for
such purpose. Under NEMRA – 2017 party options range from allowing an unlimited
number of candidates to selecting specific nominees through a caucus or other
election. They may also choose to simply
endorse one candidate. Political parties’ right of association is not compromised
or violated.
RCV / IRV is simple. Voters mark their ballots for their
first choice as they currently do. However, under RCV / IRV, voters also select
a second choice, but only if there are more than twice the number of candidates
to be elected. Normally this is two. If no candidate receives more 50 percent
of first-choice votes, the candidate with the lowest number of first-choice
votes is eliminated and the second choice votes of those voters who selected
the eliminated candidate as their first choice are awarded to the appropriate
remaining candidate. This is the run-off . If there are three candidates this
tabulation will happen once as one candidate will end up with a majority. If
there are four candidates, there could be a second round of tabulation if no
candidate has 50 percent plus one after the first round. Under NEMRA – 2017, if
there are more than four candidates, only the top four will advance to the
instant run-off tabulation.
Positive results:
- Maximum voter interest and participation
- Winning candidates with a true mandate
- Potentially more in-depth discussion of the issues
- Political parties appeal to a broader base
- Tax savings
Negative results:
- Campaign donors may be more selective (this may or may not be a negative depending on one’s point of view)
- May result in a longer ballot if more people decide to run
What it takes to implement:
- Legislator submits bill draft request (BDR)
- Bill is drafted and introduced
- Bill is giving committee hearing and passed by both chambers
- Governor signs
Nevada can continue
to struggle with low turnout primary elections. Candidates can struggle with
having to shift their views between the primary and general election. The major
political parties can continue to deal with declining membership. Or, Nevada
can reverse these trends and move forward adopting a system that serves the
best interest of the state, the voters, elected officials, and the political
parties.
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