State Senate Democrats are blocking a bill introduced by a Republican that would switch from partisan to open primaries, allowing all registered voters regardless of party in Nevada to participate. Senate Bill 103 introduced by state Sen. James Settelmeyer, R-Minden, would have created an open primary process where the top two vote-getters in the primary move on to the general election. Currently, Nevada holds partisan primaries where only registered party members can vote, essentially keeping around 28 percent of registered voters – about 413,000 people – from participating. Despite Democrats’ policy outline – called the “Nevada Blueprint” – expressly stating they would “Fight to ensure that voting is free, fair, and accessible for all eligible voters in Nevada,” Senate Majority Leader Aaron Ford, D-Las Vegas, said Settelmeyer’s bill won’t get a hearing.
“We don’t feel it’s worthy of a hearing. Next question,” Ford said during media availability on Friday, cutting off the inquiry as to why he felt that way.
Democrats have held hearings on several election reform proposals, all introduced by caucus members, including restoring the voting rights of ex-felons and awarding electoral college votes to whomever wins the popular vote.
Full Article: Nevada Democrats block open primary bill.