In a significant development for Nevada’s political landscape, the Nevada Legislature is currently considering Assembly Bill 597, which would allow nonpartisan voters to participate in major party primaries for state and presidential elections. Introduced in May 2025, the bill is aimed at expanding voter access and inclusivity in the state’s election process, addressing concerns that nonpartisan voters, who now make up nearly a third of Nevada’s electorate, are being excluded from choosing candidates in closed primaries.
Understanding the Bill and Its Implications
Currently, Nevada uses a closed primary system, meaning that only registered members of a political party can vote in that party’s primary elections. Nonpartisan voters, who represent a significant portion of the state’s electorate, are not allowed to vote in these primaries. This has led to growing frustration among many Nevadans who feel their voices are not being heard during the primary season.
Assembly Bill 597 seeks to change that by allowing nonpartisan voters to cast ballots in major political party primaries, including those for the Republican and Democratic parties. By allowing nonpartisan voters to participate in the primaries, the bill aims to increase voter participation and ensure that the state’s primaries better reflect the preferences of the entire electorate, not just party members.
Why This Bill Matters
Nonpartisan voters, who are registered with no party affiliation, currently make up a growing demographic in Nevada. According to recent data from the Nevada Secretary of State, nearly 30% of registered voters in the state are nonpartisan, a number that continues to rise with each election cycle. Despite this significant proportion of voters, nonpartisan citizens are effectively excluded from choosing candidates in the primary elections.
The bill’s supporters argue that by allowing nonpartisan voters to participate, the state can increase voter engagement and ensure that the primary process is more reflective of the overall electorate. Many of these voters have expressed frustration at being forced to choose a party in order to participate in the selection of the candidates that ultimately appear on the general election ballot.
By expanding access to primaries, supporters hope to increase voter turnout and ensure that all voters, regardless of their party affiliation, have a voice in the election process. The bill would also allow nonpartisan voters to engage more meaningfully in the political process, potentially strengthening Nevada’s democratic system.
The Debate and Political Reactions
The introduction of Assembly Bill 597 has sparked significant debate among Nevada lawmakers. On one hand, Democrats and good governance advocates have voiced strong support for the bill, arguing that it promotes inclusivity and strengthens the democratic process. On the other hand, Republicans have expressed concern that expanding primary participation to nonpartisan voters could dilute the influence of party loyalists and lead to the nomination of candidates who do not reflect the party’s values.
“Primaries are a time for party members to choose candidates who align with their values and principles,” said Chris Stewart, a Republican strategist. “Allowing nonpartisan voters to enter the mix could result in the selection of candidates who are less committed to the core beliefs of the party.”
Democrats, however, argue that the current system, which excludes nonpartisan voters, suppresses engagement and limits the choices available in primary races. They believe that allowing nonpartisan voters to participate could help bring more moderate candidates to the forefront, better reflecting the will of the state’s diverse electorate.
Potential Impact on Future Elections
If Assembly Bill 597 is signed into law, it could have a profound impact on Nevada’s political landscape. The state has long been considered a swing state, with a large number of independent voters whose choices in general elections often determine the outcome. Allowing these voters to engage more fully in the primary process could shift the dynamics of the general election, leading to more competitive races and possibly even changing the outcome of elections.
For example, 2024 presidential primaries in Nevada saw record turnout, but nonpartisan voters were largely excluded from the process. With 2028 elections on the horizon, opening up the primaries could allow independent voters to have a significant say in the selection of candidates, making Nevada an even more pivotal state in national politics.
Challenges Ahead for the Bill
While Assembly Bill 597 has gained traction among progressives, it is not without its challenges. Some lawmakers worry that opening the primary process to nonpartisan voters could create chaos and undermine the traditional role of political parties in selecting their candidates. Additionally, critics argue that nonpartisan voters may not be sufficiently informed about party platforms, potentially making it more difficult for parties to clearly distinguish their candidates during the primary process.
Opponents of the bill also argue that the change could lead to an increase in political polarization, as candidates may feel compelled to adopt more extreme positions in order to win the support of nonpartisan voters.
Conclusion: A Historic Shift for Nevada’s Electoral System
The introduction of Assembly Bill 597 marks a potentially historic shift for Nevada’s primary election system. By allowing nonpartisan voters to participate in primaries, the state would take a major step toward increasing voter engagement and inclusivity. While the debate continues, the bill represents a bold move to make Nevada’s elections more reflective of the state’s diverse electorate.
As lawmakers debate the merits of the bill, it’s clear that Nevada’s political landscape is evolving. Whether or not the bill passes, the conversation around voter inclusion and accessibility is one that will likely continue to shape the future of the state’s democracy.
