On November 3, 2020, voters in Nevada will decide on a ballot measure to create a declaration of voters’ rights in the Nevada Constitution. The ballot measure is similar to a declaration passed as statute in 2003.
The ballot measure would provide voters with a constitutional right to receive and cast a ballot that is written in a “format that allows the clear identification of candidates” and “accurately records the voter’s preference in the selection of candidates.”
The measure would provide registered voters with other constitutional rights, including:
- to have questions about voting procedures answered and have voting procedures posted in a visible location at the polling place;
- to vote without intimidation, threats, or coercion;
- to vote during any early-voting period or on election day if the voter is in line at the time polls close;
- to return a spoiled ballot and receive a replacement ballot;
- to request assistance in voting if necessary;
- to a sample ballot “which is accurate, informative and delivered in a timely manner;”
- to receive instruction on how to use voting equipment;
- to equal access to the elections system without discrimination, including on the basis of “race, age, disability, military service, employment or overseas residence.”
- to a “uniform, statewide standard for counting and recounting all votes accurately;” and
- to have “complaints about elections and election contests resolved fairly, accurately and efficiently.”
In Nevada, a majority vote is required in two successive sessions of the Nevada State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. The constitutional amendment was introduced into the legislature in 2017 and sponsored by 13 legislative Democrats. The 2017 legislative session followed Democrats winning a majority of seats in both legislative chambers at the 2016 general election, which broke Republicans trifecta control of the state government. During the 2019 legislative session, both Democrats and Republicans supported placing the constitutional amendment on the ballot.
As of May 30, 2019, five statewide ballot measures have been certified to appear on the ballot in Nevada for the election on November 3, 2020. The state legislature could refer additional ballot measures before adjournment, which is expected on June 3, 2019. Citizens have until June 16, 2020, to file signatures for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments and veto referendums to appear on the ballot. Across the U.S., 32 ballot measures have been certified in 16 states for 2020.