By Will Walkey, Public News Service
Nevada lawmakers will consider changes to the state’s election laws next year.
Most proposals are minor, like adding small filing costs for primary presidential candidates and changing some regulations around voter signatures.
A more divisive bill would allow former felons to become election workers. Douglas County Clerk-Treasurer Amy Burgans said she doesn’t have a problem with that.
“I know a lot of people that have a past that they’re not necessarily proud of,” said Burgans, “but they have changed their life, and so I don’t think we should hold it against them what they did.”
This change could also bolster an elections workforce that has seen an exodus of people since 2020. Staff say they’re struggling with unsustainable workloads and increased harassment.
Burgans said adding full-time workers in clerk’s offices and offering better salaries could also address this issue.
Other potential updates include allowing rural counties to create dedicated elections departments – in part to solve the staffing problem.
Plus, expanding access to voter materials in other languages and adjusting rules around interim legislative committees.
The bills were all approved by a group of lawmakers, and the discussion about voting comes as the 2024 presidential race heats up.
Burgans said it’s easy for people to get more educated about the election process by calling her office or becoming a volunteer poll worker.
“I just highly encourage people to be involved in the process,” said Burgans, “and to just really understand what’s going on before they just are willing to spread misinformation.”
The Nevada legislature kicks off in February. Lawmakers will continue to propose and edit bills until then.
