Governor Joe Lombardo recently vetoed several election-related bills, including proposals for voter ID and allowing non-partisans to vote in party primaries. This means significant changes to Nevada's election procedures, especially in areas like Las Vegas, are not expected for the upcoming 2026 election cycle.
Voter ID Debate Continues for 2026: Despite a veto, the contentious voter ID measure is expected to return to the 2026 ballot in Nevada. While passed by ballot question previously, its implementation would not be until 2028, highlighting an ongoing partisan divide on election security in the state, impacting Las Vegas voters.
No Major Changes to Ballot Counting Speed:
Efforts to expedite Nevada's ballot counting process, a point of frustration for election officials in Clark County after the 2024 general election, failed to pass during the recent legislative session. This means Las Vegas voters may still face delays in receiving full results.
AI Disclosure in Campaigns Becomes Law:
A new law in Nevada mandates the disclosure of artificial intelligence use in campaign materials, a significant development for the upcoming elections in Las Vegas. This aims to provide voters with more transparency regarding the origin of political advertisements.
Clark County Dominates Nevada's Electorate:
As home to Las Vegas, Clark County remains the largest voting bloc in Nevada. Its election trends and outcomes often dictate statewide results, making local issues in Las Vegas crucial for understanding the broader political landscape.
2024 Presidential Election Results Certified:
The 2024 general election saw significant turnout in Nevada, with certified results showing the statewide outcomes. Clark County played a pivotal role, with its vote tallies contributing heavily to the final presidential and senatorial outcomes.
Increased Ballot Drop Boxes Vetoed:
A proposal to increase the number of ballot drop boxes in the days leading up to an election, aimed at easing Election Day counting, was vetoed by Governor Lombardo. This impacts voter convenience and ballot processing in Las Vegas and across Clark County.
Campaign Finance Reform Efforts Stalled:
Bills seeking to amend campaign finance violation processes and allow candidates to use unspent contributions for personal costs were also vetoed. This means current campaign finance regulations will remain in place for Las Vegas electoral races.
Protection Against Candidate Harassment Enacted:
New legislation cracking down on harassment and threats against political candidates was passed, a welcome development for those running for office in Las Vegas. This aims to foster a safer environment for democratic participation.
Mail Ballot Deadline:
A new law standardizes the deadline for voters to receive mail ballots, providing more clarity and consistency. This change affects how mail-in voting is administered in Las Vegas, aiming for smoother operations.
Voter Registration System Centralized: The state's voter registration and election management system, already implemented in Clark County since 2023, is now fully merged statewide. This centralized system aims to improve efficiency and accuracy for all Nevada voters, including those in Las Vegas.
Sample Ballots to Arrive Before Mail Ballots:
A new law ensures sample ballots are mailed to voters before official mail ballots. This addresses prior confusion and aims to better inform Las Vegas residents about their ballot contents, including propositions.
Accessibility for Non-English Speakers Enhanced:
Legislation passed to improve accessibility for non-English speaking voters, including recruitment of election workers on tribal reservations. This is a positive step towards more inclusive elections in diverse areas like Las Vegas.
City Council Races in Las Vegas Concluded:
The 2024 Las Vegas city council elections saw incumbents like Brian Knudsen and Olivia Diaz win outright in their primaries. Shondra Summers-Armstrong secured a general election victory for Ward 5, reflecting local voter priorities.
Judicial Elections See New Faces and Incumbent Holds:
Las Vegas municipal and justice court elections also wrapped up in 2024, with some incumbents retaining their seats and new judges elected. These local judicial races significantly impact the community's legal system.
Clark County Sees Diverse Voting Patterns:
Analysis of 2024 election data in Clark County reveals varied voting patterns across demographics. Understanding these shifts is key for future campaign strategies targeting Las Vegas's diverse population.
Early Voting and Mail-in Ballots Remain Popular:
Early voting and mail-in ballot usage continues to be a significant trend in Las Vegas elections. While overall turnout in 2024 was lower than 2020, these methods accounted for a large proportion of votes cast.
Voter Turnout Insights for Las Vegas: Data from the 2024 general election shows Nevada's total turnout at 72.84%, with a significant portion coming from mail-in and early voting. Clark County's specific turnout metrics provide valuable insights into Las Vegas voter.
Focus on "None of These Candidates" Option:
Nevada's unique "None of These Candidates" option continues to draw a small but notable percentage of votes in major elections, including in Clark County, reflecting a degree of voter dissatisfaction or protest.
Future Election Dates Announced for 2026: While no elections are currently scheduled for 2025, the Clark County Election Department has released tentative information for the 2026 election cycle, allowing potential candidates and voters in Las Vegas to prepare.
Nevada GOP Targets Latino Vote in Key Clark County Races
(June 4, 2025)
The Nevada Republican Party is aggressively courting Latino voters in Las Vegas, launching Spanish-language ads for County Commission candidate Marco Hernandez. Democrats still hold a registration edge, but GOP strategists believe frustration over inflation and crime could flip District C. Hernandez’s “Trabajo y Seguridad” (Jobs and Safety) message is resonating in East Las Vegas, where recent polls show a tight race.
Affordable Housing Crisis Dominates City Council Debates (June 5, 2025)
Candidates in Las Vegas’s Ward 6 clashed over solutions to the city’s worsening housing crisis in a fiery debate. Incumbent Nancy Brune defended her support for developer tax incentives, while challenger Luis Vega called for a rent stabilization ordinance. A recent UNLV study shows rents have risen 42% since 2020, making housing the top issue for 58% of voters.
Early Voting Surges in Las Vegas Amid Hotly Contested Primaries (June 8, 2025)
Clark County reports a 28% increase in early voting compared to 2021, with over 35,000 ballots cast in the first five days. Registrar Joe Gloria attributes the surge to competitive races and new ballot drop boxes in underserved areas. Democrats lead in turnout, but GOP voters are exceeding expectations in Summerlin and Henderson suburbs.
Henderson Mayor Debra March is facing an unexpectedly strong challenge from progressive Democrat Michelle Romero, who has narrowed the gap to 4 points in a new poll. Romero’s focus on climate resilience and rent control is energizing young voters, while March touts her economic development record. The race could signal a leftward shift in traditionally conservative Henderson.
Controversial Ballot Measure Would Expand Stadium Funding (June 17, 2025)
A proposed ballot measure to extend hotel taxes for a new A’s MLB stadium and homeless services has divided candidates. Supporters argue it boosts tourism, while opponents like Councilman Cedric Crear call it a “corporate giveaway.” The issue is roiling District 1, where voters will decide its fate in November.
Democrats are panicking after the Forward Party nominated a centrist candidate in three key Clark County races, potentially siphoning votes from their nominees. In Senate District 5, analysts say the third-party candidate could hand the race to Republicans. The DNC is reportedly scrambling to negotiate a withdrawal.
Lombardo’s Shadow Looms Over Local GOP Candidates (June 26, 2025)
Governor Joe Lombardo is campaigning aggressively for Las Vegas GOP candidates, hoping to replicate his 2022 coalition of suburban moderates and Latino small business owners. His endorsement has boosted County Commission candidate Tanya Flanagan, but some far-right activists accuse him of “betraying Trump voters.”
Record Number of AAPI Candidates Running in Clark County (June 21, 2025)
A historic 14 Asian American and Pacific Islander candidates are on Clark County ballots, reflecting the community’s growing political clout. In School Board District B, Filipina nurse Joy Santiago is leading polls with her push for mental health resources. AAPI voters now make up 12% of the county electorate.
Final Mayoral Debate Turns Chaotic Over Homelessness (June 25, 2025)
The last Las Vegas mayoral debate devolved into shouting when Sanchez accused Goodman of “criminalizing poverty” after her sweeps of homeless encampments. Goodman fired back that Sanchez’s housing plan would “bankrupt the city.” A snap KNPR poll gave Sanchez a slight edge on performance.
The Nevada Election Integrity Project is investigating fraudulent mailers that misrepresent three progressive school board candidates’ positions on transgender athletes. The shadowy “Parents for Nevada Values” group behind the ads hasn’t disclosed donors, prompting calls for reform.