16 Mar RELEASE: Let Nevadans Vote Coalition Statement on Voter Suppression Measure at Nye County Commission Meeting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March, 15 2022
PRESS CONTACT: Will Pregman, wpregman@battlebornprogress.org, 702.752.0656
Let Nevadans Vote Coalition Statement on Voter Suppression Measure at Nye County Commission Meeting
NYE COUNTY, NEVADA – Today the Nye County Commission heard Agenda Item 28, which proposes that the Nye County Clerk consider administering the 2022 Primary and General Elections using only paper ballots and requiring the hand counting of all ballots. This tactic is being used in counties throughout Nevada in response to unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud in the 2020 Election. In a 5-0 vote, the Nye County Commission unanimously voted in favor of this agenda item, despite the Clerk’s opposition citing possible violations of state and federal law.
Emily Persaud-Zamora, Executive Director of Silver State Voices issued the following statement:
“Silver State Voices and the Let Nevadans Vote coalition are in strong opposition to Item 28 because it greatly reduces voter accessibility and creates more burdens for our election workers. Voter suppression is rooted in restricting the access for eligible voters to cast their vote. These proposed tactics aim to disenfranchise voters and do nothing to make our elections safer. The switch to paper ballots would increase wait times for voters and delay election results as ballots would be counted by hand. Electronic voting systems are secure and produce a backup paper record which is a check that ensures our elections are safe and secure. Laws passed by the Nevada State Legislature also increase the integrity and security of our elections, while Item 28 seeks to nullify these measures thus making our elections unsafe. Our elections have been safe and secure for decades. Nye County voters should not have their ability to vote made more burdensome. The push to undermine confidence in our elections seeks only to make voting more difficult for all Nevadans, specifically BIPOC Nevada voters in our state.”
Annette Magnus, Executive Director of Institute for a Progressive Nevada issued the following statement:
“Every eligible Nevada voter, no matter where they live, should have the freedom to exercise their right to vote unhindered by arbitrary barriers. The proposal being heard in Nye County today is yet another voter suppression measure driven by those who continue to spread disinformation and debunked claims about the 2020 election. This proposal would actually decrease security and confidence in Nevada’s elections and increase the cost, time and labor required to administer the election. Paper ballots are not always accessible to voters, particularly those living in rural areas or voters with disabilities. Further, time-intensive tabulation of paper ballots makes the counting process more prone to human error and delays the reporting of results significantly. This is why the Nevada Legislature passed legislation to expand Nevadans’ freedom to vote, and empower County Clerks and the Secretary of State with tools to improve their already stellar election administration. We urge Nye County not to move forward with this proposal and instead focus on educating Nye County voters about their rights and when, where, and how they can vote in the 2022 midterm election.”
###
About Let Nevadans Vote: Let Nevadans Vote is a nonpartisan coalition of community organizations that are dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable elections through advocacy, community outreach, and voter education for all.
About Institute for a Progressive Nevada: Institute for a Progressive Nevada, through strategic communication efforts, educates, empowers and engages Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed.