Voting begins in Nevada primary elections

Election officials said some voters chose to mark their choices early to avoid lines at the polls on Sept. 1.

"They can vote a full ballot like they do on Election Day," Carson City Chief Elections Clerk Tammy Caldwell said. "It's just a convenience rather than going on Election Day."

Washoe County Registrar of Voters Laura Dancer said Saturday's turnout was good at two Reno polling locations - her office and Macy's Reno.

"We had a large crowd of people at our office when it opened," she said. "We've had a steady stream of people at Macy's all day. It's off to a fast start."

The final day of early voting across the state is Aug. 28. In most Nevada counties, voters can exercise the option at clerk's offices.

Voters will select nominees for a U.S. Senate seat, a U.S. House seat and all state constitutional offices, including governor.

Lyon County Clerk Marian Pinkerton said she expects a voter turnout of between 30 percent and 40 percent.

"I would like to see it higher, but turnout in non-presidential years is generally lower," she said.

Early voting began Saturday in Clark County, despite a court challenge to the legality of the county's electronic voting machines.

District Judge Nancy Becker refused Friday to issue an injunction halting the early-voting process.

An Aug. 7 lawsuit claimed the machines have not been properly tested and certified by the Secretary of State's office.

In Las Vegas, the early-voting site at the Clark County Government Center will be open seven days a week.

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