Thursday, May 23, 2013 | 2 a.m.
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I urge the Nevada Legislature to vote yes on a bill that extends online voter registration to the Friday before an election, and I urge Gov. Brian Sandoval to sign it into law. The right to vote without impediment is foundational to our form of government. This bill will update our antiquated cutoff date of 30 days before an election and encourage many more Nevadans to register and vote.
Because of early voting at convenient locations, online registration and user-friendly touch-screen machines, Nevada already boasts an excellent electoral system, except for this one improvement.
Nevada is one of only five states to cut off voter registration, except in person, 30 days before an election. That is the point at which many busy Nevadans begin to pay attention to the campaigns and consider their choices. Compared to the voting age population, Nevada’s real voter turnout in the 2012 general election was only 49 percent. People who have moved since the last election, are new in the state or decide they want to vote for the first time are excluded if they miss that unrealistic 30 day cutoff. Extending the opportunity to register will increase participation.
Online registration is easy, accurate and cost effective. Try it!
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