Summary of state ballot questions

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

Nevada voters will decide seven statewide ballot questions in this November’s general election.

Early voting for this year’s election has already begun and ends Friday, Nov. 1. Polls at Fernley City Hall will be open for early voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Thursday, Oct. 24. City Hall will be closed for the observance of Nevada Day on Friday, Oct. 25. Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 26, then from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Monday-Friday, Oct. 28 through Nov. 1.

Other early voting locations in Lyon County include the Lyon County Administrative Complex in Yerington, Dayton Utilities, the Silver Springs Community Center and the Yerington Tribal Complex.

On election day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Fernley City Hall, Yerington City Hall, the Dayton High School Gym, Hillyard Hall in Silver Springs, the Smith Valley Library and the Yerington Paiute Tribal Complex.

Voters can also mark their ballot and return it by mail in the pre-paid postage envelope. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than 5 p.m. on the fourth day following the election.

Question 1

This question asks whether voters want to amend the Nevada Constitution to remove the constitutional provisions governing the election and duties of the Board of Regents and its control and management of the affairs and funds of the State University and would require the Legislature to provide by law for the governance of the State University and for the auditing of public higher education institutions in Nevada. This measure would become law if passed in 2024.

Question 2

This question would amend Section 1 of Article 13 of the Nevada Constitution by updating terminology related to people with disabilities. Section 1 of Article 13 of the Nevada Constitution requires the state to foster and support institutions for the benefit of the insane, blind, and deaf and dumb. The question would change the descriptions  from “insane” to “persons with significant mental illness”; “blind” to “persons who are blind or visually impaired”; “deaf and dumb” to “persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.” This measure would become law if passed in 2024.

Question 3

This question would establish open primary elections in Nevada, allowing all voters to participate regardless of party affiliation. It also would provide ranked-choice voting for general elections for candidates in various state offices. This measure was passed by voters in 2022 with 53% in favor and 47% opposed and would become law if passed in 2024.

Question 4

Question 4 would amend the Nevada Constitution by removing language authorizing the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment. In the Nevada Constitution, slavery and involuntary servitude are prohibited except as punishment for crime. This resolution would remove the language authorizing slavery and involuntary servitude as criminal punishment. It would become law if passed in 2024.

Question 5

This question would exempt child and adult diapers from sales and use taxes in Nevada. If approved, the exemption would be effective from January 1, 2025 until December 31, 2050.

Question 6

This question would amend the Nevada Constitution to create an individual’s fundamental right to an abortion, without interference by state or local governments, whenever the abortion is performed by a qualified healthcare professional until fetal viability or when necessary for health reasons. If passed, this question would appear again for final approval on the 2026 ballot.

Question 7

This question would amend the Nevada Constitution to require voters to present photo identification when voting in person or provide personal information when voting by mail. If passed, this question would appear on the 2026 ballot for final approval.