Election shift bill heard by Nevada lawmakers

Nevada’s two largest cities would be required to move their municipal elections in line with county, state and federal elections under a bill being heard by lawmakers.

Wayne Thorley with the Nevada Secretary of State told lawmakers Thursday the bill will save cities money and increase voter turnout. City elections for Las Vegas and Henderson would be moved to even years instead of odd-number years. The election shift would apply to smaller Nevada cities as well under the bill.

Thorley pointed to figures that showed higher voter turnout in mayoral races from cities with even-number election years.

Opponents argue municipal elections get lost in the shuffle on compared to races for higher office on even years. They say cities should decide for themselves whether to have elections on even-number years.