Student Voter Guide for Nevada’s 2018 Primary Election

Why primaries matter

Primary elections determine which candidates will appear on the November ballot for each of the two major political parties, and sometimes for third parties. So they’re your prime chance to choose the eventual candidates. Even if your first choice doesn’t win, your votes can also influence the stands of the candidates who do.

Primaries replaced a system where candidates were chosen by party leaders or participants in party caucuses. They more accurately reflect our democracy by letting the general public select the candidates.

The Importance of Mid-Terms

In November 2018, voters will participate in a mid-term election, or one held between presidential-election years. Mid-term elections can be an important opportunity to express support or dissatisfaction with a president’s performance and policies. 2018 primaries will include candidate nominations for 34 U.S. Senate seats, all 435 U.S. Representative seats, plus governors, other statewide officials, and state legislative seats.

Who can vote in a primary election?

Eligibility

You are eligible to vote in Nevada if you are a U.S. citizen, a resident of Nevada (includes out of state college students), live in the precinct where you vote for at least 30 day prior to election, and are at least 18 years old by election day.  Lawful permanent residents, commonly referred to as “green card holders” are not eligible to vote.

ID Requirements for registering – provide one of the following:

  • Nevada driver’s license
  • Nevada non-driver ID
  • The last four digits of your social security number
  • If elections office needs further verification, see election website for alternative documents (bank statement, utility bill, etc.)

ID requirements for voting

Nevada only requires ID for voting if you have not shown your ID when you registered, and you are a first-time Nevada voter. However, it is recommended that you bring a valid ID with you. See election website for accepted IDs.

How to register

In Nevada you can register by mail, in person at your election office, or online. See Key Resources in the right sidebar of this page for online access to registration forms.

Absentee ballots

Any registered voter can request an absentee ballot and vote by mail. Contact your local election office to have a ballot mailed to you or access the request form online.

Address to use for registering & voting

Per federal election law, college students can register and vote at either their campus address or their permanent home address, which may be out of state.   However, voters can only be registered at one address. If you are not going to physically be in the state where you plan to vote, you will need to request an absentee ballot.

It’s your choice where to register, since registering at your campus address will not:

  • Affect your federal financial aid
  • Prevent your parents from claiming you as a dependent on their taxes
  • Cost you any scholarships, unless they’re tied to specific residency requirements
  • Or affect your tuition status as an in-state or out-of-state student.

Additional information

For more detailed student voting guides, visit Campus Vote Project

KEY RESOURCES:

IMPORTANT DEADLINES:

  • May 15: Mailed registration postmark
  • May 22: In-person registration
  • May 24: On-line registration
  • June 5: Absentee ballot request received by elections office
  • June 12: Absentee ballot returned to elections office
  • May 26 – June 8: Early voting
  • June 12: Primary Election

TYPE OF PRIMARY:

  • Closed primary: Voter must be a registered and enrolled in a political party to vote in that party’s primary.