LAS VEGAS  — New legislation in Nevada is breaking down voting barriers, granting the formerly incarcerated and individuals held in county and city jails the right to participate in elections.

In a landmark move in 2019, Nevada passed Assembly Bill 431, restoring voting rights to individuals who have served time for felony convictions. This law now affects over 70,000 Nevadans, including those on parole or probation, who can now reengage in the electoral process.

Emily Persaud-Zamora, representing Silver State Voices, underscored the importance of this change, saying, “There have been people that have been arrested when they were young and they made a mistake and now they are released and they are trying to get back into society.” For many, this law has removed obstacles that previously required navigating lengthy processes, including petitioning courts, to regain voting rights.

More recent reforms came with Assembly Bill 286, passed in 2023, ensuring that individuals held in jails—typically those awaiting trial or serving time for misdemeanors—have access to voting. The bill mandates that county and city jails establish designated voting locations, allowing detainees to participate in elections. Nevada’s state constitution protects the voting rights of these individuals, and advocates emphasize that voting can serve as a meaningful step in maintaining a connection to their communities.

The Clark County Detention Center, responding to this legislative progress, has scheduled early voting on Tuesday and Wednesday and will offer voting options on Election Day. These changes mark a significant expansion of Nevada’s commitment to ensuring voting access, reinforcing the state’s dedication to civic engagement and reintegration.

Source: News3LV