Nevada’s Assembly Speaker, Steve Yeager, is at it again, shoving AB597 into the legislative session to open primary elections to nonpartisans, Independents, Non-Partisans, Green Party, you name it. This bill is a carbon copy of the “No on 3” ballot measure

Nevadans crushed in November 2024. Yeager’s brazen disregard for the electorate’s verdict demands a resounding rejection. Here are the top five reasons our public servants must vote no on AB597 and why it cannot pass.

First, AB597 breeds electoral chaos. Letting nonpartisans grab partisan ballots muddles the voting process, confusing voters and saddling election officials with a procedural mess. Nonpartisans could misjudge their choices or, worse, strategically hijack party primaries, shredding the integrity of the nomination process.

Second, this bill torches voter trust when confidence in Nevada’s elections is already on life support. The Secretary of State’s ad campaign begging us to believe in election security proves the point. Allowing nonpartisans to sway partisan outcomes screams foul play, further eroding faith in our system.

Third, AB597 guts the purpose of primaries. These elections are for party members to pick their candidates, not for unaffiliated voters who opted out of party loyalty to meddle. This setup risks a uni-party nightmare, blurring ideological lines and diluting voter choice.

Fourth, the logistical fallout is a budget-killer. Election officials would need to churn out separate ballots for nonpartisans dipping into partisan votes, overhaul procedures, and jump through new hoops. The result? Skyrocketing costs and diverted resources at a time when election integrity needs every penny.

Fifth, Nevadans already slammed the door on this idea. “No on 3” was a clear rebuke of open primaries. AB597 is Yeager thumbing his nose at voters, forcing us to relitigate a settled issue. How many times must we say no before he gets the message?

AB597 isn’t just bad policy, it’s a slap in the face to Nevada’s voters. It fuels confusion, undermines trust, and ignores our mandate. This bill must die.

How You Can Fight Back

Nevadans, your voice can stop this. Here’s how to act:

• Testify in Person: Head to Carson City when AB597 is scheduled. Dates are TBD, so stay alert.
• Testify by Phone: Call in to blast the bill when hearings are set. Details are pending.
• Submit an Exhibit: Draft a PDF with your opposition, including AB597, your name, and why you’re against it. Send it once a committee is named.
• Email the Committee: When the committee is assigned, bombard their inboxes with your stance.
• Submit an Opinion Online: Go to https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025/Bill/12961/Overview, click the blue AB597 link, and hit the “OPINIONS” button to log your opposition. If amendments appear, cite them (e.g., AB597 Amendment X).
• The Legislature’s moving fast with little warning. Prep your emails and exhibits now, and submit opinions ASAP to be ready when AB597 hits.

Who to Contact

Track updates and submit opinions at https://www.leg.state.nv.us.

Contact the Assembly Legislative Operations and Elections Committee once assigned (details TBD). Connect with the Washoe County Republican Party, via https://washoegop.org for grassroots efforts.

Yeager’s AB597 spits on the will of Nevada’s voters, reviving a scheme we already rejected. Public servants, vote no. Nevadans, speak up, this clown’s gotta go.

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