Yes on open primaries for Nevada
The two major political parties in Nevada claim that Ballot Question 3 (which would allow for open primary elections) will reduce our choices in the general election. That claim is wrong. Question 3 increases the choices that Nevada voters will have during the elections.
Nevadans who are not registered as Democrats or Republicans have been locked out of the state’s closed caucus and primary system. Question 3 expands voter choices by allowing them to rank and choose their top five candidates regardless of political party. Once a candidate receives a majority of the votes, they win. This system gives the power of choosing political candidates to the voters and limits the power of political parties.
Political parties, while an important First Amendment right, are the reason we have such deep divisions within the electorate. The parties often nominate the most ideological candidates to run for office. Democracy works best when representatives answer to the voters and not a political machine.
James Madison warned American voters about the danger of “factions” and the chaos they could cause in “Federalist No. 10.” He argued that factions could be controlled but should not be eliminated. In his “Farewell Address” to the nation, George Washington warned Americans of the dangers that political factions posed for the new nation. Political parties do play an important role in educating voters about their platforms, in promoting freedom of speech and assembly, in nominating candidates, and in checking the opposing party’s message; however, voters deserve the right to select a candidate based on their own views and not the party’s.
I voted for Question 3 in 2022, along with 53% of the voters. I will vote for Question 3 in 2024, and I encourage my fellow Nevadans to support the ballot measure as well. Now is the time to change the way Nevadans vote for our representatives and shift the power to the voters and away from the political factions!
Farrell Vaughn, Reno
Abortion rights are not in danger
In response to “Abortion issue looms over Nevada’s Ballot” (RN&R, August 2024), Frank X. Mullen misrepresents the current Nevada law that does allow abortion up to 24 weeks (that’s six months) with few restrictions. It is Nevada Revised Statute 442-240-270, and it will not be repealed. It protects the life, physical health or mental health of a pregnant patient. Parental involvement is not required in Nevada. If you’re younger than 18, you can consent to an abortion and do not have to notify a parent to get an abortion in Nevada.
The constitutional ballot initiative has several flaws: abortion up to fetal viability and pre-birth; and abortions may be administered by a loosely described “health practitioner”—that could be any health person but not a licensed physician, and could be unsafe and dangerous for women of all ages.
I urge you to read our established law and understand that abortion rights are not in danger in Nevada.
Lynn Nielsen, Reno
Racism is being fueled by ‘leaders’
It’s so important to keep on top of that which proves that racism is as much a problem now as it has been in the past (“Reminders of the country’s racist past—and present—are all around us,” RN&R, August 2024), and that it is not only growing rapidly here and elsewhere, but being fueled by our “legitimate” political leaders, particularly those of the Trumpian, right-wing Republican Party. What they are reacting to is properly humane movements to liberate millions and millions of people from domination by others whose only basis for their claims to superiority is their race. Such angry and ugly people need to be seen for what they are and treated accordingly.
Stephen Lafer, via RenoNR.com