Nevada’s Push for Independent Redistricting and Open Primaries in 2026

Nevada Group Revives Push for Independent Redistricting and Open Primaries Ahead of 2026

Las Vegas, NV — The movement for electoral reform in Nevada is gaining momentum as Vote Nevada PAC has announced a renewed effort to establish an independent redistricting commission and open up state primaries to nonpartisan voters. The political action committee filed two constitutional amendment ballot initiatives on Tuesday, aiming to reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections.

This latest initiative comes on the heels of previous attempts in 2020, 2022, and 2024, all of which failed to reach the ballot. However, Sondra Cosgrove, executive director of Vote Nevada, believes that the current national conversation surrounding gerrymandering may provide the necessary impetus for change. “This time feels different,” she stated, emphasizing the growing public awareness of the issues at stake.

The proposed redistricting commission would consist of an equal number of Democrats, Republicans, and non-major-party Nevadans, effectively replacing the current legislative process for redrawing political maps. The initiative aims to transfer funding for redistricting from the Legislature to this independent body, ensuring a more impartial approach to the once-in-a-decade task. Additionally, it would limit redistricting to the 180 days following the release of the U.S. Census, prohibiting any mid-cycle alterations.

In tandem with the redistricting initiative, the second proposal seeks to allow nonpartisan voters to participate in state primaries. This effort echoes a previous bill introduced by Speaker Steve Yeager, which ultimately did not pass. The new initiative aims to grant “equal participation in all taxpayer-funded elections regardless of political affiliation,” according to Vote Nevada’s statement.

The group has pointed out that political parties can still conduct privately funded nominating processes if they choose, referencing the Nevada Republican Party’s private caucus and the national Democratic Party’s Zoom meeting to select Kamala Harris as its nominee in 2024.

As Nevada gears up for the 2026 elections, the outcome of these initiatives could significantly impact the state’s political dynamics, potentially leading to a more inclusive and fair electoral process. With public sentiment shifting and the stakes higher than ever, the Vote Nevada PAC is poised to make its case to voters once again.

For further updates, contact Jessica Hill at jehill@reviewjournal.com or follow her on X @jess_hillyeah.