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Friday, May 22, 2026

Can nonpartisan voters vote in Nevada’s primaries?

Eric Neugeboren, The Nevada Independent
yes

Although Nevadans registered as nonpartisan cannot vote in party primaries, there are races in which they can vote.

Many local government and all judicial contests are open for nonpartisans in Nevada’s June primary. But primaries with candidates running as part of a party are only open to voters registered with that party.

However, there are no nonpartisan races for Carson City voters this year.

A ballot question in 2024 sought to open primaries, which would have allowed nonpartisans to vote in all primaries, and move Nevada to a ranked-choice system for most contestants in the general election. However, voters rejected it.

More than 38 percent of active registered voters are nonpartisan, more than are registered either major party. The number of nonpartisan voters has soared since the state began automatic voter registration in 2020. People signed up through that process default to nonpartisan status unless they choose another party.

Updated on 5/22/26 at 12:10 p.m. to add that the ballot question also included ranked-choice voting and on 5/23/26 at 2:54 p.m. to note that there are no nonpartisan races in Carson City this year.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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The Nevada Independent is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news and opinion website founded in 2017 by veteran political journalist and commentator Jon Ralston. The site and its supporting channels are focused on ethical, unbiased and transparent journalism. In general, we aim to gather and disseminate important public information and increase civic engagement. We are supported by corporate donations, memberships, event ticket sales and sponsorships and foundation grants. We disclose all our members and donors. Donors have no influence over our content, ever. The Nevada Independent is the dba for Nevada News Bureau, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Thompson, who now serves as one of The Nevada Independent's managing directors and its Editor.

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