A Nevada lawmaker wants to require stricter identification to vote in the Silver State.

Asm. Greg Hafen, R-Pahrump, has introduced Assembly Bill 88, which would narrow the acceptable forms of ID in-person voters would need to show to cast a ballot. They include a driver's license or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or tribal voters, one issued through their federally-recognized tribe. Hafen has said the measure is about fighting election fraud and restoring election integrity.

Emily Persaud-Zamora, executive director of Silver State Voices, said she is confident current state laws already ensure elections are run safely, smoothly and are accessible to everyone.

"I think the bill is being introduced in an attempt to create a narrative on a problem that does not exist," Persaud-Zamora asserted. "Unfortunately, there are people who don't really believe in making voting as accessible as possible."

The bill would also require mail-in ballots to be returned with not only a signature, but the last four digits of a voter's Social Security number, as well as their driver's license or ID card number. Persaud-Zamora argued advocates of the bill likely are not considering the unintended consequences on voters, or election administrators.

Persaud-Zamora's group is convinced the bill would create additional steps, which could be especially challenging for people without a permanent address from unhoused individuals to college students, people just released from prison, and even snowbirds. Some have predicted it is unlikely to move forward with a Democratic majority in the Assembly, but Persaud-Zamora noted she cannot assume anything.

"Our hope is that -- we do believe there are a lot of voting rights champions in the Assembly and in the Senate -- and we hope that a bill like this would not get a vote," Persaud-Zamora stressed.

The bill would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue an ID card, free of charge, to a registered voter who does not have one of the acceptable forms of documentation and is experiencing financial hardship.

With the Independence Day holiday weekend here, North Dakotans might be out at parades, fireworks shows and barbecues. However, new polling indicates that many Americans are struggling to feel optimistic about the state of the country.

A new Gallup survey shows 58% of U.S. adults say they're proud to be an American. While there are some partisan splits, the overall percentage is a record low for the annual poll question.

Barbara Headrick, president of the League of Women Voters of North Dakota, said it's not surprising, given the sharp divides between the two major parties. But she feels there's something else at play.

"There is still an after effect, I believe, from the pandemic from that separation from each other that we had," she said.

That the pandemic was so politicized is another complicating factor that prevented the country from healing, Headrick said, adding that it's understandable some Americans are very concerned about various rights being taken away. However, she noted the U.S. has deep flaws throughout its history, and there are still many more rights afforded today than in past decades.

If heated rhetoric clouding U.S. politics has got you down, Headrick said, you can still show American pride through actions.

"Find a way to love your country by making it better," she said.

Headrick said it can involve showing support for civil workers or volunteering at a local homeless or animal shelter. She added that expressing pride through elections doesn't just involve voting, noting that there are opportunities to stay informed about how your local government is addressing pressing issues, such as affordable housing.


get more stories like this via email

A new Indiana law, starting today, allows school board candidates to list their political affiliation on the ballot.

Candidates may choose to register with a political party, as independents or not disclose any affiliation. Those who do not select will have a blank space next to their name and straight-ticket voting will not apply to school board races. Those opposed to the new law said it injects unnecessary politics into a role traditionally focused on education.

Leslie Jacobs, a school board member for the Fayette County School Corporation in Connersville, is against the new law.

"In my 10 years, I couldn't tell you the political leanings of anybody on my board. Never comes up," Jacobs explained. "Our discussions are purely about educational opportunities, picking a superintendent, looking at budget."

She warned requiring party labels might discourage qualified candidates from running. Supporters of the new law said it increases transparency.

Jennifer Blackburn, a school board member for the East Allen County Schools near Fort Wayne, also opposes the new law.

"The scenario that there are four candidates potentially running and three are Democrat, one is a Republican -- this last school board election -- none of us were opposed," Blackburn pointed out. "As big as our county is, there are not a lot of people running."

The law will first affect school board elections in November.


get more stories like this via email

A three-part online training series on how to run for office and govern effectively begins Monday, designed for people running at any level of government office in Western states, including Wyoming.

The training is part of the Grassroots Democracy Program under the Western Organization of Resource Councils, a group organizing in rural parts of the West and includes Wyoming's Powder River Basin Resource Council.

Gwen Lachelt, political director for the group, said the series will help answer a broad range of questions.

"Everything from, 'Am I ready to run for office? How do I organize my campaign?' To, 'how do I govern, and how can I be an effective elected official?'" Lachelt explained.

As of Friday, Lachelt noted about 50 people had signed up for the training. Registration is still open until the event starts Monday at 5:30 p.m. MT.

Lachelt added she is seeing a lot of interest in running for office from people of all age groups and all backgrounds. She emphasized the group hopes to connect with Westerners who care about natural resources.

"Our goal is to build a bench of elected officials across our regions who will champion democracy and also work to protect the West's land, air, and water," Lachelt stressed.

Guest speakers at the event include Rep. Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, who is the House Minority Leader, and Kevin Williams, a board member of Colorado's Delta-Montrose Electric Association.


get more stories like this via email