LAS VEGAS (AP) — Two proposed statewide initiatives failed to gather enough signatures to make the November ballot in Nevada, leaving five proposed constitutional amendments for voters to consider, including a measure to recognize same-sex marriages.
Backers of two ballot initiatives that sought to amend Nevada’s constitution did not submit signatures before a Monday deadline that had been extended for two months after supporters of a redistricting measure sued for more time to collect the 98,000 needed signatures, citing coronavirus-related restrictions.
Even with the extension, petitioners for the redistricting initiative were only able to collect about 12,000 signatures, according to Sondra Cosgrove, president of the League of Women Voters of Nevada, which was backing the initiative.
“We were able to get some extra signatures but when the infection rate started going up again, there was no way any of us wanted to be responsible for anybody dying,” she said. “Nobody should die over a ballot question.”
Cosgrove’s group tried to persuade Democratic Gov. Steve Sioslak to issue an order allowing electronic signatures, but the governor did not act on the request.
The group’s proposal would have amended Nevada’s Constitution to have an appointed commission, rather than the Legislature, redraw statewide voting districts after the next U.S. Census.
The other ballot initiative that failed to turn in signatures would have amended the Nevada Constitution to change the way state senators are elected including shortening terms of office and instituting a version of ranked choice voting.
Here’s a look at the questions that will be on the November ballot:
BOARD OF REGENTS
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
BOARD OF PARDONS
VOTERS’ RIGHTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY