April 8, 2025
Carson City, NV — Today, the Nevada Senate Legislative Operations and Elections committee held a hearing on SB421, a bill that would make important changes to increase voter access in Nevada’s Tribal communities.
Currently, Nevada law puts an unfair burden on Tribal Nations to conduct elections. Due to the vague wording of current law, Tribes are sometimes responsible for hiring poll workers, whereas normally, the clerks are responsible. Additionally, Tribal poll workers often have to drive hours to attend the nearest training, which has caused some poll workers to drop out altogether, creating staffing problems that hinder the voting process. SB421 makes important fixes by guaranteeing adequate staff and requiring trainings that are either virtual or on Tribal land.
“SB421 is a necessary step to ensure that Nevada’s thousands of Tribal voters have smooth and fair elections that all other Nevadans expect,” said All Voting Is Local Action Nevada senior campaign manager Jennifer Willett. “For the sake of the Tribal Nations in Nevada and the health of our state’s democracy, the Nevada Legislature and Governor Lombardo should work together to ensure SB421 becomes law as written.”
“SB421 affirms our right to participate fully in the democratic process, guaranteeing that we have the same opportunities as all citizens to make our voices heard and shape our future,” said Andrea Martinez, Former Chairman and Tribal Citizen of the Walker River Paiute Tribe.”
SB 421 will be voted on by the Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections at a later date.