In an unexpected development, Nevada lawmakers moved forward with a constitutional amendment on Wednesday that aims to permanently protect the state’s practice of sending mail-in ballots to all active registered voters.
This long-standing policy has faced opposition from Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, but the new proposal bypasses the need for his approval.
What the Constitutional Amendment Proposes
Mandating Mail Ballots for Active Voters
The proposal, known as SJR1, was introduced late Wednesday and would require county clerks to mail a ballot to every active registered voter within a set timeline.
Voters would still have the option to decline receiving a ballot. While these rules already exist in state law, adding them to the Nevada Constitution would make the policy far more difficult to undo.
Quiet Introduction Without a Public Hearing
The amendment was introduced without a formal hearing, and its existence only became publicly known moments before lawmakers voted.
As a resolution, it bypasses the governor and only needs simple majority support in the Legislature.
After this approval, it will move to the 2027 legislative session. If passed again, Nevada voters will decide its fate in 2028.
Why the Amendment Was Rushed Forward
Legislative Priorities Took Precedence
Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro (D-Las Vegas), who sponsored the resolution, explained that lawmakers were focusing heavily on committee-driven legislation.
She noted that resolutions do not require committee hearings, allowing this proposal to move forward quickly once ready.
Not Restricted by the Special Session
Because SJR1 is a resolution rather than a bill, it did not need to appear on the governor’s special session agenda to be considered.
Governor’s Office Response
Gov. Lombardo’s office declined to comment on the amendment.
Additional Election Reforms Included in SJR1
Expansion of Mail Ballot Drop Boxes
The resolution also revives a plan to expand drop box access during the days leading up to Election Day. This measure previously passed the Legislature in 2025 but was vetoed by Lombardo, who said it lacked adequate oversight.
The revived proposal was once part of a larger negotiation between Lombardo and Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas) that included voter ID requirements. However, those negotiations collapsed when Lombardo argued the plan did not go far enough on voter ID enforcement.
How Lawmakers Voted
The resolution passed the Assembly with a 25-8 vote, strictly along party lines. The Senate approved it 12-4, with all Republican lawmakers opposing the measure.
Broader Legislative Context
Several progressive election-related proposals failed during the 2025 session, including a plan that would have allowed non-partisan voters to participate in primary elections.
Supporters of SJR1, including Cannizzaro, say the amendment is needed to protect convenient, secure, and accessible elections in Nevada
The advancement of SJR1 marks a significant step toward placing Nevada’s universal mail-in ballot system into the state Constitution.
By strengthening protections around mail voting and expanding ballot drop box access, lawmakers aim to preserve voting convenience and security for future elections.
If approved in 2027 and again by voters in 2028, the amendment could shape the future of Nevada’s election system for years to come.
