PSA: Nevada Impact Voter Guide for LGBTQ+ and Allies

Editor's Note: The Nevada Impact LGBTQ+ & Allies Voter Guide is provided as a public service resource intended to support civic awareness and community engagement. Inclusion in this guide does not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or formal partnership by or with any organization, candidate, or campaign. Readers are encouraged to independently research candidates, ballot questions, and issues before voting. Our goal is to provide accessible information that helps LGBTQ+ Nevadans and allies make informed decisions and participate fully in the democratic process.

By ROB SCHLEGEL

Editor, Nevada Impact

The Nevada Impact voter guide for the LGBTQ+ community and our Progressive Allies is now available online or at usual places. Check www.NevadaImpact.com or on Facebook at @LVSpectrum. The guide is available online here.

In this year’s primary election, as in all Nevada primaries, there will be three ballots. One for Democrats, one for Republicans, and one for those who chose not to affiliate with a national party. That’s how it should be. Dems will select their candidates. Reps will select who represents their party. Those who don’t affiliate with a party can vote for the non-partisan races, but, as it should be, they’ll have no say in who the Democrats or Republicans select to carry the banner for their party.

Everyone gets to vote for the non-partisan races, which primarily include judicial offices.

In the general election, party affiliation can be cast aside, if you choose, and the selection of most offices is then decided, regardless of party affiliation or not.

Our endorsements are made with the best interests of LGBTQ+ voters and our progressive allies in mind. When we recommend a candidate, we consider a wide range of issues and don’t limit our focus to LGBTQ+ issues alone. Of equal importance to us are issues such as the right of choice (abortion), comprehensive immigration reform, veterans, a living wage, the right to health care for all, civil and human rights, protecting our environment, and racial/ethnic equality, including the right to be represented and to vote. Does it need to be said that we support gender equality, the right to gender expression, marriage equality, and non-discrimination?

Based on the track record, current positions, and those previously elected by the Republican Party, we will not be endorsing any candidate in the Republican primary. If you are registered as a Republican, we suggest it is time to reconsider party affiliation. Enough said.

These selections have been made by a committee that has produced this guide since 1992, when it was started by the Las Vegas Bugle. The committee is composed of community leaders and is chaired by Rob Schlegel, former publisher of the Bugle and the Las Vegas Spectrum. Over 45 progressive and LGBTQ+ allied organizations were consulted for their online endorsements, with a weighted emphasis on endorsements from Silver State Equality (although we are not affiliated). Note that not all committee members are in 100% agreement, so a majority, in consideration of allied community groups, forms the decision.

Your personal ballot will be based on the geographical location or precinct where you’re registered to vote. Here are our endorsements for Southern Nevada.