LAS VEGAS -- Early voting began on Saturday and so far nearly 4,000 voters have cast their ballots in this municipal election. Clark County election officials say they'd save a $1 million by combining municipal and national elections.
Unused voting machine and more election workers than voters is a common site inside Clark County's early voting trailer which happens to be parked at Lake Mead Blvd. and Tenaya Way on this day. The Clark County Registrar of Voters expects turnout for this municipal primary election to be between 15 and 25 percent of registered voters. No matter how many turnout, it costs taxpayers.
"The five cities together spend around a million dollars to put on a primary and a general election every odd year," said Larry Lomax, Clark County registrar of voters.
Assembly Bill 132 would combine the municipal elections with the state and county elections hoping to raise turnout.
"If you want the public to participate in elections and to buy into the results, I think it's critical that you have a much higher percentage of people turning out," said Assemblyman Tick Segerblom.
Some voters support the idea. "Absolutely. It saves money. It's less complicated. You just go one time and that's it," said Darlene Hutchinson, an early voter.
"Number one, it would cut costs and number two it would cut down on all the signs," said Roy Fold, another early voter.
Some voters say having local elections compete for attention with national races could be an issue. "I think it's probably best to leave them the way they are," said Eric, also an early voter. "I think right now the impetus is on who's going to represent us nationally than at the local level, unfortunately."
"If you're running for mayor at the same time somebody's running for president of the United States, it's a lot harder to get attention and raise money," said Lomax.
Supporters of the bill say that with Reno and Carson City already saving money with combined elections, their idea has a strong chance of becoming law. This election may be the last time early voting trailers are so empty.
There are 12 early voting locations, including local city halls and the Meadows Mall.
