Because my brother recently turned 18 and can now vote for the first time in the upcoming presidential election, it has led to more conversations in our house about the processes associated with awarding delegates for the political party conventions. As a result of those conversations, this week I learned that although Nevada now holds primary elections (also referred to as “primaries”) for both major parties (Democrat and Republican), the Nevada Republican party is also holding a “caucus” for the election this year. I thought it was interesting enough to explain more about it for Voice of Vegas. The below is an accounting of what I’ve learned in conversations, listening to and reading the news, as well as some of the voting materials sent out for these events.
The Republican and Democrat primaries are being held on Tuesday, February 6th and the Republican caucus is being held on Thursday, February 8th.
And, while the winner of the Democratic primary will win Nevada’s Democratic delegates, the winner of Nevada’s Republican caucus – and not the winner of Nevada’s Republican primary election – will win Nevada’s Republican delegates.
Are you confused yet?
Traditionally, Nevada has held caucuses for both parties. But, in 2021, Nevada enacted legislation that required Nevada to host primary elections, seemingly in an effort to transition away from caucuses. However, in 2023, a Nevada court ruled that the Republican party could continue to hold a caucus and decide on its own how to allocate Republican delegates. This year at least, the Nevada Republican party decided to allocate all of its delegates to the winner of the Republican caucus.
Caucuses are different than primaries, for a number of reasons, including that caucuses are run by the party itself, while primaries are state-run elections. Voters at this year’s Republican caucus must generally vote in person at a local precinct and show picture identification, while primary voters can vote by mail or in person. Note that, for primary voters, mail ballots must be postmarked by February 6th or dropped off at a voting center. Primary voters may also vote early from January 27th through February 2nd at any early voting center.
For Republicans, former President Donald Trump and former Ambassador Nikki Haley — the two main Republican presidential candidates remaining in the 2024 presidential race – are both on different ballots. Former Ambassador Nikki Haley is on the Republican primary election ballot, while former President Donald Trump is being considered at the Republican caucus. In the end, though, it is the winner of Nevada’s Republican caucus – and not the winner of Nevada’s Republican primary election – who will win Nevada’s 26 Republican delegates.
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