By ROB SCHLEGEL
Editor, Nevada Impact
The Nevada Impact voter guide for the LGBTQ+ and our Progressive Allies will be available this weekend. Check www.NevadaImpact.com or on Facebook at @LVSpectrum. The complete list should be available by Friday, May 22, or Saturday, May 23.
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).
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.
