Nevada Democrats will have more options when participating in the state's first-in-the-West caucus next February. That's because party leaders are allowing people to vote early and by phone.
The move is part of an effort from state party leaders and the Democratic National Committee. They want to increase turnout and accessibility during the 2020 primary season.
Shelby Wiltz is the caucus director for the Nevada State Democratic Party. She says this move provides opportunities for rural residents, military personnel and shift workers who may not be able to make it to a traditional caucus.
"This process I think is really going to make a difference for folks who may not be able to participate on caucus day for one reason or another," she said. "So, we're really looking forward to making this process expansive and accessible."
Wiltz says the next step is to make the entire process as secure and trustworthy as possible.
"Every elections process has security risks, and we've been working hand-in-hand with the DNC and security experts since day one to ensure that this process is secure and that this process has integrity," she said. "And that's something that we'll continue to do."
Voters must be registered as a Democrat by November 30, and register to take part in the virtual caucus between January 1-15 next year.
This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUER in Salt Lake City, KUNR in Nevada, and KRCC and KUNC in Colorado.
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