Nevada, Other Western States Seek Moratorium on Election Predictions

Thursday, Oct. 31, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Heller added his signature to a letter also signed by secretaries of states from California, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington. The letter went to all network and cable news executives.

"In Western states, voters are learning from the media of declared winners before they themselves have had a chance to reach the polls," Heller said.

"In many cases, this factor prevents these voters from casting their own vote, based on the assumption that it will not count," he added.

The problem has persisted for years: polls close three hours earlier on the East Coast, and projections based on exit polls and early returns are quickly aired throughout the nation.

In the West, that means people who don't vote until after they get off work at 5 p.m. or so already are hearing what appear to be final results on radio or television.

"If the news media accepts this proposal, it will give all Americans an equal chance to participate in selecting our national and local leaders," Heller said.

He also said secretaries of state recognize the importance of using this election to gauge the effect of "motor voter" laws, including Nevada's, to see how many people who registered in this manner actually voted. He said any early projections of winners will nullify that effort.