GOP increases voter registration lead in Nevada

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2004 | 9:38 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Republicans increased their lead slightly over Democrats in Nevada voter registration figures released Wednesday by Secretary of State Dean Heller.

There were 912,346 registered voters at the end of December, with Republicans numbering 376,386, compared with 367,943 Democrats. The GOP increased its margin over the Democrats to 8,443, compared with 8,230 at the end of November.

"Several national organizations are targeting Nevada in voter registration drives, knowing the registration numbers separating the two major parties remain close," Heller said.

"Nevadans are well known for being independent voters who support the best candidate many times rather than voting along party lines," he added. "That equates to Nevada possibly being in position to play an important role in this year's presidential race."

The registration figures statewide show 139,475 nonpartisans; 17,707 Independent Americans; 5,204 Libertarians; 2,710 Green; 976 Natural Law; 196 Reform; and 1,749 other.

The 1st Congressional District, represented by Rep. Shelley Berkley, a Democrat, has 116,350 Democrats, 81,464 Republicans and 37,055 nonpartisans.

The 2nd Congressional District that includes parts of Clark County and the rest of Nevada and is represented by Rep. James Gibbons, a Republican, has 156,900 Republicans, 115,456 Democrats and 49,340 nonpartisans.

Rep. Jon Porter, a Republican, represents the 3rd District 3 that has 137,965 Republicans, 136,115 Democrats and 53,050 nonpartisans.

Fourteen of the 17 counties have Republican majorities in voter registration. Clark County continues to be Democrat with 258,953 Democrats to 225,911 Republicans. The other Democratic counties are Mineral and White Pine.

Republicans outnumber Democrats in 11 of the 19 state Senate Districts. In the Assembly, Democrats hold the voter edge in 24 of the 42 districts.