Editorial: The polls are open — for Nevada’s quarter

Monday, May 9, 2005 | 9:04 a.m.

It's time for all Nevadans to put forth their two-bits worth on something very important -- the design of the state quarter.

The U.S. Mint began its program to honor all 50 states with their own quarter in 1999. Our turn is coming in January. It will be the 36th quarter issued in the series -- consistent with the fact that Nevada was the 36th state to be admitted to the union, on Oct. 31, 1864.

The design of our quarter will depend upon which of five finalists receives the most votes. Nevadans can vote online at www.nevadatreasurer.gov or in person at the Sawyer State Office Building, 500 E. Washington Ave., Las Vegas.

The five designs reflect Nevada's history and wildlife. One pictures our state animal, the Desert Bighorn Sheep. Another shows wild horses, which are more populous in Nevada than any other state. Two have mining themes and a fifth honors our ancient history with a petroglyph etched in an outline of Nevada.

This is something that we hope will attract a lot of interest. There is no age restriction on voting -- a group of seventh graders from Reno cast the first votes -- so we're hoping for a good turnout. May the best-designed quarter win!